.png)
Yes, you can use the GRE at many U.S. law schools: a growing number of ABA-approved schools accept the GRE General Test in place of the LSAT. The GRE scores Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning from 130 to 170 each, plus Analytical Writing from 0 to 6. Which schools accept it changes each cycle, so confirm each school's policy.
By Ali Unar, JD candidate at Georgetown Law and founder of Lovare Institut. Last updated August 2026. Every figure on this page was verified in August 2026 against the sources listed below.
Yes, you can apply to many ABA-approved law schools with the GRE General Test instead of the LSAT, a practice the ABA permits when a school shows the test is a valid and reliable predictor. The shift began when a handful of schools started accepting the GRE, and the number has grown across selective and regional schools. It remains an option rather than the norm, so the LSAT is still accepted everywhere.
The LSAT is built specifically for law, testing logical reasoning and reading comprehension on a 120 to 180 scale, while the GRE is a general graduate exam that adds a quantitative section and vocabulary. Schools that accept both generally treat a strong GRE as comparable to a strong LSAT, using a score-conversion tool from ETS. The GRE can suit applicants with strong math or those also applying to non-law programs.
Take the LSAT if you are applying broadly, since every ABA school accepts it and many still center admissions and scholarships on it. Consider the GRE if you already have a strong score, are pursuing a dual degree, or perform better on its format, and if every school on your list accepts it. Confirm each target school's policy before deciding. about 128 U.S. law schools, including every T14 school.
A broad and growing set of schools now accept the GRE, including several in the T14 and many regional programs, but the list changes every cycle. Because acceptance and score expectations vary, verify directly with each school and with the ETS directory rather than assuming. about 196 ABA-approved law schools.
Yes, a growing number of ABA-approved law schools accept the GRE General Test instead of the LSAT, though not all schools do. The ABA allows it when a school demonstrates the GRE validly predicts law school performance. Because policies differ, confirm that every school on your list accepts the GRE before relying on it. about 128 U.S. law schools, including every T14 school.
The LSAT is the safer default because every ABA law school accepts it and many weigh it heavily for admissions and scholarships. The GRE makes sense if you already have a strong score, are applying to dual-degree or non-law programs too, or perform better on its format, provided your target schools accept it. Match the test to your school list and strengths.
There is no fixed GRE requirement for law school; schools that accept the GRE look for scores competitive with the strength of their admitted class. Aim for high percentiles, especially on Verbal Reasoning, which maps most closely to legal work. Check each school's reported GRE ranges where available. about 128 U.S. law schools, including every T14 school.
No, not all law schools accept the GRE. Acceptance has grown quickly but remains a school-by-school choice, so some programs still require the LSAT. If any school on your list does not take the GRE, you will need an LSAT score to apply there. Always confirm the current policy on each school's admissions page. about 196 ABA-approved law schools.
Verified August 2026.
August 21, 2026
August 21, 2026