Law Schools That Don’t Require The LSAT (Full List & LSAT Optional)

Do You Have To Take The LSAT To Get Into Law School?

No, you do not technically have to take the LSAT to get admitted into law school. While the LSAT has been a longstanding requirement for most law schools in the United States, an increasing number of schools are offering alternatives.

While most programs still require a standardized metric, the options are shifting. For example, 120+ schools now accept the GRE in place of the LSAT, while the GMAT has become much less common, usually reserved for JD/MBA applicants. Most notably, a small but growing number of schools – including WashU Law and ASU Law (starting in 2026) – have introduced true test-optional pathways where certain applicants may not need to submit any score at all.

Additionally, some schools offer conditional admission programs that do not require any standardized test scores. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each law school you are interested in to determine if the LSAT is necessary for admission.

List Of Law Schools That Don’t Require LSAT Scores (Or Accept GRE/GMAT)

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of law schools that offer admission without requiring an LSAT score. In most cases, you will still need to submit a GRE score or complete the JD-Next pathway. A few select schools have even moved to a “Test-Optional” model for high-achieving applicants (but this is highly specific – check the school’s official website before applying).

💡 Pro-Tip: Many schools on this list are “LSAT Optional” because they accept JD-Next. This is a newer pathway (formally approved for 2026) where you take an 8-week online mini-law course and an exam. It’s an ideal path for students who excel in actual law school coursework but may struggle with the abstract logic of the LSAT.

National Top-Tier Programs

• Harvard Law School (GRE)

• Yale Law School (GRE)

• Stanford Law School (GRE)

• University of Chicago Law School (GRE)

• Columbia Law School (GRE)

• University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (GRE, GMAT)

• New York University School of Law (GRE)

• University of Virginia School of Law (GRE, GMAT)

• Duke University School of Law (GRE)

• Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (GRE)

• University of Michigan Law School (GRE)

• UC Berkeley Law (GRE)

• UCLA School of Law (GRE)

• Cornell Law School (GRE)

• Georgetown University Law Center (GRE, GMAT, JD-Next, Test-Optional)

National & Flagship Regional Programs

• Washington University in St. Louis (GRE, JD-Next, Test-Optional)

• Texas A&M University School of Law (GRE, JD-Next, Test-Optional)

• Arizona State University O’Connor College of Law (GRE, JD-Next, Test-Optional)

• Vanderbilt University Law School (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Arizona Rogers College of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• George Washington University Law School (GRE, GMAT, JD-Next, Test-Optional)

• Emory University School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Georgia School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Florida Levin College of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• Fordham University School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Wisconsin Law School (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Maryland Carey School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Kansas School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• St. John’s University School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Texas at Austin School of Law (GRE)

• University of Iowa College of Law (GRE)

• Wake Forest University School of Law (GRE)

• Boston University School of Law (GRE)

• UC Irvine School of Law (GRE)

• University of Colorado Law School (GRE)

• University at Buffalo School of Law (GRE)

• University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Dayton School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• Suffolk University Law School (GRE, JD-Next)

• University of Baltimore School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• CUNY School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• Pace University Haub School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• California Western School of Law (GRE, JD-Next)

• Southwestern Law School (GRE)

Although these schools do not require the LSAT for the 2026 cycle, most still require a standardized alternative – typically the GRE or the JD-Next exam. A small number of programs also accept the GMAT. Always verify current testing policies on each school’s official website, as requirements can change.

Do Online Law Schools Require The LSAT Or Can I Study Law Online With No LSAT?

Online law schools vary in their requirements, but many do not require the LSAT for admission. Some online law schools may accept other standardized tests like the GRE, while others have more flexible admissions criteria that focus on work experience, academic performance, and personal statements.

Since online law schools tend to cater to non-traditional students who may be working professionals or have other commitments, these programs often have different admission requirements compared to traditional law schools. It’s essential to research the specific admission requirements of each online law school you are interested in to determine if the LSAT (or any other standardized test) is necessary.

Reasons Not To Take The LSAT

There are several reasons why you may want to consider skipping the LSAT and instead rely on other admission factors to help you get accepted into law school.

Save Time and Money: Bypassing the LSAT eliminates months of prep and testing fees. However, if you are only skipping it because of the time, consider that modern prep has changed. High-efficiency platforms like Blueprint LSAT use adaptive AI to target your weaknesses, which can cut study time significantly compared to old-school methods.

Reduce Stress and Pressure: Standardized tests like the LSAT can be stressful and intimidating. Skipping the LSAT can help reduce the pressure on aspiring law students and allow them to approach the admissions process with more confidence.

Highlight Other Strengths: For students who may not perform well on standardized tests, skipping the LSAT allows them to highlight other strengths in their application, such as academic achievements, work experience, or extracurricular activities.

Focus on Relevant Skills: Some aspiring law students may feel that the LSAT does not accurately measure their ability to succeed in law school or as a legal professional. By skipping the LSAT, they can focus on showcasing skills and qualities that are more relevant to their future career.

Reasons You Should Take The LSAT

Similarly, there are several reasons why you should definitely consider taking the LSAT to help round out your law school application.

Wider Selection of Schools: Taking the LSAT opens up a wider range of law schools to consider, including those that require the LSAT as part of their admissions criteria. This broader selection allows you to choose a law school that aligns more closely with your academic goals, career aspirations, and preferred learning environment.

Predictor of Law School Success: The LSAT is designed to assess skills that are considered important for success in law school, such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Doing well on the LSAT can indicate your potential to perform well in law school, and boost your confidence.

Competitive Advantage: A strong LSAT score can set you apart from other applicants and improve your chances of being admitted to your desired law schools. It can demonstrate your academic abilities and dedication to pursuing a legal career.

Scholarship Opportunities: Many law schools offer scholarships based on LSAT scores. A high LSAT score can make you eligible for merit-based scholarships, which can help offset the cost of your legal education.

Personal Growth: The process of studying for and taking the LSAT can be personally enriching. It can help you improve your critical thinking skills, time management abilities, and perseverance, which are qualities that can benefit you in various aspects of your life.

LSAT Format Update: As of August 2024, the LSAT has been streamlined. Logic Games have been completely removed, replaced by a second Logical Reasoning section. This change makes the exam much more accessible for students who previously struggled with the “analytical” puzzles, potentially making the LSAT a better option than the GRE for many applicants.