Many students considering a career in advanced academia will present a number of possible academic pathways before making their final choice. With this, here comes a question that every ambitious applicant has thought — should I take both the GRE and LSAT? As universities and law schools continue to broaden their admissions criteria and interdisciplinary programs, the question has taken on greater significance.
They serve different purposes in assessing separate skillsets for their specific academic pursuits. The Graduate Record Examination is accepted by hundreds of graduate and business programs, but the Law School Admission Test remains the traditional standard for law school admissions. Knowing what each exam is testing for in students can help them decide whether preparing to tackle both tests will fit their long-term goals.
If you are considering dual-degree options or are still unsure about your career path, you may wonder, Should I take both GRE and LSAT? It is a good first place to start. Somewhat recently, several law schools have changed the LSAT requirement and will accept scores from candidates who took the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which allows for much more flexibility since many candidates may also be considering master’s or doctoral programs. Nevertheless, the LSAT is also heavily relied upon by many top law schools as it strictly evaluates analytical reasoning, logical analysis, and reading comprehension skills necessary for proper performance in legal studies.
Responding to both tests involves exact time management and academic discipline. The GRE has quantitative reasoning sections that many students with insufficient math backgrounds find difficult. By contrast, the LSAT is focused more on analyzing arguments and critical thinking than on mathematics. Due to these distinctions, students must assess their strengths before opting to handle both exams.
Costs are clearly less important, though they are nevertheless an important factor. The costs can really add up: registration fees, prep courses, tutoring, and study materials. One of the frequent student queries is: Should I take both the GRE and LSAT? Whether or not doing that would even be a good use of your time, and whether the extra effort is worth the reward.
If students know they want to go to law school, it is often better served by directing their time and effort at preparing for the LSAT, which will make them perform better and cause much less stress. Another point to consider is career flexibility. For students who want to study in the fields of public policy, business law, international relations, or interdisciplinary work, taking both may broaden educational opportunities. In certain instances, having two qualifications can reinforce professional versatility and provide pathways across different industries.
So, is there a one-size-fits-all answer to Should I take both GRE and LSAT? Academic interests, career goals, financial capacity, and readiness are factors deciding the better choice. Those factors are critical as students seek a testing option that can help them in their immediate desire to gain admission and their long-term desire for professional success.
Paul Thomas is the author of this article. For more details about advanced graduate law degree programs , please visit our website: lsac.org.
