The LSAT may become optional soon. Although if finalized, this may not actually take effect for several years.
It is never too soon, though to start thinking about your test-taking options. If you ultimately have the choice, should you still take the LSAT? Or the GRE? Or not take any standardized test at all?
The LSAT
I do not personally think the LSAT is completely going away any time soon. Law school admissions offices seem to rely on and value the information test scores provide, for the most part. If you have not already done so, you can take a practice LSAT, see what the test is like, and see how you fare on a practice test.
If you go to the Law School Admissions Council’s website, or the Khan Academy online, you can see what the test is like. LSAC has some sample tests and the Khan Academy has free LSAT prep. If you like word problems, analytical games, reading comprehension, and have good analytical skills, you might find the LSAT to be a good fit for your skills.
The GRE
Some law schools have started to accept the GRE in lieu of the LSAT, and more and more law schools have signed up for the option in recent years. For a list of law schools that accept GRE scores for their JD Programs, go to the Educational Testing Service, www.ets.org for a list of schools and more information about the GRE. The GRE is a very widely available test, which is offered frequently.
If you were comfortable with the ACT or SAT, you might relate to the type of questions and skills tested on the GRE. It tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. In addition, if you are applying to both graduate schools and law schools, you may be able to use the GRE scores for both types of schools. As of this writing, approximately 100 law schools accept the GRE.
Going Test-Optional
If the LSAT does become test-optional, should you take a standardized test at all?
Whether it is the LSAT or the GRE, you might eventually have that option. Think about the other elements of your application. Is your GPA strong? Do you have at least two people who could write your recommendations? A comprehensive resume? A well-written personal statement?
If you are not applying to law school for several years, you can work on all of the other components of your application. If the LSAT becomes test optional and you choose not to take it, you can make the remaining parts of the application as strong as possible.
Whether you ultimately choose to take it or not or to report scores or not, it is always nice to have options. I am in favor of anything that creates more options and potentially less stress for students applying to law school.
Hillary Mantis consults with pre-law students, law students and lawyers. She is Assistant Dean of the Pre-law Advising Program at Fordham University and author of Alternative Careers for Lawyers. Admissions questions? You can write to Hillary at altcareer@aol.com.
