The short answer to this question is yes. As of 2022, at least 100 ABA-accredited law schools accept the GRE, or the graduate record examination, in lieu of the LSAT.

What is the difference?

While the LSAT, or the law school admission test, is tailored –specifically to law school hopefuls, the GRE is often considered a catch-all exam for students folks interested in a variety of graduate degrees, ranging from the humanities to STEM. The tests also cover different content.

The LSAT has three sections that contribute to the final test score. If you’re taking the LSAT before August 2024, then your score will be comprised of one Logical Reasoning section, one Logic Games section, and one Reading Comprehension section. If you’re taking the LSAT in August 2024 or later, then the only scored sections you’ll have are Logical Reasoning (two sections) and Reading Comprehension (still just one section).

The sections are all multiple choice and there is an additional unscored writing section.

The GRE, meanwhile, splits various sections across its verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning (yes, that means math), and analytic writing areas. The quantitative section includes some multiple choice and some write-in questions. Additionally, the GRE standardized test is adaptive in difficulty, meaning that the more questions you get right in a section, the harder the questions will be when you get down the line. 

Should I take the LSAT or the GRE?

If you are considering a J.D. as one of many potential graduate school options, then the GRE may be a more versatile option. If, however, you are set on law school and want to get a competitive edge on your law school application, you might still want to go with the LSAT. The primary reason is that some law schools do not accept the GRE as a substitute.

Plus, it’s hard to understand exactly how schools consider GRE scores versus the LSAT scores, given the lack of historical data on GRE-only applicants. It’s difficult to know how you stack up against other students looking to submit a law school application for direct admission, which is enormously important when it comes to choosing what legal education programs schools are your safety, target, and reach. 

So, what’s next?

If you land on taking the LSAT and want to work for higher LSAT scores, Blueprint is here to help. Take a look at our free resources, including a diagnostic test, study plans, and free webinars, so that you can work on boosting your final LSAT score and have your law application look better in the eyes of the Law School Admission Council.

Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free LSAT classes and law school admissions workshops!

In case you’re retaking the LSAT, be sure to check out some of Blueprint’s blog posts regarding how to review the exam and make the most of your studying the second time around.

Blueprint is also here to help answer any questions that may arise when it comes to taking the LSAT and going to law school, so whether you’re wondering how long law school is, if you can go to law school online, how many times you can take the LSAT, and much more, Blueprint is here for you.

You may also consider signing up for an LSAT prep course. Blueprint Prep has a variety of LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class to our new, intensive 170+ LSAT course, and even a private LSAT tutor, we have the law admissions LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average! Start with a free account!