The GRE, GMAT and LSAT Study Guide for Law Students

The graduate school testing process can be complicated, especially for undergraduates already navigating the demands of senior year or career-changers juggling their current jobs.

For those pursuing careers in law or legal studies, which test should be prioritized: the GRE, the GMAT, the LSAT, or all three? This guide explores each test with notes on how to prepare and what to expect on test day.

Table of Contents

• What is the LSAT?
• What is the GMAT?
• What is the GRE?
• GRE vs GMAT: What Are the Differences?
• Which Test to Take?: GRE vs. GMAT

What Is the LSAT?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a component of law school admission in the United States and Canada, as well as a growing number of other countries. It tests critical reading, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning and persuasive writing skills and is typically not required for admission into master’s in law or legal studies programs.

Fast Facts About the LSAT

LSAT Cost: $253 for the August 2026–June 2027 testing year. The registration fee includes both the multiple-choice LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing. Applicants should confirm the current fee through the Law School Admission Council before registering.

LSAT Length: The multiple-choice portion includes four 35-minute sections and a 10-minute intermission, for approximately two hours and 30 minutes of testing time, excluding check-in procedures. LSAT Argumentative Writing is completed separately and lasts 50 minutes.

LSAT Sections:

• Multiple-choice LSAT: A computer-based exam consisting of three scored sections and one unscored variable section. The scored sections include two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section. Each section lasts 35 minutes. The unscored section allows LSAC to evaluate questions for possible use on future tests.
• LSAT Argumentative Writing: A separately administered, remotely proctored online writing assessment. Test takers receive 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes to write an argumentative essay. The writing sample is not scored, but it is shared with the law schools to which the test taker applies.

A test taker must have a completed and approved writing sample on file before their LSAT score can be released. Applicants who already have a valid LSAT Writing or LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file generally do not need to complete it again.

LSAT Scores: LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. Scores are posted to the LSAT Status page in the test taker’s LSAC JD Services account, and LSAC sends an email when the score is available. LSAC publishes a specific score-release date for every test administration, typically about three weeks after testing.

How to Prepare for the LSAT

• Start by reviewing the current LSAT format and taking an official practice test to establish a baseline score and identify areas for improvement. Use those results to create a study plan based on your target score, schedule and progress.
• Official preparation materials are available through LawHub, powered by LSAC. LawHub includes free practice tests and tools, while a paid subscription provides access to a larger library of official LSATs. Make sure your materials reflect the current exam format, which includes Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension but no Analytical Reasoning section.
• Combine timed, full-length practice tests with targeted review of individual question types. Students may also find support through a prelaw advisor, prelaw organization, academic support office, or tutoring program.
• Test takers who need accommodations should review the LSAC Policy on Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities and submit the required request and documentation through their LSAC account by the applicable deadline.

LSAT at a Glance

• Length: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes for the multiple-choice exam, plus a separate 50-minute writing assessment
• Cost: $253 for the August 2026–June 2027 testing year
• Format: Computer-based
• Number of Essays: One unscored writing sample
• For Whom: Primarily applicants to J.D. programs

Multiple-Choice LSAT — Four Sections

• Logical Reasoning: Two scored sections
• Reading Comprehension: One scored section
• Unscored Variable Section: One section

LSAT Argumentative Writing — One Section

• 15 minutes for prewriting analysis
• 35 minutes for essay writing
• Completed separately through a remotely proctored online platform

What Is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is part of the application process for many business and management schools. Designed to measure test-takers’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it covers basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis and grammar. The GMAT may be required for admission into a master’s in law or legal studies program.

Fast Facts About the GMAT

GMAT Cost: $275 for a test-center appointment in the United States and $300 for the online exam. Fees vary by country, testing method, and applicable taxes, so confirm current pricing through the GMAT exam payment page.

GMAT Length: Two hours and 15 minutes, with one optional 10-minute break.

GMAT Sections: The exam contains three sections, each lasting 45 minutes. Test takers may choose the order in which they complete them:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions
• Data Insights: 20 questions

The current GMAT does not include an essay or a separate Integrated Reasoning section.

GMAT Scores: Total scores range from 205 to 805 and reflect performance across all three sections. Test takers receive an unofficial score preview after completing the exam. Official score reports are generally available within three to five days, although they may occasionally take up to 20 days. Test takers can review their results before selecting which programs receive their scores.

How to Prepare for the GMAT

Start by reviewing the current exam format and the official GMAT Handbook, which explains registration policies, test-day procedures and exam rules. Then take a diagnostic practice test and create a study plan based on your starting score, target score and available preparation time.

The free GMAT Official Starter Kit includes practice questions and two full-length practice exams. Additional official practice exams, question banks and study guides are available for purchase. Make sure any materials you use cover the current Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights sections rather than the GMAT format retired in 2024.

Combine targeted review of weaker skills with timed practice questions and periodic full-length exams. Review your answers carefully to understand why each response was correct or incorrect. Students may also find tutoring or preparation resources through a college career center, academic support office or business school advising office.

What Is the GRE?

The GRE General Test, administered by ETS, is used in admissions to some graduate, business and law programs. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.

The exam includes three subject areas:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

The GRE General Test is computer-based and may be taken at an authorized test center or at home where that option is available.

Some master’s in law, legal studies, and related graduate programs accept or require GRE scores, while many have test-optional or test-free admissions policies. Applicants should review the current requirements for each program before registering for the exam.

Fast Facts About the GRE

GRE Cost: $220 in most locations through July 31, 2026. The fee will increase to $249 for registrations completed on or after August 1, 2026. Fees may differ in China and India.

GRE Length: Approximately one hour and 58 minutes.

GRE Format: Computer-delivered.

GRE Sections: The GRE General Test includes five sections:

• Analytical Writing: One section with one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task
• Verbal Reasoning: Two sections
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections

An additional unscored or research section may occasionally be included.

GRE Scores: Test takers receive three scores:

• Verbal Reasoning: 130 to 170
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130 to 170
• Analytical Writing: 0 to 6

How to Prepare for the GRE

Start by reviewing the current GRE General Test format and the official GRE Information Bulletin, which explains registration, testing policies and what to expect on test day. Then take a practice test to establish a baseline score and create a study plan based on your target programs, available preparation time and areas for improvement.

ETS offers free and paid GRE preparation materials, including sample questions, math review materials, study guides and online courses. Its free POWERPREP resources include one untimed and one timed full-length practice test. Additional official practice tests are available for purchase.

Use practice results to focus on weaker verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing skills, and complete timed practice periodically to track progress. Students may also find tutoring or preparation support through a college career center, academic support office, or graduate advising office.

GRE vs GMAT: What Are the Differences?

GRE

• Length: Approximately one hour and 58 minutes
• Cost: $220 in most locations through July 31, 2026; $249 for registrations completed on or after August 1, 2026
• Format: Computer-delivered

Five Sections:

• Analytical Writing: One section
• Verbal Reasoning: Two sections
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections

Number of Essays: One

For Whom: Applicants to graduate, business, and some law programs

GMAT

• Length: Two hours and 15 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break
• Cost: $275 at a U.S. test center or $300 for the online exam
• Format: Computer-delivered

Three Sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning: One section
• Verbal Reasoning: One section
• Data Insights: One section

Number of Essays: None

For Whom: Applicants to MBA programs and other graduate management programs

Which Test Should Law Students Take?: GRE vs GMAT

It helps to ask yourself the following questions when deciding which exam to prepare for.

What does the admissions office accept?

Review the admissions requirements for every program you plan to apply to before choosing an exam. A program may require the GRE or GMAT, accept either test, make scores optional or not consider standardized test scores at all.

When a program accepts both exams, do not assume they are treated identically. Ask the admissions office whether it recommends one test, publishes score expectations or uses one exam more frequently for scholarships or placement decisions. Choose the exam that meets the requirements of all your prospective programs and best matches your academic strengths.

What are your strengths?

Consider the question types and skills emphasized on each exam. The GRE may suit test takers who are comfortable with vocabulary, sentence completion, reading comprehension and a broad range of quantitative topics, including geometry.

The GMAT may appeal to students who prefer evaluating arguments, solving arithmetic and algebra problems, and interpreting information presented in tables, graphs and multiple sources. Its Data Insights section also includes data sufficiency questions, which ask test takers to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to solve a problem.

Take an official practice test for each exam before deciding. Compare the formats, your baseline scores and the amount of preparation each would require. An academic adviser, admissions counselor or test-preparation professional may also help you evaluate which exam better matches your strengths.

What are your career goals?

Employers in finance or consulting may consider your GMAT score in the recruitment process. Ask contacts in your desired field if test scores were considered in their job application process.