LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both

Law school admissions typically require that applicants take one of two tests: the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). As the names imply, the LSAT is specific to law school applicants, while the GRE applies to many other programs. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), a non-profit organization, administers the LSAT, which is critical for applicants aiming to enter accredited law schools in the USA and beyond.

LSAT vs. GRE

What is on the LSAT?

Both the LSAT and GRE are accepted by many law schools, but they measure different skills. The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is designed to assess critical thinking, argument analysis, and logical reasoning skills essential for success in law school.

This test is accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. and by many international and non-ABA-accredited institutions, making it a primary choice for law school applicants worldwide. Law school admissions officers often prioritize LSAT scores more heavily when making decisions on applications.

LSAT Administration and Limits

The LSAT is administered about eight times each year, and there are specific limits on the number of times you can take it. Test takers may sit for the exam up to three times in one year, five times over five years, and a maximum of seven times in their lifetime. This structure helps applicants plan their test schedule and optimize their LSAT score before submitting it to law schools.

What is on the GRE?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a general standardized test that evaluates a broad range of skills beyond those specific to law. It assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing, making it a versatile option for applicants considering both law school and other graduate programs.

While the GRE is accepted by many law schools, including some ABA-accredited institutions, not all law schools recognize it, so it’s essential to check each program’s requirements. Additionally, there is a growing trend of law schools allowing applicants to submit GRE scores, offering greater flexibility and broadening the applicant pool, especially for those who have already taken the GRE for other graduate programs.

Global Recognition and Law School Admissions

The GRE is accepted by universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and other countries, making it a popular choice for international applicants targeting a wide array of graduate programs, including law schools.

LSAT vs GRE: Scoring

The scoring systems of the LSAT and GRE differ significantly, with each designed to measure particular skills valued by law school programs and other graduate programs.

LSAT Scoring and LSAT Scores

The LSAT score is calculated based on the total number of correct answers across all sections, meaning each question contributes equally to your final score. Scores range from 128 to 180, with each correct answer roughly worth one point. Incorrect answers do not result in any score deduction, encouraging test takers to attempt every question. Once achieved, LSAT scores remain valid for five years, after which applicants must retake the exam if they wish to reapply to law school.

GRE Scoring and GRE Scores

The GRE scoring structure is slightly more complex, especially for those taking the computer-based GRE General Test. The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections are section-level adaptive, meaning your performance on the initial set of questions influences the difficulty of subsequent sections. While the system calculates scores based on correct answers, it does not weigh questions by type, so consistency is key. Additionally, scores on the first portion of each section impact the outcome slightly more than on the second, making early accuracy especially helpful.

• Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning: Scored on a scale from 130 to 170.
• Analytical Writing: Scored from 0 to 6, based on evaluations from both a computer and a human grader; if the scores are similar, an average is taken as the final score.

GRE scores, like the LSAT, remain valid for five years. Test takers may schedule the GRE nearly any day of the year and can take it up to five times annually, with no lifetime limit on attempts. This flexible scheduling can be beneficial for applicants targeting law schools that accept both the GRE and LSAT.

Read: 10 Best GRE Tutors

Preparing for Your Exam

Regardless of which test aligns better with your law school application goals, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. Resources such as practice tests, sample questions, study guides, and coaching programs can enhance your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

If you choose the GRE, verify that the law schools you're interested in will accept it in place of the LSAT to avoid any admissions issues.

Which Should You Take: the LSAT or the GRE?

Deciding between the LSAT and GRE depends on your strengths and the requirements of the law schools you’re interested in. For most applicants, it’s best to start with the test that aligns better with their skills. A GRE score is increasingly accepted by law schools and can be compared to LSAT scores using conversion tools to understand its relevance in admissions.

To get a sense of which exam might suit you, take a practice test for both the LSAT and GRE under test-day conditions, including time limits and breaks. Afterward, compare your scores using the ETS score converter to see which test reflects your strengths.

Skill-Based Considerations

If you excel in quantitative reasoning, the GRE might be a good fit, as it includes math-focused questions on arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis. However, it’s essential to note that many law schools weigh the verbal reasoning section more heavily than the quantitative section, given the analytical focus of law school curricula. For those with strong vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, the GRE could be a better choice, especially if logic and reasoning questions on the LSAT seem challenging.

On the other hand, applicants more comfortable with logical and analytical reasoning may find the LSAT better aligned with their abilities. The LSAT is also a popular choice among law school applicants who prefer to avoid math-related questions altogether.

Additional Factors to Consider

Applicants pursuing dual-degree programs often find the GRE advantageous, as it is accepted by a variety of graduate programs in addition to law schools. The GRE General Test is also offered almost every day, providing more flexibility compared to the LSAT, which is only available about eight times per year. This scheduling flexibility can be especially helpful if you need to take the test on short notice.

In most cases, it’s not recommended to study for both the LSAT and GRE simultaneously. Each test requires a unique set of preparation strategies and a significant time commitment, and there’s limited overlap in the content. Instead, focus on excelling in one test based on your skills and the admission requirements of specific law schools. Look at both to see which you scored higher on (use the ETS converter here) and think about which one felt better suited to your abilities.

Tips for Success on the LSAT and GRE

Both the LSAT and GRE require a strong, strategic approach to preparation. Here are some proven strategies to help you excel on these standardized tests.

Start Preparing Early

Begin your study plan as early as possible. Both exams are challenging, and early preparation gives you a solid foundation and allows extra time in case you need to retake the test to achieve your target test score. Planning can reduce stress and improve your overall performance.

Practice Regularly

Familiarity with the test format is essential. Practicing frequently helps you become comfortable with the various sections, such as analytical reasoning on the LSAT and quantitative reasoning on the GRE. There are over 90 official practice tests for the LSAT, making it easier to prepare thoroughly. Although there aren’t as many full GRE practice tests available, you’ll find a wealth of sample questions to help sharpen your verbal and quantitative reasoning skills.

Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining good health is just as important as studying. Ensure you’re eating well, getting consistent sleep, and taking necessary breaks. Many applicants choose to take the day before the test day off to relax and mentally recharge. Understand your limits and listen to your body’s needs to stay balanced throughout your preparation.

How to Ace the LSAT

Answer Every Question

There are no penalties for incorrect answers on the LSAT, so leaving questions blank only limits your chances of a higher score. If time is running out, make sure to fill in any unanswered questions. This strategy can also be beneficial on the GRE, as any answer is better than none.

Approach Logic Games as Puzzles

Treat the logic games section like puzzles rather than intimidating problems. By viewing them as structured games, they become less daunting and more manageable. Adopting this perspective can help you approach these questions with more confidence and focus.

Invest Time in Learning Formal Logic

Formal logic is one of the more challenging aspects of the LSAT. If possible, take the time to study formal logic concepts, whether through a formal course or self-study. This additional preparation can provide a solid foundation for tackling complex logical reasoning questions.

Focus on Your Weaker Sections

To improve your LSAT score, analyze your performance by section rather than focusing solely on your total score. Identifying and working on your weaker areas, whether that’s analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, or reading comprehension, can lead to significant improvements.

Apply the Process of Elimination

For reasoning questions, it’s easy to convince yourself that multiple answers seem correct. Instead, adopt an elimination approach by asking, “Why is this option incorrect?” This method can help you filter out distractor answers and zero in on the most accurate choice.

Build Strong Reading Habits

The LSAT’s reading comprehension section requires processing dense information quickly. Develop the habit of reading complex material regularly, such as scholarly articles, news, and academic essays. As you read, practice identifying the main ideas, arguments, assumptions, and

How to Ace the GRE

Focus on Question Types, Not Just Individual Questions

The GRE features a consistent structure, with questions that follow specific patterns across different versions. Rather than practicing isolated questions, study the underlying types, such as sentence equivalence, proportions, triangles, and value comparisons. Ask yourself questions like: “What steps are required to solve this type of problem?” and “What remains constant within this category?” This approach can help you tackle any question within each type confidently.

Manage Your Time Wisely

The GRE has tight time constraints, so it’s essential to pace yourself. A helpful strategy is to answer the easier questions first and flag more challenging ones to revisit if time allows. Use the review feature to mark questions and return to them once you’ve completed the rest. This pacing technique ensures you’re maximizing points across all sections.

Try Plugging in Answers for Quantitative Questions

If you’re stuck on a quantitative reasoning problem, try plugging in the answer choices as a last resort. Start with a middle value to help you gauge whether to go higher or lower, but keep in mind that this method may take extra time. Use it only when other methods aren’t working.

Estimate and Use the Calculator Selectively

For many quantitative questions, a rough estimation can quickly narrow down answer choices. Estimating can also save time, helping you eliminate unlikely options right away. While the GRE provides a calculator, it’s best used judiciously; sometimes, manual calculations are faster and more efficient. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that benefit from calculator use and those that don’t.

Prioritize Key Points in Reading Comprehension

GRE reading comprehension questions often involve lengthy passages, but the questions focus on main ideas and key evidence rather than specific details. Scan each passage to identify the primary argument and supporting points, ignoring background knowledge. You can always refer back to specific sections as needed for certain questions.

Ace Your Test With the Help of an Expert

Standardized tests are a notoriously difficult part of the graduate degree application process and require a lot of preparation. To give yourself the best chance of success, start early, have a plan, and, if you can, get a coach to help. Often, the more you practice, the better you’ll do, but a coach can also teach you about strategies for the different kinds of questions and work with you on areas of improvement.

If you’re currently applying or preparing to apply for law school, you may find these additional resources helpful:

• How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?
• JD Application Deadlines of the T14 Law Schools
• T14 Law School Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles
• How to Get Into a T14 Law School
• Everything You Need to Know About LSAC and the CAS Report for Law School
• Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles of the T14 Law Schools
• How to Write a Compelling Law School Personal Statement

FAQs

Should I take both the LSAT and GRE?

• The LSAT will likely still be preferred, so unless you are going to bomb the LSAT and crush the GRE, take the LSAT. If you can crush both, take both, because that can't hurt. I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say.

Is it easier to take the GRE or LSAT?

• A common misconception is that the GRE is easier than the LSAT. While the GRE may have a broader range of content, the LSAT's logical reasoning and analytical writing sections can be quite challenging. Remember, both exams require dedication and preparation to achieve a competitive score.

Is the LSAT just multiple choice?

• The LSAT ® is administered in two parts. The first part consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. The second part of the LSAT consists of an unscored writing sample, known as LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Which part of the LSAT is the hardest?

• The LSAT Reading Comprehension section is often considered the most tedious because it's intentionally unfamiliar to test-takers. The passages cover law, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Some questions also involve two authors discussing the same topic, adding to the difficulty.

What is a good GRE score?

• According to Kaplan, a good score is considered 158 or above for verbal, 159 or above for quantitative, and 4.5 for writing. An overall score of at least 318 would place you into the 75th percentile or higher.