Choosing between the LSAT and GRE depends on your strengths, target schools, application strategy, and whether your score will be easy for admissions offices to evaluate.
Take the LSAT If
- You are focused primarily on law school.
- Your target schools publish clear LSAT medians.
- You want the most comparable admissions signal.
Consider GRE If
- You are applying to joint programs.
- You already have a strong GRE score.
- Your target schools clearly accept and value GRE applicants.
Related Guides
- LSAT score calculator
- What LSAT score do I need?
- Top 100 law school LSAT scores
- Law school admissions chances calculator
Official Test-Option Sources
Alternative-test strategy is school-specific. The LSAT remains the most standardized law-school admissions signal, while GRE and JD-Next policies vary by school and cycle. Before choosing an alternative path, confirm each target school’s current policy, whether an LSAT score is still preferred, and how the school reports or evaluates non-LSAT applicants.
Use these primary sources to verify the current test options before relying on any comparison chart.
Practical Next Step
Build a school by school spreadsheet before choosing a test path. Include whether each school accepts the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next, whether the policy is current for your application cycle, and whether submitting an LSAT would give you a clearer scholarship or admissions signal.