If you're deciding between the GRE and the LSAT for law school, the best choice is the one that matches both your target schools and your test strengths.
The biggest mistake is relying on old LSAT or GRE information. Both exams have policy and format details that changed in recent cycles.
- The LSAT is still the only test accepted by all law schools, while many (but not all) schools also accept the GRE.
- Current GRE total testing time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes; current LSAT multiple-choice testing is four 35-minute sections plus a 10-minute break.
- GRE includes Quantitative Reasoning; LSAT does not include math.
- GRE has ScoreSelect (you choose which score reports to send from the last 5 years); LSAT reporting works through LSAC transcript rules.
- For law-only applicants applying broadly, LSAT is often the safer default. For applicants also considering non-law graduate programs, GRE can be strategic.
GRE vs LSAT: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
| GRE General Test | LSAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Graduate, business, and law admissions | Law school admissions |
| Current scored structure | Analytical Writing (1 task), Verbal Reasoning (2 sections), Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) | 2 scored Logical Reasoning sections + 1 scored Reading Comprehension section |
| Extra/unscored component | No standing unscored section in the current shorter format | 1 unscored section (LR or RC) in multiple-choice portion |
| Writing component | Included as Analytical Writing section | LSAT Argumentative Writing is separate and required for score release if no writing sample on file |
| Total testing time | About 1h 58m | About 3 hours (4 x 35-minute sections + 10-minute intermission) |
| Scoring | Verbal: 130-170, Quant: 130-170, Writing: 0-6 | 120-180 |
| Retake policy | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a rolling 12 months | 5 times in current reportable period and 7 lifetime (LSAC policy) |
| Availability | Offered at test centers and at home; offered frequently | Offered in scheduled administrations during the year |
| Test fee (U.S.) | $220 (all areas except China) | $248 for the 2025-2026 testing year |
| Administered by | ETS | LSAC |
The Most Important Structural Difference Now
Starting with the August 2024 LSAT, the scored multiple-choice test moved away from the old structure that included Analytical Reasoning (logic games).
The current LSAT multiple-choice structure is:
- 2 scored Logical Reasoning sections
- 1 scored Reading Comprehension section
- 1 unscored section
So if you are comparing GRE vs LSAT today, use this current LSAT format, not older logic-games-heavy versions.
Law School Acceptance: What Is Actually True
Two facts can both be true at once:
- LSAT is the only admissions test accepted by all law schools.
- Many law schools now accept the GRE (and some also accept other pathways).
This means the test decision should be made school-list first, not preference first.
Practical rule:
- Build your target school list.
- Confirm each school's accepted test policy.
- Only then pick GRE vs LSAT.
If you're applying broadly across many law schools, LSAT usually gives you maximum compatibility.
Difficulty: Which Test Is Harder?
There is no universal answer.
- GRE tends to feel harder for applicants weak in math.
- LSAT tends to feel harder for applicants who struggle with dense logical reasoning under strict time pressure.
The best way to answer this for yourself is to take one full-length diagnostic for each exam under realistic timing.
GRE vs LSAT Costs and Score Strategy
GRE
- Current base fee is $220 in most regions.
- Additional score reports cost extra.
- ScoreSelect lets you choose which GRE score reports from the last 5 years to send.
LSAT
- Current LSAT fee is $248 for the 2025-2026 testing year.
- Score handling is managed through LSAC transcript/reporting rules and optional Score Preview timelines.
If your strategy depends on selective score reporting flexibility, this difference matters.
Should You Take GRE or LSAT for Law School?
Choose LSAT first if
- you are law-school focused
- you want the broadest school compatibility
- your list includes schools that require LSAT
Consider GRE first if
- you are applying to both law and non-law graduate programs
- your specific target law schools clearly accept GRE
- your diagnostics show a significantly stronger GRE profile
FAQ: GRE vs LSAT (2026)
Is GRE easier than LSAT?
Depends on your skill profile. GRE adds math; LSAT is more concentrated on legal-style reasoning and reading.
Can I apply to law school with GRE only?
At some schools, yes. At others, no. Verify each school's current policy before deciding.
Is LSAT still more "standard" for law school admissions?
Yes. LSAT remains the only test accepted by all law schools.
Does GRE have score choice flexibility?
Yes. ETS ScoreSelect allows sending selected score reports from the last five years.
How often can I retake each test?
GRE: once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. LSAT: limited by LSAC's current reportable-period and lifetime limits.