Testing Comparison
LSAT vs GRE for Law School
Which test should you take in 2026? This vendor-neutral comparison covers acceptance rates, test format, cost, scoring, and specific scenarios where each test makes more sense.
The Short Answer
The LSAT is accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools. The GRE is accepted by 100+ schools but only about 2% of enrollees submit GRE scores. For most applicants targeting competitive schools, the LSAT is the safer choice. The GRE makes sense if you are also applying to non-law graduate programs or if your strengths align better with quantitative reasoning than with LSAT-style logical reasoning.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | LSAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by | All 196 ABA-accredited law schools | 100+ ABA-accredited schools (growing annually) |
| Format | Logical reasoning, reading comprehension. No math. | Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing. |
| Score scale | 120-180 (1-point increments) | 260-340 (verbal 130-170 + quant 130-170) |
| Test cost | $200 (registration fee) | $220 (standard registration) |
| Test frequency | 7 set dates per year | Year-round at test centers and online at home |
| Score reporting | All scores sent to all schools automatically | ScoreSelect: choose which scores to send |
| Math requirement | None. Entirely verbal and logical. | Quantitative section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis. |
| Retake policy | 3 per year, 5 per 5 years, 7 lifetime | Once every 21 days, up to 5 per year |
| Prep timeline | 3-6 months recommended | 2-4 months recommended for most test takers |
| Enrollment share | ~98% of law school enrollees submitted LSAT | ~2% of law school enrollees submitted GRE |
When to Choose the LSAT
Targeting T14 schools
At the most competitive schools, admissions committees have the most experience evaluating LSAT scores. Some scholarship formulas specifically reference LSAT performance.
Applying only to law school
If you are not also applying to MBA, MPP, or other graduate programs, the LSAT is purpose-built for law admissions and tests the reasoning skills law schools value most.
Strong verbal/logical reasoning
The LSAT rewards logical reasoning and reading comprehension without any math. If you struggle with quantitative work, the LSAT removes that variable entirely.
Maximizing scholarship odds
Some merit scholarship formulas weight LSAT scores specifically. Submitting a GRE score may exclude you from automatic merit consideration at schools that primarily use LSAT for scholarship calculations.
When to Choose the GRE
Dual-degree applicants
If you are applying to JD/MBA, JD/MPP, JD/MPA, or other joint programs, the GRE satisfies requirements for both. Taking one test instead of two saves time and money.
Strong quantitative skills
If you have a strong math background and score exceptionally well on the GRE quantitative section, this can demonstrate analytical abilities that the LSAT does not test.
Existing GRE score
If you already have a strong GRE score from applying to another graduate program, you may not need to prepare for and take the LSAT at all. GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
LSAT-style reasoning is not your strength
Some strong students consistently underperform on the LSAT's logical reasoning format. If multiple LSAT attempts show a ceiling below your realistic potential, the GRE may unlock a better score.
Which Schools Accept the GRE?
Over 100 ABA-accredited schools now accept the GRE, including many in the T14. The trend is toward wider acceptance. Notable schools accepting the GRE include:
T14 accepting GRE
Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Penn, Georgetown, Northwestern, Cornell, UCLA, and more
T15-50 accepting GRE
USC, WashU, Emory, BU, GW, Minnesota, ASU, Iowa, and others
Important exceptions
Check each school individually. Some accept GRE only for specific programs or with limitations. Policies change annually.
Always verify current GRE acceptance directly with each school. LSAC maintains a searchable list of school testing policies.
Score Conversion
There is no official LSAT-to-GRE conversion. ETS (the GRE maker) published a comparison tool, but admissions committees caution against treating any conversion as precise. Rough equivalences based on available data:
| LSAT | GRE Verbal | Approx. Percentile | Competitive At |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170+ | 166-170 | 97th+ | T14 schools |
| 165-169 | 162-165 | 90th-97th | T15-25 schools |
| 160-164 | 158-161 | 80th-90th | T25-50 schools |
| 155-159 | 154-157 | 65th-80th | T50-100 schools |
| 150-154 | 150-153 | 45th-65th | Regional schools |
These conversions are approximate. No official equivalence exists. Schools evaluate GRE and LSAT scores through different lenses.
Test information current as of April 2026. Verify current policies with LSAC and ETS directly. Updated 11 April 2026.