Choosing the right standardized test is a critical step for aspiring law students. With the introduction of the GRE as an acceptable alternative to the LSAT for law school admissions, applicants now have more options than ever.
As of 2022, over half of the American Bar Association-accredited law schools in the United States have begun accepting the GRE alongside the LSAT for law school admissions.
But which is right for you?
Below, I will provide an in-depth comparison of the LSAT and GRE, examining their formats, focus areas, and the implications for law school admissions.
Key Takeaways:
- LSAT: Tailored specifically for law school admissions.
- GRE: Offers broader applicability for various graduate programs.
- Logical Reasoning & Reading Comprehension: Emphasized by the LSAT.
- Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, & Analytical Writing: Included in the GRE.
- Admissions Flexibility: Many law schools now accept both the GRE and LSAT for admissions.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT, Law School Admission Test, is a standardized test for prospective law students. It measures essential abilities such as reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning, which are fundamental for thriving in law school and beyond.
LSAT Structure
- Logical Reasoning: Tests the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Test takers must identify assumptions, evaluate the strength of arguments, and recognize logical flaws.
- Reading Comprehension: Measures the ability to read complex texts and understand their structure, main ideas, and details.
- Writing Sample: Although not scored, the writing sample is sent to law schools as part of the application. It tests the ability to construct a coherent argument based on a given prompt.
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a more general standardized test. It is used for admissions to a wide range of graduate programs, including law schools.
GRE Structure
The GRE consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests the ability to analyze and evaluate written material. It includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses mathematical skills and the ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information. It includes questions on algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Analytical Writing: Tests the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It includes two tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument.
LSAT vs. GRE for Law School Admissions
Historically, the LSAT has been the primary test for law school admissions. It is specifically designed to assess skills that are deemed crucial for success in law school. However, in recent years, an increasing number of law schools have started accepting the GRE as an alternative.
This shift aims to attract a broader range of applicants, including those who might be considering dual degree programs or who are already preparing for other graduate studies.
Why Law Schools Are Accepting the GRE
There are several reasons why law schools are accepting the GRE:
- Broadening the Applicant Pool: By accepting the GRE, law schools can attract applicants who might not have considered law school otherwise.
- Dual Degree Programs: Many law schools offer dual degree programs, such as JD/MBA or JD/MPA.
- Flexibility: The GRE is offered year-round, providing more flexibility for applicants.
- Test Preparation: Some applicants may already be preparing for the GRE for other graduate programs.
Test Format and Preparation
The LSAT and GRE have different formats and require different preparation strategies. Understanding these differences can help applicants decide which test to take.
LSAT Preparation
The LSAT is known for its challenging logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections. Preparation for the LSAT often involves:
- Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is crucial for familiarizing oneself with the test format and question types.
- Study Guides and Courses: There are numerous study guides and prep courses available for the LSAT.
- Timing Practice: The LSAT is a timed test, so practicing under timed conditions is important. This helps test takers manage their time effectively during the actual exam.
GRE Preparation
The GRE requires a different preparation approach, as it includes both verbal and quantitative sections. Preparation for the GRE often involves:
- Practice Tests: As with the LSAT, taking practice tests is essential for familiarizing oneself with the GRE format.
- Study Guides and Courses: There are many study guides and prep courses available for the GRE.
- Quantitative Practice: The GRE includes quantitative reasoning, which requires strong math skills. Test takers often spend time reviewing math concepts and practicing quantitative questions.
- Verbal Practice: The verbal reasoning section tests vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Comparing the Sections: LSAT vs GRE
Understanding the differences in the sections of the LSAT and GRE can help applicants decide which test aligns better with their strengths and goals.
Logical Reasoning vs. Verbal Reasoning
For law school applicants deciding between the LSAT and GRE, the LSAT, administered by the Law School Admission Council, focuses on Logical Reasoning, crucial for legal studies. In contrast, the GRE tests broader Verbal Reasoning skills, suitable for various graduate programs. This difference is key in understanding why LSAT scores are often preferred for law school admissions.
- LSAT Logical Reasoning
- Focus: Analyze and evaluate arguments.
- Skills Tested: Identifying assumptions, evaluating argument strength, and recognizing logical flaws.
- GRE Verbal Reasoning
- Focus: Understand and analyze written material.
- Skills Tested: Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence.
While both sections assess critical thinking skills, the GRE places more of an emphasis on vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Analytical Reasoning vs. Quantitative Reasoning
As of the latest updates, the LSAT no longer includes the analytical reasoning section, marking a significant shift in its test structure.
In contrast, the GRE includes a quantitative reasoning section. Strong performance in this section is particularly important for applicants to programs that require proficiency in mathematics.
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- Focus: Mathematical skills and the ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information.
- Skills Tested: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis.
Reading Comprehension
Both the LSAT and GRE include reading comprehension sections, but they differ in format and focus.
- LSAT Reading Comprehension
- Format: Longer passages.
- Focus: Understanding complex texts and analyzing structure and main ideas.
- GRE Reading Comprehension
- Format: Part of the verbal reasoning section, often shorter passages.
- Focus: Understanding and analyzing written material.
- Additional Elements: Text completion and sentence equivalence questions to test vocabulary and sentence structure.
Analytical Writing
The GRE includes an analytical writing section that tests the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It includes two tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument. The LSAT includes a writing sample, but it is not scored. Instead, the writing sample is sent to law schools as part of the application.
Scoring and Admissions Considerations
The LSAT and GRE have different scoring scales and implications for law school admissions. Understanding these differences is crucial for applicants.
LSAT Scores
The LSAT is scored through a range of 120 to 180, with higher scores indicating better performance. Law schools often use LSAT scores as a significant factor in admissions decisions.
High LSAT scores can enhance an applicant’s chances of admission to competitive law schools. LSAT scores are also a factor in law school rankings, which can impact an applicant’s career prospects.
GRE Scores
The GRE is evaluated on a 130 to 170 scale for the verbal and quantitative assessments, while the analytical writing component is scored between 0 to 6. Law schools that accept the GRE consider GRE scores alongside other application components, such as undergraduate GPA and letters of recommendation.
While GRE scores are important, they may not carry the same weight as LSAT scores in law school admissions.
Exam Cost and Availability
LSAT
- Registration Fee: Approximately $238
- Additional Fees: Auxiliary fees, such as $45-$80 for LSAT Score Preview and $50 for an Official Candidate LSAT Score Report, may also apply. Additionally, changing your test date can range from no charge up to $238, depending on the timing.
- Preparation Costs: Additional expenses for the best LSAT prep courses and practice tests.
- Availability: Offered multiple times per year, usually six to seven times, providing several opportunities to take the test.
GRE
- Registration Fee: Approximately $220 worldwide.
- Additional Fees: Additional GRE-related fees include $35 per recipient for Additional Score Reports (ASR), $50 for a Question-and-Answer review service for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections (available to New York State residents only), and $60 for a Score Review of the Analytical Writing measure. Reinstating a previously canceled score costs $50.
- Preparation Costs: Costs for study materials, GRE prep courses, and practice tests vary.
- Availability: Offered year-round at numerous testing centers worldwide, offering greater flexibility in scheduling.
Both exams offer fee waivers for eligible candidates based on financial need. It’s important to budget for exam fees and preparation resources to ensure readiness for test day.
LSAT or GRE: Which Test Should You Take?
Deciding whether to take the LSAT or GRE depends on several factors, including your overall career goals, strengths, and the requirements of the law schools you are applying to.
Assessing Your Test Strengths
- Strong in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension: If you excel in logical reasoning and reading comprehension, the LSAT may be a better choice.
- Strong in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning: If you are strong in verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, you may consider taking the GRE.
Law School Requirements
Before deciding which test to take, research the requirements of the law schools you are interested in. While many law schools now accept both the LSAT and GRE, some may have preferences or specific requirements.
Factors to consider include average scores of admitted students, whether they accept scores from both tests equally, and any additional application requirements related to test scores.
Consider Your Circumstances
Reddit user, prosyrose, shared their experience applying with a high GPA and a GRE score to top 20 law schools. They applied to 11 schools using a GRE score and received mixed results—accepted to one school without merit aid and waitlisted at three others. While the GRE provided flexibility due to their prior experience and demanding work schedule, they found that an LSAT score might have offered better odds for law school admission, particularly with merit aid.
Consider your own circumstances, readiness to prepare for each test, and the specific admissions criteria of the law schools you are interested in when making your decision.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to take the LSAT or GRE, both tests can serve as pathways to law school admission. Carefully consider your strengths, goals, and the requirements of the law schools you are applying to when making your decision.
FAQs
Yes, many law schools now accept the GRE for admissions.
The LSAT focuses on the areas of logical reasoning and reading comprehension, while the GRE includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Not all, but a growing number of law schools accept the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT.
The LSAT is offered several times a year, typically four to six times.
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. The GRE is evaluated on a 130 to 170 scale for the verbal and quantitative assessments, while the analytical writing component is scored between 0 to 6.
This depends on your strengths. If you excel in logical reasoning and reading comprehension, you might find the LSAT easier. If you are strong in verbal and quantitative reasoning, the GRE might be more suitable.
Law schools that accept the GRE consider it alongside other application components. However, some schools may still prefer the LSAT or give it more weight in admissions decisions.
Yes, some applicants choose to submit both scores if they have taken both tests. However, schools will consider the score that presents the applicant in the best light.
While no law schools explicitly prefer the GRE over the LSAT, some schools are more flexible and open to GRE scores, particularly those with a focus on interdisciplinary programs or dual degrees.
Consider your strengths in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Research the requirements and preferences of the law schools you are interested in, and assess your readiness and preparation for each test.
