A common question that many prospective law students have is, “Should I take both the LSAT and GRE? With an increasing number of law schools accepting Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in addition to the customary Law School Admission Test (LSAT), some applicants are debating whether taking both tests offers a strategic advantage or merely compounds stress.
Knowing which test makes sense for whom and under what circumstances can help. The LSAT has been the test for law school admission for decades. It really measures logical reasoning, analytical skills, and reading comprehension—the same sort of things as in law school. The GRE is a standardized test that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Because nearly all postgraduate programs require the GRE, students considering dual degrees or other academic tracks may need to take the GRE.
Do you need to take both the GRE and the LSAT? It really comes down to what you’re good or not-so-good at and what you want to do with your life. If you’re good at logic and fast reading, the LSAT may suit you. If you have a strong quantitative background or are interested in keeping multiple graduate school options open, we would probably suggest the GRE.
Admissions data indicate that some law schools treat the LSAT and the GRE equally, but LSAT scores are generally easier to standardize and compare across applicants. GRE scores, however, are compared within the larger context of a heterogeneous pool of graduate applicants. This difference may determine whether submitting both scores strengthens your application or unnecessarily complicates it.
Another consideration is preparation time. The old LSAT required most test takers to spend significant time practicing. Studying for the GRE is a matter of finding the right mix between verbal and quantitative work. Trying both exams requires a great deal of careful balance and an honest accounting of how much time and energy you have to spare without overextending yourself.
Financial factors also matter, such as registration fees, prep costs, and potential retakes. Registration and preparation costs, plus possible retakes, can make this quite expensive, and the cost of taking both tests may not outweigh the potential benefits unless it’s strategic—i.e., aiming for a stronger comparative score.
Ultimately, admissions officers place as much emphasis on academic credentials, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and professional background as on test scores. Instead of counting on submitting as many test scores as possible to automatically make you competitive, focus on providing your strongest credentials.
The question is whether I should take both the GRE and the LSAT. But which test best plays to your strengths and career goals? Stressing about knowing which tests to take, and when, is unnecessary, and we’ll show you how a calm approach based on evidence can leave you feeling more in control of your application.
Paul Thomas is the author of this article. For more details about Legal studies master’s program , please visit our website: lsac.org.
