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Hi y'all! I read your discussion on GRE for application but just wonder what do you all think about whether GRE or LSAT might be better for me. I majored in Biology and had a high uGPA (3.9+). People say STEM majors tend to have an advantage in GRE. What if I take both and apply with a 25th percentile LSAT for Columbia but a high GRE verbal (168-169 out of 170)?
Thanks in advance!
Comments
You're on an LSAT forum. I have a feeling you know what the resounding answer here will be...
With that said, take the LSAT. It's still the status quo. Almost everyone matriculating at top schools is relying on the LSAT even though a few schools are accepting the GRE.
If you're going to take the LSAT, don't bother with the GRE. Just put all of your time into getting an above median LSAT. If you can pull a 99th percentile GRE, you can pull a 99th percentile LSAT. It's a very learnable test
I come from a mixed STEM/humanities background and didn't find STEM to be a handicap on the LSAT—in fact, it was probably a positive factor in being able to grasp the formal logic at the core of the arguments in LR and the setup for LG.
We don’t have enough information to say “take the GRE” yet. It’s just too risky. The LSAT is a winnable, tried and true method for admission at top schools.
This
Also this.
I feel like applying to law school with a GRE is a less streamlined process right now. Just try the LSAT. A 3.9 in BIO, you're probably smart enough to do well on it.
Interesting to consider taking both though... I can't imagine an admissions officer giving anyone an advantage for applying with both and I think a law school would ignore the GRE given a choice between the two. But I have no idea.
I took both... then called around to the T20ish schools that were accepting the GRE, and at least a few months ago when I did this, they said they were looking for GRE scores in the top 3-5% on EVERY section V/Q/AWA to be competitive, and they did not express a stated preference for the verbal over the quant section, so take that as you will.
LSAT. The GRE is something you can entertain later on down the road should you decide to get a dual degree. Most schools allow you to apply while you are in your first year or even afterwards.
The LSAT. Also will note that your experience in STEM fields may help you with the lsat as well; specifically with logic games and formulaic LR.
Personally found my Biology background to be an advantage on the LSAT, particularly the reading comp. section for all the science passages. However, I agree with other posters that if you are going for a dual degree then take the GRE.
I'd say... try em both. It can't hurt. See what you tend to lean towards, and then choose what to submit. If you do both, you can always send both (good/great) scores to the admissions team. I recommend seeing how ya do on both, honestly.