GRE's Fundamental Reforms Pose a Challenge for Law Schools

Introduction:


When the GRE entered the law school application process, it promised to disrupt the LSAT's longstanding monopoly. Recognizing the limitations of the LSAT, such as in-person testing and a lack of cross-disciplinary application, schools, and prospective students saw an opportunity for change. However, the recent announcement of fundamental reforms by the GRE may make law schools reconsider the weight they place on the exam. While the differences may benefit students, they present challenges for law schools, raising questions about the relevance of certain sections and the comparability to the LSAT.

Shorter and Faster:

The GRE's reforms aim to make the test shorter and deliver results more quickly, addressing concerns raised by test-takers. The new format promises results in less than ten days, a significant improvement. Craig Harman of Kaplan's GRE test prep programs believes these changes will benefit students, but what about law schools? While shorter tests are generally welcomed, law schools need to consider the impact of these changes on evaluating a student's ability to "Analyze an Argument," a section that critics find valuable.

Today, ETS announced that beginning this September, the GRE General Test will take less than two hours to complete – roughly half the time of the current test. This makes the GRE General Test the shortest and most efficient test among top professional, business and law school admissions test options. The shorter GRE test will continue to provide test takers and institutions with the same valid and reliable scores they have always counted on from ETS. Registration for the shorter test is now open for test dates beginning September 22, 2023.

A Square Peg in a Round Hole:

For law schools, the GRE has always been a bit of an anomaly, raising questions about its relevance in assessing future law students. With the removal of the argument analysis aspect and reduced reading comprehension, admissions officers may need more information to consider when comparing GRE scores to standard LSAT results. While the GRE still serves as a test of general aptitude, law schools face challenges reconciling the changes with their admissions processes.

Looking Ahead:

Although these reforms seem favorable for the GRE in most disciplines, the law school market presents a unique situation. While the test still holds value as an alternative to the LSAT and an assessment of general aptitude, law schools may need to navigate the new format's impact on evaluating critical skills. As more details emerge, it remains to be seen how law schools will adapt to these changes and strike a balance between the GRE and the LSAT in their admissions considerations.