Should I Take the LSAT or GRE for Law School?

Quick answer: for most people, take the LSAT. It is accepted across ABA schools, and the great majority of students still use it. In the ABA’s fall 2025 data, 523 of about 41,840 first-year enrollees used the GRE, at 92 schools, and 127 used JD-Next, at 30 schools. The GRE can make sense if you already have a strong score, or if your target schools accept it and you also want other graduate programs. For the basics, read what is the LSAT.

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LSAT vs GRE

	LSAT	GRE
Accepted by	All ABA schools	Only some, check each school
Tests	Reasoning and reading	Verbal, math and writing
Math	None	Yes
Scholarships	Clear role in school numbers	Varies by school
Used by most students	Yes	No

When the GRE Can Make Sense

You already have a strong GRE score.
Your exact target schools accept it, and you have checked.
You are also applying to other graduate programs.
You do much better on the GRE in practice.

When to Choose the LSAT

You are not sure where you will apply.
You want the most options.
You are hoping for merit money based on school medians.

How to Check

Lists of schools change, so check each school’s admissions page. Also check if taking both is a problem, as some schools have rules about it.

FAQ

Do T14 schools accept the GRE?

Several do. Harvard and Columbia each enrolled 37 students with the GRE in fall 2025, per the ABA. Check each school.

Is the GRE easier than the LSAT?

It is different, and it depends on your strengths. A practice test for each can show you.

Can I submit both?

Rules differ, and schools may see your LSAT scores if you have them.

See do schools prefer the LSAT or GRE and GRE to LSAT scores.