How To Apply To Law School With The GRE

How To Apply To Law School With The GRE

Applying to law school with your LSAT score is generally straight forward and a one-stop-shop within LSAC. Applying to law school with your GRE, however, can be more complicated. Applying to law school with a GRE score is relatively new, but many institutions are accepting this form of standardized tests (about 1/3 of schools accept the GRE, including Harvard!).  Follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply to law school with the GRE for guidance!

How To Apply To Law School With The GRE

Step #1: Make an ETS Account.

To apply to law school with the GRE, you must first create an account on ETS.org.  Creating an account will allow you to choose testing dates and view your scores, among many other options. Be sure to remember that you must be very cautious about getting your name and information correct while setting up your account. To get you started, here is a step by step video guide of how to create your ETS Account.

Step #2: Determine which Schools you Want to Receive your Score.

When it comes time to register for your GRE testing day, you must supply ETS with the schools you wish to report your scores to. You can report up to four at that time. If you wish to report your test score at a later date or to more than four institutions, you can do so for an extra fee. To avoid an unnecessary fee, be prepared with where you plan to apply to law school when you begin GRE registration.

Note, however, that even though the ETS website allows you to pick and choose which schools you send your GRE score to, most law schools require that you send them all of your scores. You do not get to select which scores they will see and which they will not! Make sure your actions are in compliance with both the ETS and law school admissions requirements.

Step #3: Register for the GRE.

To begin, be sure to review the GRE registration checklist so you don’t miss anything along the way. Further, a significant component of registering will involve deciding whether you want to take a computer or paper-delivered test. Take time to reflect on which testing form will give you the best results. Some students are faster with computers. Others may prefer pen to paper methods. Make a decision based on your strengths, and not anyone else’s preference or advice. Additionally, use this time to apply for accommodations you may require for any disabilities. To get you started, here is a step-by-step video guide for the GRE test registration process.

Step #4: Take the GRE.

Before your testing day, take the time to review the Identification Requirements for your exam entry. Read through all ETS website information on what to expect on the testing day, so you are prepared in every way. And most importantly, do the absolute best you can on your GRE!

Step #5: Make and LSAC Account.

Although you may not be taking the LSAT, the LSAC website will be the portal you use to apply to law school. Therefore, make an account when you’re ready to apply. Completing this step while you are waiting on your GRE results will ensure you are ready to go as your test becomes available.

Step #6: Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

The CAS makes it much simpler to apply to law school. Your letters of recommendation, transcripts, and any other documents required for each of your law school applications need only be sent one time to LSAC through the CAS. Be sure to do this as soon as possible, as it takes about two weeks to process transcripts and five days for letters of recommendation once received.

Step #7: Apply to Law School

Using your LSAC account, complete the application for each school you plan to apply for. Although CAS simplifies this process, you still have individual requirements for each school. Be sure every institution you apply to is on track to receive your GRE score from your ETS account. If you haven’t sent your score to a prospective school yet, go to your ETS account to have these sent out as soon as possible and before submitting your application. Once everything is in order, hit send!

Step #8: Good Luck!

It takes a lot to apply to law school. You have endured a long journey comprised of lots of steps, but, nonetheless, you did it! We know waiting for your law school admissions decisions can be a trying and stressful time, but you put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. You should be proud! Take this time to relax and soon enough you will have your answers.