University of Arizona James E. Rodgers College of Law Opens Admissions to GRE Test Takers

The University of Arizona James E. Rodgers College of Law has opened admissions to GRE test takers. The James E. Rodgers College of Law will become the first law school in the nation to make such a change. Before this change, it was necessary for any prospective law student to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Now, an alternative path has been opened to individuals interested in attending law school.

Economic studies have revealed that attending law school increases individuals earning potential by an average of $1,000,000 over the course of their life. The chance to attend law school has the potential to be a life-changing opportunity for many individuals.

The decision to allow GRE test takers to apply to the University of Arizona Law School came following a study conducted in December by Educational Testing Service. It revealed that success on the GRE was a valid and reliable predictor of an individual’s success in law school and thus on the bar exam.

“We believe the goals of excellence and diversity in legal education and in the profession will be better achieved if the LSAT is not the only standardized test used by law schools. By using the GRE test, which is accepted by thousands of graduate and professional degree programs, from biochemistry to public policy to philosophy, we are able to consider qualified applicants from more diverse backgrounds.” said Dean Marc Miller

This decision has not been universally met with enthusiasm. Many individuals in the legal profession believe that by accepting the GRE, the overall quality of practicing lawyers will be negatively affected. The argument goes, “If applicants cannot achieve success on the LSAT, perhaps they are not truly qualified applicants.”