Now, for those who are planning on taking a law degree, the question “Should I take both GRE and LSAT?” is not just a logistical matter — it’s a strategic decision that can set the course of their academic and professional career. More law schools in Canada and around the world are now taking either test, and that has changed the landscape, granting applicants more flexibility but also more confusion.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and LSAT (Law School Admission Test) are not comparable as apples to apples, and they both test different things. The GRE is a test for graduate school admissions that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. The LSAT, however, is designed for law school admissions and measures reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
So, do I need to take the GRE and LSAT when I want to apply for law school? It all depends on your goals and strengths, and the programs you are seeking. If you’re applying to dual-degree programs (like a J.D./M.B.A. or J.D./M.P.P.), taking both exams might be worth your while. Some may require the GRE for the non-law section, while others might prefer the LSAT for the legal portion. Holding both scores in those situations can reflect flexibility and a willingness to persevere.
Another reason to think about both is to cover your bases. The GRE is not accepted at every law school, and of the ones that do accept the alternative test, some may still prefer the LSAT. By reporting scores for both, it opens more doors for you and may even make you more competitive. But this strategy has its catches. Two challenging exams require a lot of time, effort, and money. It is important to weigh whether the potential benefits are worth the costs.
Strategically, you can also view the two tests as a sort of backup plan. If you bomb one, a strong score on the other might still salvage your applications. This is especially true if you don’t know which test is more in line with your strengths. For example, if you prefer working with numbers and data analysis, the GRE might work in your favour. Whereas if you’re good at breaking down arguments, and you enjoy reading dense text, the LSAT.
Henry classen is the author of this article. To know about Master of Legal Studies degree programs, please visit our website: lsac.org
