[COLOR=#red]To add to the entrance exam discussion...I've actually taken three of them. Taken the LSAT twice, the GMAT, and the GRE. By far the LSAT was the most difficult, then the GMAT, then the GRE. Neither of these tests are unconquerable with proper preparation. 3-4 months of disciplined/structured study and you'll ace them...just thatba lot of times people don't put the work in to do well on them.
How important are they? Good question... Can I get accepted into good programs without high scores? Again another good question. To answer the first question they are important but not for thw reasons you might think...they don't necessarily predict your future success in the schools you are applying to and the careers you look forward to. They just show how well you take non-specific non-subject matter standardized exams (the MCAT is the exception because it's more subject matter related). I'd argue that GPA is a better indicator because it in a way shows how much you put into your studies over a long period of time.
So can you get accepted into a good program without an outstanding score? Absolutely you can and it depends on other factors like GPA, how compelling of a personal statement you write, accomplishments in your field of study and extracurriculars. My GRE was s***y yet still Columbia University an Ivy League school recruited me for one of their grad programs. I emailed the faculty and let them know straight up my GRE sucked..but but they said my overall profile is what they were interested in and not to worry about my GRE. Heck I even had one school (ECU) say that they would waive the GRE if they needed to do so. I got a deferred decision for U of Michigan School of Law in 2008 with a super low 142 LSAT
score and waitlisted at Washington and Lee law school which at the time was top 25.
What does all that mean? It means never count yourself out...don't eliminate yourself, let them eliminate you...meaning if there's a school or program you are interested in then go for it but don't "not" apply because you don't think you have a shot. Also strengthen other parts of your application if you know your scores aren't as competitive as they need to be, or if all else fails take your time and study then take the test again...doing better the next time and reapplying shows dedication, perseverance, and the ability to improve which schools LOVE.
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