LSAT vs GRE: Which Should You Take?

Overview of the LSAT

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test specifically designed for law school admissions. It measures skills that are essential for success in law school, such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension. The LSAT is accepted by almost all law schools in the United States and Canada, and it is often required for admission to top-tier law schools.

LSAT Test Structure

The LSAT consists of several sections:

• Logical Reasoning (2 sections): Assesses your ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments.
• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): Tests your ability to understand relationships and draw conclusions.
• Reading Comprehension: Measures your ability to read and understand complex texts.
• Experimental Section (unscored): Used to test new questions for future exams.
• Writing Sample (unscored): Provides law schools with a sample of your writing abilities.

LSAT Scoring

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with 180 being the highest possible score. The score reflects the number of correct answers, which is then converted to a scaled score. The LSAT is a critical component of your law school application, and top law schools often look for scores above 170.

Overview of the GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a general test used for admissions to graduate programs across various disciplines, including law. While many law schools still require the LSAT, an increasing number of schools now accept the GRE as an alternative. The GRE is designed to assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

GRE Test Structure

The GRE consists of the following sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as understand and apply information.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses basic math skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and problem-solving abilities.
• Analytical Writing: Tests your ability to articulate and support complex ideas in writing.
• Research Section (unscored): A research section that is not scored but used for experimental purposes.

GRE Scoring

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for the verbal and quantitative sections. The analytical writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6. The GRE is widely accepted by graduate programs in many fields, including law, and some law schools may prefer or accept GRE scores over LSAT scores.

Key Differences Between the LSAT and GRE

1. Focus of the Exam

The primary difference between the LSAT and GRE is their focus:

• LSAT: Specifically designed for law school admissions, the LSAT focuses on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning (logic games), and reading comprehension—skills deemed essential for success in law school.
• GRE: The GRE is a more general graduate school exam that assesses a broader range of skills, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE is designed for admissions to a variety of graduate programs, not just law school.

2. Question Types

The LSAT has a more specialized format, with a strong emphasis on logical reasoning and analytical thinking. In contrast, the GRE includes a wider range of question types, including both verbal and quantitative reasoning questions. The GRE is generally considered less specialized than the LSAT for law school admissions.

3. Scoring System

While both the LSAT and GRE are scored on a scale, the scoring systems differ. The LSAT’s scale ranges from 120 to 180, with higher scores considered more competitive for law school admissions. The GRE is scored between 130 and 170 for verbal and quantitative sections, and 0 to 6 for analytical writing. The GRE also provides more flexibility for students applying to other graduate programs, as the score can be used for more than just law school applications.

4. Test Content

The LSAT is focused solely on skills relevant to law school, such as logical reasoning and reading comprehension. The GRE, however, tests a broader range of skills, including quantitative reasoning (mathematics), making it more suitable for students applying to programs that require math or quantitative analysis, such as business or engineering.

5. Acceptance by Law Schools

Traditionally, the LSAT has been the standard exam for law school admissions. However, in recent years, some law schools have begun accepting the GRE as an alternative. Law schools that accept the GRE may do so to attract a broader pool of applicants or to accommodate students applying to multiple graduate programs (e.g., law and business). It’s important to check with each law school to see which test they prefer or accept.

Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the LSAT and GRE ultimately depends on your goals and the law schools to which you plan to apply. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• If you are applying exclusively to law schools: The LSAT is still the most widely accepted and preferred exam. Most law schools prefer the LSAT, and the test is specifically tailored to measure the skills needed for law school success.
• If you are applying to multiple graduate programs: If you are considering law school but also applying to other graduate programs (such as business school), the GRE might be a more versatile option. Many law schools now accept the GRE, and the test is widely used for other graduate school applications.
• If you are comfortable with math: The GRE includes a quantitative reasoning section that tests basic math skills. If you're comfortable with math, the GRE may be a good option. If you find math challenging, the LSAT’s focus on logical and verbal reasoning may be a better fit.
• If you're applying to a specific law school: Check the admission requirements for each law school you're interested in. Some schools may accept either the LSAT or the GRE, while others may prefer one over the other.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between the LSAT and GRE depends on your law school goals and personal strengths. While the LSAT is tailored specifically for law school and is the most commonly required exam, the GRE is an increasingly accepted alternative at many law schools. Be sure to carefully research the admissions requirements of the law schools you plan to apply to and choose the test that best aligns with your academic strengths and career goals.