LSAT vs GRE: Choosing the right test for your law school path

Author : Law School Admission Council | Published On : 26 Feb 2026

When forming their applications, prospective law students must decide whether to balance the LSAT or GRE for JD admission. For several decades, the LSAT was the only standardized test accepted by ABA-approved law schools. Today, several institutions accept GRE results as part of the application process, allowing students to better showcase their academic prowess

Structure is the most important thing in this comparison of LSAT vs GRE. The LSAT tests for analytic reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading skills in a context tailored to legal studies. The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, LS, and analytical writing so that it may be used for a wider variety of graduate fields than law. These variations can make a big difference in how applicants are educated about and positioned for admission

Another important aspect of LSAT vs GRE is scoring and competitiveness. Law schools previously used LSAT medians as a metric of rank, therefore making (LSAT) scores determinative of an application. While the GRE is now being accepted at many schools, some admissions committees may still favor LSAT scores — especially when comparing candidates head to head. Prospective students should verify each law school’s policy and how the GRE scores are considered with LSAT scores

Preparation methods differ significantly between the two exams. The LSAT is heavily focused on formal logic and analytical reasoning; your prosocial mindset will require grounding in argument structure and reasoning games. The GRE has a quantitative aspect that appeals to applicants who possess strong math and data analysis capabilities. When considering LSAT vs. GRE, students should consider their own strengths. If you are good at algebra and vocabulary, you might want to choose the GRE; if you’re strong in logical analysis, then maybe the LSAT is for you

Flexibility in a career also has some significance. More than that, the GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate programs across the globe, so if plans change, you can still pivot and apply your prospects toward business, public policy, or other fields. For those already sold on the law, however, the LSAT is still a narrow test designed only for law. The decision between LSAT and GRE is ultimately about how much you want to commit yourself to a career in law versus being open to interdepartmental options

Economic factors and frequency of testing can be reasons as well. The GRE can be taken more often during the year, and the opportunity for retesting (in case of disappointment with the first test performance) is higher than that of GMAT or other standardized tests. Although the LSAT can be taken many times each year,  it has a relatively regimented administration schedule

To wrap up, the LSAT vs GRE is not a matter of which test will be better across the board. Instead, it’s about finding a good match between one’s personal strengths, career ambition, and an individual school. Careful examination of these components can enable applicants to select the exam that will facilitate their long-term academic and professional goals

Paul Thomas is the author of this article. For more details about GRE quantitative section for law,please visit our website: lsac.org