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3 Things to Consider Before Using the GRE for Your Law School Application
Published August 8, 2024
More than half of ABA-accredited law schools now accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in addition to the traditional Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for admission to their JD programs. This shift reflects efforts to broaden access to legal education and attract a more diverse range of applicants.
While the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has increased LSAT administrations from four to ten per year to address access issues, the GRE, offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is available almost daily and widely accepted by graduate programs. Law schools began accepting the GRE to reach prospective graduate school applicants who may not have previously considered law school.
Before you decide to take the GRE instead of the LSAT, consider the following:
1. All Valid LSAT Scores Must Be Reported
LSAC remains the gateway to the law school admission process. Even if you opt for the GRE, you must create an LSAC.org account and apply for law school admission using LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). If you have a reportable LSAT score from the past five years, it will be included in your CAS report to all law schools you apply to. You cannot opt out of submitting valid LSAT scores. If you already have a valid LSAT score, it might not make sense to spend time and resources preparing for the GRE.
Note: Some law schools that accept the GRE will review both your GRE and LSAT scores (if you have taken both), so be sure to research each school’s standardized test policies.
2. Consider Your Application Strategy
The LSAT is the only standardized test accepted by all law schools. While more than half of ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. accept the GRE, about 40% do not. If you plan to apply to a wide range of law schools, taking the LSAT might be a better strategy.
3. Match the Test to Your Skills
If you are set on attending a law school that accepts the GRE, determine which test is a better fit for you. If you struggle with logical reasoning but are confident in your math skills, the GRE might be your best bet.
Note: Law schools interpret GRE scores in their own way. Most schools consider percentiles, though this is not a perfect comparison. Review each school’s FAQs, and if you have concerns, contact the admissions office directly.
Choosing the right standardized test can add stress to the application process. Regardless of your choice, ensure you take the time to research and prepare thoroughly.
