Good LSAT Score: Gateway to Top Law Schools
Law school dreams often hinge on a single number: your LSAT score. While a perfect 180 might seem like the ultimate target, only a handful of test-takers each year achieve a flawless score. The good news? Practice makes perfect, or at least significantly closer. By diligently taking practice tests, honing your analytical skills, and mastering test-taking strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of reaching your target score.
The average LSAT score, however, sits comfortably around 150, and many law schools welcome applicants within this range. Then what is a good LSAT score? How do you identify your target schools’ median LSAT scores that will allow you to tailor your preparation and set realistic goals?
In this blog, we’ll answer these questions, showing you how your LSAT score translates into admission chances. We’ll also reveal proven strategies for boosting your score, from practice tests to expert tips.
What Is a Good LSAT Score Overall?
As per U.S. News, experts in law school admissions suggest aiming for a minimum score of 150, but this isn’t enough for competitive applicants aiming for top-choice schools. The LSAT is scored from 120 to 180, reflecting your performance on 73 to 78 questions.
Many top law schools largely admit students above the 90th percentile (top 10%), requiring scores in the 160s or 170s. While precise scores vary by test, the LSAT translates raw scores into percentiles.
The following table, sourced from the LSAC, offers a general idea of percentiles and scaled scores for LSATs between 2014 and 2017.
| Percentile | LSAT Scaled Score |
|---|---|
| 99.9 | 180 |
| 99.6 | 175 |
| 97.5 | 170 |
| 91.7 | 165 |
| 80.1 | 160 |
| 63.4 | 155 |
| 44.7 | 150 |
| 26.8 | 145 |
| 13.6 | 140 |
| 5.7 | 135 |
| 2 | 130 |
| 0.6 | 125 |
| 0 | 120 |
What Is a Good LSAT Score Based on Your Target Law Schools?
According to the LSAC, with over 50,000 students taking the LSAT annually, it’s important to understand how your score stacks up. Your post-test LSAT percentiles tell you how your performance compares to other test-takers from the past three years, providing a crucial benchmark.
But what is a “good” LSAT score? The answer simply depends on your target school. For instance, are you aiming for a top-10 law school? You’ll most likely need a stellar score. However, numerous excellent law schools welcome students with a wider range of scores.
So, before starting your LSAT prep, decide on your target schools. Many law schools publish the median LSAT scores of their admitted students on their websites. Use this information to gauge your competitiveness at each institution. Additionally, take practice tests to get a realistic understanding of your potential score. Your school list should be a balanced blend of the following:
- Reach schools: Push your boundaries with a few top-choice schools, even if their median scores exceed yours.
- Match schools: These schools have median scores closely aligned with your LSAT and GPA, offering a strong possibility of acceptance.
- Safety schools: Choose a couple of schools where your scores significantly exceed the median, increasing your chances of admission.
| Do you know? The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) reported that nearly 60,000 students took the LSAT in 2022, with only 119 scoring a perfect 180. Additionally, around one-third of test-takers landed within 5 points of the average score. |
Good LSAT Scores for the Top 10 Law Schools
Top-ranked law schools consistently receive applications from students with outstanding LSAT scores. In 2020, the Internet Legal Research Group reported that Harvard, Yale, and Columbia each boasted a 25th percentile LSAT score of 170. This translates to nearly all admitted students scoring in the 98th percentile or higher on the standardized test.
To provide a broader perspective on LSAT scores across the top ten law schools, consider the following table sourced from the ILRG, which details the 25th and 75th percentile scores for admitted students in 2020:
| Law School | LSAT Low | LSAT Median | LSAT High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 170 | 173 | 175 |
| Yale University | 170 | 173 | 176 |
| Columbia University | 170 | 172 | 174 |
| Stanford University | 169 | 171 | 174 |
| U. of Chicago | 167 | 171 | 173 |
| New York University | 167 | 170 | 172 |
| U. of Pennsylvania | 164 | 170 | 171 |
| Duke University | 167 | 169 | 170 |
| Northwestern University | 164 | 169 | 170 |
| University of Virginia | 163 | 169 | 171 |
Does the LSAT Unscored Writing Sample Matter?
While the LSAT’s 35-minute writing section isn’t scored and doesn’t impact your overall score, it still holds substantial weight in law school applications. Unlike previous handwritten versions, these typed essays are directly sent to admissions committees, offering a direct glimpse into your writing skills and critical thinking under pressure.
Don’t dismiss the writing sample as inconsequential. While it won’t single-handedly make or break your application, a sloppy or poorly reasoned essay can raise red flags, potentially overshadowing your otherwise strong profile. Conversely, a well-structured, logical, and grammatically sound piece can reinforce your academic capabilities and leave a positive impression on admissions officers.
4 Must-Follow Tips to Improve Your LSAT Score
Whether you’re a first-timer or aiming for a higher score, these tips can help you ace the LSAT exam.
Chart Your Course
Months of preparation are key to LSAT success. Design a study schedule, blocking out dedicated time slots. Start by taking a practice test to gauge your baseline. Then, choose study resources that suit your needs and schedule, like LSAT prep books or courses. Continuously monitor your progress through practice tests. Identify your weakest areas and focus on boosting them. Remember, identifying your strengths can also reveal opportunities for improvement.
Practice Makes Perfect
LSAT practice tests are your best source to improve. They familiarize you with the test’s format, timing, and difficulty level, serving as essential benchmarks for your progress. Wondering, ‘Is the LSAT hard‘ LSAC offers four official free practice tests on their website—the closest you can get to the real deal.
On the Test Day
Time management and smart strategies are crucial for test-day success. Monitor your time, utilize techniques like eliminating wrong answers, and solve challenging questions later. If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and switch to a different question. Also, a good night’s sleep and a quick snack during the break can work wonders.
Retake the LSAT
If you are not happy with your score, you can retake the LSAT up to three times per year. Most test-takers see improvement on their second attempt. However, law schools will see all your scores. Before retaking, analyze what impacted your previous score. Was it insufficient preparation? Test-day issues? Develop a plan to address these factors and ensure stronger performance.
Elevate your LSAT score with these essential tips and maximize your preparation with Yocket’s assistance.
From the Desk of Yocket
The average LSAT score is around 150, and the median is also around 150. Scoring above this puts you in the upper half of test-takers. Higher percentile ranks are generally more desirable. For example, a score of 160 puts you in the 75th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 75% of test-takers. Top-ranked law schools typically require scores in the 160s or 170s, while less competitive schools may accept scores in the 140s or 150s.
A “good” LSAT score depends on your specific target schools. If you aim for top-tier schools, a score in the 160s+ score is recommended. However, if your aspirations are different, a lower score might still be sufficient. Additionally, consider your other application strengths, like your GPA, personal statement, and extracurriculars. A high LSAT can compensate for weaker areas, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the LSAT score calculated?
Your LSAT score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly in the multiple-choice sections. There’s no penalty for guessing, so it’s always better to attempt an answer than leave a blank. The writing section is scored separately on a scale of 1-6.
Can I retake the LSAT?
Yes, you can retake the LSAT as many times as you want. Law schools will typically consider all your scores, but some may give more weight to your most recent attempt.
How is the LSAT scored?
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with higher scores indicating better performance. The score is based on your performance in five sections: Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and two Writing sections.