Do You Need to Take the GRE, LSAT or Both?

 Thinking about applying to grad or law school? If yes, you may be thinking, “Do I need to take GRE and LSAT both?” The answer depends on what you want out of your career, your program requirements, and what is your strong point. And lest anyone think that either exam can be the means to elite programs, it helps to know what their distinct roles are before deciding.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) general test that many graduate programs, including some law schools, will accept. It assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, which makes it appropriate for candidates contemplating a variety of fields. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test), on the other hand, is for admission to law schools, and tests logical reasoning, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension.

You don’t have to take both tests, but having both scores provides you with flexibility, if you aren’t sure if you want to go into law alone, or whether you would apply for dual-degree programs, such as JD/ph. D. But it’s a lot of time, energy and money to spend studying for two challenging exams. You have to decide if the risk is worth the reward.

Admittedly, some law schools accept the GRE in place of the LSAT, and many traditional programs still wish to stick with the LSAT because they feel that it’s better suited to find students who will excel at law studies. Look up the programs that you’re interested to see if they deem both exams worth your application.

So, finally: Do you have the bandwidth to study for both? Does taking both tests align with your academic and career goals? The following FAQs can typically help make clearer whether it is in your interests to take both exams or not.

Ultimately, if you analyze alternatives and marry them with your goals you can arrive at a better solution to improve your student life.

To know about steps to apply for LSAC services for law students please visit our website: lsac.org