Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT in 2024

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 12/12/23

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Are you considering attending law school but are worried about the LSAT? This article will examine law schools that don’t require LSAT scores and how to get into them.

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Becoming a professional in the legal field can be both rewarding and stressful. This profession can offer many benefits, such as job stability, great pay, and benefits. However, an unavoidable part of getting into law school is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). 

Law schools are notorious for being extremely difficult to get into with extensive application requirements, such as LSAT scores. However, some law schools are now waiving the test. Let’s take a look at law schools to consider if you’re not planning to take the LSAT.

Complete List of Law Schools that Do Not Require the LSAT

Don’t want to take the LSAT? Consider applying to these law schools that don’t require it. 

• Harvard Law School*
• Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law*
• Georgetown University Law Center*
• University of Iowa College of Law*
• University of Wisconsin Law School*
• Wake Forest University School of Law*
• St. John's University School of Law*
• University of Maryland Carey School of Law*
• University of Hawai'i at Mānoa - William S. Richardson School of Law*
• Yale Law School*
• Columbia Law School*
• New York University School of Law*
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law*
• University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School*
• University of Virginia School of Law*
• University of Chicago Law School*
• Cornell Law School*
• Duke University School of Law*
• Stanford Law School*
• University of Southern California Gould School of Law*
• George Washington University Law School*
• University of Texas at Austin School of Law*
• University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law*
• Washington University in St. Louis School of Law*
• Emory University School of Law*
• University of Florida Levin College of Law*
• Boston University School of Law*
• University of California, Irvine School of Law*
• Fordham University School of Law*
• University at Buffalo School of Law*
• Texas A&M University School of Law*
• University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law*
• University of Dayton School of Law*
• University of Massachusetts School of Law**
• Suffolk University Law School*
• University of Akron School of Law*
• University of Baltimore School of Law*
• New England Law | Boston*
• Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law*
• California Western School of Law*
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law*
• Western State College of Law*

*: For these schools, the LSAT isn't "required" if the applicant submits GRE or GMAT scores instead.

**: These schools do not require the LSAT at all.

How to Get Into Law School Without the LSAT 

Below, we’ll outline a few tips on how to get ready for law school without the LSAT.

Complete Your SAT/ACT

Since some law schools do not require the LSAT, they might highly regard an applicant’s SAT/ACT score. It’s important to note that not all law schools look at an applicant’s SAT/ACT score. For example, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, allows the SAT/ACT.

Obtain Your Bachelor’s Degree with a High GPA

Every law school in the U.S. and Canada requires an applicant to have an undergraduate degree. While there's no specific field that you must study to obtain your degree, a high GPA will strengthen your application.

If you plan on applying to one of the top 10 law schools in the U.S., a low GPA won’t cut it—you’ll need to aim for a 4.0 GPA. However, if you want to apply to any law school outside the top 10, you should aim for at least a 3.5 GPA. 

Law schools are extremely competitive. You must obtain a high GPA and build an impressive application to enter your dream law school and complete your JD.  

Complete the GRE

Many law schools offer students the option to take the GRE instead of the LSAT. The GRE is a general standardized test that applicants take for graduate school. To ensure you do well on the GRE, applicants should take practice tests, assess their results, and consider using expert GRE prep! 

Complete the GMAT

A couple of law schools accept the GMAT for their law school admissions. Typically, the GMAT is used to obtain your MBA, and some law schools allow a dual degree in law and an MBA. So, if you want to obtain a law degree and an MBA, you should practice and take the GMAT.

Complete the JD-Next

JD-Next is a new law school admissions test that includes an eight-week online prep course followed by a final exam. Unlike traditional standardized tests, JD-Next focuses on legal reasoning and comprehension by involving students in law school-style learning.

Create a Stellar Personal Statement

Another way to make your application stand out with an LSAT score is to write a compelling personal statement that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee! 

This statement will serve as a window into your character, highlighting your passion for justice, critical thinking, and the depth of your commitment to the field. Ensure you give yourself ample time to craft a reflective yet concise essay and show off your strong writing skills!

Should You Take the LSAT Anyway?

Considering how difficult the LSAT is, you should carefully consider if it's worthwhile to write it. The LSAT has always been the hurdle law school applicants must overcome to reach their goals. Although many respected schools no longer need the LSAT, does that mean you should avoid it, too?

The short answer is you should at least give it a chance. According to the American Bar Association, law schools only admit 10% of an entering class without needing a standardized test. This means that if you’re applying to law school without an LSAT score, the odds could certainly be stacked against you.

If you're in a position to take the LSAT, then you should. Most law schools still require it, and those who don't probably have a high volume of applicants applying without it. If you don't do well, you don't have to submit it and can apply using the alternative method mentioned below.

While the absence of an LSAT requirement might be a major deciding factor in choosing the right law school, ensure you also consider the program itself, its resources and opportunities, and its location!

FAQs

Hopefully, this article was helpful to you. If you still have some questions, you’ll find some frequently asked questions down below. 

1. Can You Apply to Law School Without an LSAT Score?

Yes, you can. Many law schools in the U.S. (including prestigious ones) don’t have an LSAT requirement. However, they require the GRE, an exam taken to apply to grad school. If you’re not keen on writing the dreaded LSAT, consider adding these schools to your list of top choices!

2. Do You Need LSAT to Get Into Law School?

Although many schools still require their students to submit LSAT scores, more and more schools are moving away from this requirement.

3. Are There Any Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT?

Yes, some law schools have chosen not to make LSAT scores a mandatory part of their admission criteria. Instead, they consider other factors like GPA, work experience, or alternative standardized tests.

4. Which Law School Is Less Competitive to Get Into?

Some of the least competitive law schools in the United States include Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Southern University Law Center, and Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. However, there are no law schools that are easy to get into.

5. Why Are Some Law Schools Not Requiring the LSAT Anymore?

Certain law schools have made the LSAT optional because they believe it doesn't provide a complete picture of an applicant's potential for success in law school or the legal profession. They prefer a holistic approach that considers various aspects of an applicant's background.

6. Will the LSAT No Longer Be Required After 2025?

The ABA's Council is currently thinking about whether to remove the rule that makes the LSAT or similar tests necessary for law school admissions. They believe it could give schools more freedom and encourage new admission methods, but they're also listening to concerns from law school deans and others. As of now, the LSAT is still required for 2025 admissions, but keep an eye out for updates from the ABA and law schools regarding any changes.

7. Are Law Schools Getting Rid of the LSAT Altogether?

Some law schools have made the LSAT optional, but not all of them have eliminated it from their admissions process. The use of the LSAT can vary between different institutions, so it's wise to research the admission requirements of each law school you're interested in.

Final Thoughts

No longer requiring the LSAT is an innovative way for law schools to attract new applicants. If you would prefer to apply to law schools that don’t require the LSAT, you can feel confident knowing there are excellent schools out there that will allow you to apply immediately with only your GRE scores!

Allowing students who have already taken the GRE to apply to law school will help eliminate the additional time, money, and stress that comes with taking the LSAT.