GRE vs. LSAT for Law School – Pros & Cons, Difficulty Level, & Which is Right for You (2026)

Law school admissions typically require that applicants take one of two tests: the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). As the names imply, the LSAT is specific to law school applicants, while the GRE applies to many other programs. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), a non-profit organization, administers the LSAT, which is critical for applicants aiming to enter accredited law schools in the USA and beyond.

In this article, we’ll break down the GRE vs LSAT debate, comparing their structure, difficulty, and strategic advantages, to help you determine which exam best aligns with your law school goals.

LSAT vs. GRE

What is on the LSAT?

Both the LSAT and GRE are accepted by many law schools, but they measure different skills. The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is designed to assess critical thinking, argument analysis, and logical reasoning skills essential for success in law school. This test is accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. and by many international and non-ABA-accredited institutions, making it a primary choice for law school applicants worldwide. Law school admissions officers often prioritize LSAT scores more heavily when making decisions on applications.

LSAT Structure

Read: LSAT Format & Structure: Section-by-Section (2026)

LSAT Administration and Limits

The LSAT is administered about eight times each year, and there are specific limits on the number of times you can take it. Test takers may sit for the exam up to three times in one year, five times over five years, and a maximum of seven times in their lifetime. This structure helps applicants plan their test schedule and optimize their LSAT score before submitting it to law schools.

Read: How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT? (& How Long It's Good For)

What is on the GRE?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a general standardized test that evaluates a broad range of skills beyond those specific to law. It assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing, making it a versatile option for applicants considering both law school and other graduate programs. While the GRE is accepted by many law schools, including some ABA-accredited institutions, not all law schools recognize it, so it’s essential to check each program’s requirements. Additionally, there is a growing trend of law schools allowing applicants to submit GRE scores, offering greater flexibility and broadening the applicant pool, especially for those who have already taken the GRE for other graduate programs.

GRE Structure

Note: The Analytical Writing section is always administered first. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections can appear in any order after the writing section.

Global Recognition and Law School Admissions

The GRE is widely accepted by graduate programs around the world and continues to grow as an option for law school admission, particularly in the United States. More than half of American Bar Association‑accredited law schools now accept GRE scores in place of the LSAT, giving international applicants and those pursuing multiple types of graduate study more flexibility in their applications. However, not every law school accepts the GRE, and policies can vary by program, so it’s important to check each school’s admissions requirements before choosing your test.

LSAT vs. GRE: Scoring

The LSAT and GRE use very different scoring systems, each designed to assess skills important for law school and other graduate programs.

LSAT Scoring and LSAT Scores

The LSAT score is calculated based on the total number of correct answers across all sections, meaning each question contributes equally to your final score. Scores range from 120 to 180, with each correct answer roughly worth one point. Incorrect answers do not result in any score deduction, encouraging test takers to attempt every question.

GRE Scoring and GRE Scores

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are based on the total number of correct responses in each section. These sections are section‑level adaptive, meaning how you perform on the first part of a section influences the difficulty of the next part. Within each section, every question counts equally toward your score. A raw score (number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score using a process called equating. This equating ensures that scores are comparable regardless of which test edition you took or which adaptive section you received

Analytical Writing is scored differently. Your essays are evaluated on a 6‑point holistic scale that reflects the overall quality of your writing. ETS uses trained raters and the e‑rater scoring engine. It is a computerized tool designed to assess writing quality in order to assign a score. A single score is reported for the Analytical Writing measure.

What Scores Are Reported

When you receive your official GRE General Test results, you’ll see three separate scores:

Verbal Reasoning- Your score on this measure reflects how well you answered questions related to reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary in context. This score is reported on a scaled score range of 130 to 170, in 1‑point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning- This score reflects your performance on quantitative problem solving, data interpretation, and basic math skills. It is also reported on a scaled score range of 130 to 170, in 1‑point increments.

Analytical Writing- This score reflects your ability to articulate complex ideas, support arguments, and write clearly under time limits. It is reported on a 0.0 to 6.0 scale, in half‑point increments.

Together, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are often discussed as a combined total (e.g., 300–340), but ETS reports each score independently. The Analytical Writing score is always listed separately.

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Official Resources for Understanding Your Scores

ETS offers official interpretive materials to help you understand what your scores mean, how they compare with other test takers, and how institutions use those scores. These resources include score interpretation guides, percentile rank data, and descriptions of what different score levels indicate for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing performance

Preparing for Your Exam

Regardless of which test aligns better with your law school application goals, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. Resources such as practice tests, sample questions, study guides, and coaching programs can enhance your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. If you choose the GRE, verify that the law schools you're interested in will accept it in place of the LSAT to avoid any admissions issues.

Which Should You Take: the LSAT or the GRE?

Deciding between the LSAT and GRE depends on your strengths and the requirements of the law schools you’re interested in. For most applicants, it’s best to start with the test that aligns better with their skills. A GRE score is increasingly accepted by law schools and can be compared to LSAT scores using conversion tools to understand its relevance in admissions. To get a sense of which exam might suit you, take a practice test for both the LSAT and GRE under test-day conditions, including time limits and breaks. Afterward, compare your scores using the ETS score converter to see which test reflects your strengths.

Skill-Based Considerations

If you excel in quantitative reasoning, the GRE might be a good fit, as it includes math-focused questions on arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis. However, it’s essential to note that many law schools weigh the verbal reasoning section more heavily than the quantitative section, given the analytical focus of law school curricula. For those with strong vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, the GRE could be the better choice, especially if logic and reasoning questions on the LSAT seem challenging.

On the other hand, applicants more comfortable with logical and analytical reasoning may find the LSAT better aligned with their abilities. The LSAT is also a popular choice among law school applicants who prefer to avoid math-related questions altogether.

Additional Factors to Consider

Applicants pursuing dual-degree programs often find the GRE advantageous, as it is accepted by a variety of graduate programs in addition to law schools. The GRE General Test is also offered almost every day, providing more flexibility compared to the LSAT, which is only available about eight times per year. This scheduling flexibility can be especially helpful if you need to take the test on short notice.

In most cases, it’s not recommended to study for both the LSAT and GRE simultaneously. Each test requires a unique set of preparation strategies and a significant time commitment, and there’s limited overlap in the content. Instead, focus on excelling in one test based on your skills and the admission requirements of specific law schools. Look at both to see which you scored higher on (use the ETS converter here) and think about which one felt better suited to your abilities.

How to Ace the LSAT

1. Answer Every Question: There are no penalties for incorrect answers on the LSAT, so leaving questions blank only limits your chances of a higher score. If time is running out, make sure to fill in any unanswered questions. This strategy can also be beneficial on the GRE, as any answer is better than none.
2. Invest Time in Learning Formal Logic: Formal logic is one of the more challenging aspects of the LSAT. If possible, take the time to study formal logic concepts, whether through a formal course or self-study. This additional preparation can provide a solid foundation for tackling complex logical reasoning questions.
3. Focus on Your Weaker Sections: To improve your LSAT score, analyze your performance by section rather than focusing solely on your total score. Identifying and working on your weaker areas, whether that’s analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, or reading comprehension, can lead to significant improvements.
4. Apply the Process of Elimination: For reasoning questions, it’s easy to convince yourself that multiple answers seem correct. Instead, adopt an elimination approach by asking, “Why is this option incorrect?” This method can help you filter out distractor answers and zero in on the most accurate choice.
5. Build Strong Reading Habits: The LSAT’s reading comprehension section requires processing dense information quickly. Develop the habit of reading complex material regularly, such as scholarly articles, news, and academic essays. As you read, practice identifying the main ideas, arguments, assumptions, and

How to Ace the GRE

1. Focus on Question Types, Not Just Individual Questions: The GRE features a consistent structure, with questions that follow specific patterns across different versions. Rather than practicing isolated questions, study the underlying types, such as sentence equivalence, proportions, triangles, and value comparisons. Ask yourself questions like: “What steps are required to solve this type of problem?” and “What remains constant within this category?” This approach can help you tackle any question within each type confidently.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely: The GRE has tight time constraints, so it’s essential to pace yourself. A helpful strategy is to answer the easier questions first and flag more challenging ones to revisit if time allows. Use the review feature to mark questions and return to them once you’ve completed the rest. This pacing technique ensures you’re maximizing points across all sections.
3. Try Plugging in Answers for Quantitative Questions: If you’re stuck on a quantitative reasoning problem, try plugging in the answer choices as a last resort. Start with a middle value to help you gauge whether to go higher or lower, but keep in mind that this method may take extra time. Use it only when other methods aren’t working.
4. Estimate and Use the Calculator Selectively: For many quantitative questions, a rough estimation can quickly narrow down answer choices. Estimating can also save time, helping you eliminate unlikely options right away. While the GRE provides a calculator, it’s best used judiciously; sometimes, manual calculations are faster and more efficient. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that benefit from calculator use and those that don’t.
5. Prioritize Important Points in Reading Comprehension: GRE reading comprehension questions often involve lengthy passages, but the questions focus on main ideas and key evidence rather than specific details. Scan each passage to identify the primary argument and supporting points, ignoring background knowledge. You can always refer back to specific sections as needed for certain questions.

Expert Tips for Success on the LSAT and GRE

Both the LSAT and GRE require a strong, strategic approach to preparation. Here are some proven strategies to help you excel on these standardized tests.

Start Preparing Early

Begin your study plan as early as possible. Both exams are challenging, and early preparation gives you a solid foundation and allows extra time in case you need to retake the test to achieve your target test score. Planning can reduce stress and improve your overall performance.

Practice Regularly

Familiarity with the test format is essential. Practicing frequently helps you become comfortable with the various sections, such as analytical reasoning on the LSAT and quantitative reasoning on the GRE. There are over 90 official practice tests for the LSAT, making it easier to prepare thoroughly. Although there aren’t as many full GRE practice tests available, you’ll find a wealth of sample questions to help sharpen your verbal and quantitative reasoning skills.

Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining good health is just as important as studying. Ensure you’re eating well, getting consistent sleep, and taking necessary breaks. Many applicants choose to take the day before the test day off to relax and mentally recharge. Understand your limits and listen to your body’s needs to stay balanced throughout your preparation.

The Bottom Line

Standardized tests like the LSAT and GRE are challenging components of the graduate school application process, requiring focused preparation and strategic planning. Starting early with a structured study plan can boost your confidence and improve your performance. For many test takers, working with a coach provides a significant advantage.

Reach Your Best Score With an Expert’s Help

An expert coach can guide you through effective strategies tailored to each type of question, helping you strengthen areas where you need improvement. With personalized feedback and targeted practice, a coach can help you navigate the complexities of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing sections, ultimately improving your scores and enhancing your law school application.

If you're preparing for law school applications, the following resources can provide valuable guidance:

• How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?
• Everything You Need to Know About LSAC and the CAS Report for Law School
• LSAT Practice & Diagnostic Test Lists (Free & Paid)
• The Top 5 LSAT Courses in 2026

FAQs

Is the GRE harder than the LSAT?

• The difficulty of the GRE versus the LSAT depends on your skill set. The LSAT focuses heavily on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension, while the GRE includes quantitative reasoning and verbal skills. Applicants stronger in math may find the GRE more manageable, while those with a background in critical reading and logic may prefer the LSAT.

Do law schools prefer LSAT or GRE?

• Most law schools accept both the LSAT and GRE; however, some still prefer the LSAT, as it’s specifically designed for law school admissions. Check with each school’s admissions office to confirm their preference or acceptance policies.

Can I get into law school with just a GRE?

• Yes, some law schools accept the GRE in place of the LSAT. Many ABA-accredited law schools have begun accepting GRE scores to offer more flexibility in the admissions process, but it's best to verify the specific requirements of each program.

Does Harvard Law accept the GRE or LSAT?

• Harvard Law School accepts both the GRE and LSAT for admission. This policy allows applicants to submit whichever test score best represents their strengths.