Test-Optional Law Schools That Don't Require LSAT 2025

If you're planning to become a lawyer, you may be thinking about different law schools you may want to attend. You know that the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is typically required, but you're wondering if there are any test-optional colleges offering law degrees.

Keep reading as we provide a list of top law schools that don't require the LSAT. We'll also discuss alternative testing options and address common questions you may have.

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

LSAT requirements can vary by state and by school. However, according to the American Bar Association (ABA), schools are allowed to admit up to 10% of students without any standardized test scores and to seek permission to waive LSAT requirements for up to 100% of students.

With this in mind, many law schools no longer require LSAT scores as a condition of admission. They may consider other exams, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), in place of the LSAT.

Are There Law Schools That Don't Require the GRE?

Most law schools require submission of LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores as part of the admissions process. These schools technically don't require the GRE, but students are expected to complete one of the other acceptable standardized tests.

Schools offering non-ABA-accredited degrees, including the cheapest online JD programs, may not require test scores of any kind, including the GRE. That said, students pursuing a legal education through these programs may not be eligible to practice law outside of their own states after graduation due to accreditation requirements.

Top Test-Optional Law Schools

Many top graduate schools no longer require students to complete prospective law students to complete the LSAT. Let's take a look at some of these test-optional law schools and explore their admissions requirements.

1. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is the oldest private research school in California. Its Gould School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program that accepts either LSAT or GRE scores for consideration.

Students must submit official GRE scores before the deadline for their preferred entrance date. Additional admission requirements include submitting an application and fee, a personal statement, a resume, and up to three letters of recommendation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $69,904 per year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public school in the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan area. It offers both full-time, on-campus and part-time, online JD programs and has one of the most flexible law schools among top universities in the country.

Prospective students can submit either the LSAT or JD-Next scores when seeking admission. Additionally, they should submit official transcripts, a personal statement, and any other required documents with their application. Letters of recommendation are optional.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,562 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a large public school and the flagship campus of the University of Texas System. Its JD program is located on campus and provides relatively easy admission requirements.

Students can submit either LSAT or GRE scores to fulfill test requirements. Two letters of recommendation are also required, along with a short personal statement and resume.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,006 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. New York University

New York University (NYU) is a prestigious private school in New York City. Students can complete a JD program on campus that requires full-time attendance.

Both LSAT and GRE scores are accepted as part of the application process. Students should also submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and any supporting documents they wish to include.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,374 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. University of California - Irvine

The University of California - Irvine is a public school in the large University of California System. Learners applying to its school of law can enroll in a full-time, in-person JD program.

Students must hold a bachelor's degree and submit LSAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission. Short personal statements and essays are also required, along with a resume or CV and official transcripts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,762 per year
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Law School is part of a large private school in Chicago, IL. Its JD program provides various admission and funding options for incoming students.

The school requires a completed application and fee along with test scores, a resume demonstrating work experience, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable). Students can choose whether to submit LSAT or GRE scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $67,200 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private institution located in Washington, D.C. It offers both full-time day and part-time evening JD programs, allowing students to choose the option that works best for them.

In addition to standard application documents such as a resume and letters of recommendation, students can submit supporting documents if desired. The school accepts LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and/or GMAT Focus scores, making it a highly flexible option for incoming students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $61,200 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Duke University

Duke University is a private school located in Durham, NC. It offers a standard three-year JD program, along with various dual degree options.

Students applying to the traditional program can submit either LSAT or GRE scores along with a resume, a personal statement, short-answer essays, transcripts, and optional materials. Dual degree programs may have additional requirements and require separate applications.

• Estimated tuition cost: $65,120 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Florida State University

Florida State University is a large public school in Tallahassee, FL. Its JD program is available on campus and typically takes three years to complete.

Students must submit a resume, personal statement, and residency form as part of their application; letters of recommendation are optional. Though both the LSAT and the GRE are acceptable test scores, students who have taken the LSAT will have only that score considered for admission purposes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,684 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL. This private school offers both JD and combined JD-Master of Laws (LLM) degrees.

A personal statement, standardized test scores, and a resume are all required when applying to these programs. Students can submit either LSAT or GRE scores or both.

• Estimated tuition cost: $53,452
• Accreditation: HLC

Should I Take the LSAT?

Whether or not you decide to take the LSAT may depend on which school you want to attend and which state you live in. Many schools still require the LSAT for the purpose of making an admissions decision, and some states require law students to submit LSAT scores as part of their application process.

The LSAT can sometimes give you an edge even if your school of choice doesn't require it. So, if you're determined to get into one law school in particular, completing the LSAT and scoring well can be beneficial.

That said, many students struggle with the statistical, analytical nature of the LSAT. They may find that they have greater success taking the more generalized GRE or GMAT exams; high scores on these alternate exams can give students a better chance of getting into test-optional schools than low LSAT scores.

FAQs About LSAT-Optional Law Schools

If you still have questions about attending a law school with no LSAT requirements, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can You Be a Lawyer Without Going to Law School?

Yes, in some states, you can become a lawyer without enrolling in law school. These states include Washington, Virginia, California, and Vermont. If you live in one of these states, the laws may reduce how long it takes to become a lawyer by allowing you to enroll in a law office study program instead of law school after obtaining your bachelor's degree.

Are Law Schools Eliminating the LSAT Requirement?

As shown in this article, some law schools have eliminated LSAT requirements since the LSAT is no longer necessary to maintain ABA accreditation. In addition to the schools featured above, others that have removed LSAT requirements include prestigious colleges such as Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Is the GRE Easier Than the LSAT?

The GRE covers a broad spectrum of topics and requires a broad range of skills. The LSAT is more analytical in nature and tests a student's abilities to succeed in a legal profession. Since the GRE is used for general entrance into various graduate school programs, it includes math and vocabulary sections that the LSAT does not.

On the other hand, the LSAT often tests logic, while the GRE does not. One test is not necessarily easier than the other, but some students may prefer to take the GRE over the LSAT because of their own personal academic strengths and weaknesses.

Explore Law Degrees

If you're ready to start pursuing a career in the legal field, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact the admissions department at any of the schools to find out more about their graduate programs and choose the best option for you.