What is a Good LSAT Score? Your Guide to Success

If you’re here, you’re seriously thinking about law school, and you’ve probably heard all kinds of stories about the LSAT. Maybe you’ve heard it’s tough (it is), or that it’s the main gatekeeper for law school admission (also true). Of course, a big issue will be getting a good LSAT score.

Currently, the average LSAT score is around 153, though just aiming for “average” might not cut it, depending on where you want to go. And with the number of applicants on the rise every year, “average” may not cut it at all.

So what is a good LSAT score, and what should you aim for? Let me break it down for you and hopefully set you up for success.

Key Takeaways

• LSAT Scoring Scale: The LSAT is scored between 120 and 180, with higher scores giving you a better shot at competitive law schools
• Score Meaning Depends on Goals: What counts as a “good” LSAT score really depends on where you want to go.
• Typical Median Score: The median LSAT score is around 152, so landing above that gives you an advantage over many other test takers
• Top Schools Want Top Scores: Most top law schools want to see LSAT scores above 160, and schools like Yale or Harvard look for scores in the 170s
• Admissions Powerhouse: Your LSAT score is one of the most important parts of your law school application and can even outweigh your GPA

Why LSAT Scores Matter

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the only standardized test accepted by every American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school, meaning there’s no way to avoid it if you want to get into law school in the U.S. The test itself is designed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), and its purpose is to measure your skills in reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning.

Here’s a fun fact: According to LSAC, about 100,000 test takers sit for the LSAT each year, but only about 0.1% of them score a perfect 180.

So, if you’re also wondering if the LSAT is hard, I think this answers that question! And I’m not saying don’t try to aim for 180, but perhaps have some realistic expectations.

What Is the LSAT Score Range?

Before you can figure out what makes a good LSAT score, you need to know what kind of numbers you’re dealing with.

The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120, which is the lowest possible score, up to 180, the highest you can achieve. After you take the test, your raw score—basically the number of questions you get right—is converted into a scaled score. Most test takers end up falling somewhere in the middle, with the average LSAT score landing between 150 and 152, although the average has recently bumped up to 153.

But law schools are looking at more than just a good LSAT score. They’re also looking at your percentile ranking, which shows how your score stacks up against everyone else who took the test. So if you have a dream school in mind, I suggest you check out the LSAT score range for their most recent incoming class, so that you can tailor your goals. This isn’t a guessing game—the more research you do, the better you can aim.

How Do Law Schools Use Your LSAT Scores?

By now, you’re probably wondering how much weight your LSAT score carries in the admissions process. The answer is: a lot. While your undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and letters of recommendation all matter, your LSAT is often the single most important piece. This is partially because the same standards measure every applicant, creating a level playing field for admissions. And based on that, law schools will use LSAT scores to compare candidates and create an academic profile. They may even use it to determine who gets scholarship money.

If your goal is a top law school, the ones often called the T14, you’ll usually need a score well above 170 to be seriously considered. Mid-tier schools are generally looking for scores in the 155 to 165 range, while lower-ranked or regional schools may be happy with scores close to or just above the median. So if you’re only aiming for one of those lower-ranked schools, then an average or median score may be enough for you. But it’s still not a guarantee, you’re still competing for a spot.

Bottom line on your score—it can open doors, shut them, or make it really hard to squeeze through them.

What Is a “Good” LSAT Score?

Getting to the heart of the question, what really is a good LSAT score? Honestly, it depends on you and your goals. Here’s a breakdown:

For Top Law Schools

Schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford want to see scores above 170.

Even if your GPA isn’t perfect, a strong LSAT score can help balance your application.

For Most Law Schools

Many ABA-accredited law schools have a median score between 155 and 160.

Scoring in this range puts you in a solid position for admission at a wide variety of schools.

For Scholarships

The higher your LSAT score, the better your chances of getting merit scholarships.

Some schools offer scholarships to anyone with a score above their median.

For Passing, or the “Threshold”

A score of 150 is right around the average for all test takers.

Note that some schools may accept students with scores in the 140s, but it’s rare for accredited (ABA) law schools.

For the best chance, aim for a score above 160. Trust me, having a good LSAT score gives you more choices—and less stress—when it’s time to decide where to go.

How Can You Figure Out Your Target Score?

Here’s my recommendation. First, make a list of law schools you’re interested in. Then, look up the median LSAT scores for those schools’ most recent classes. Your target should be at or above that number for your top choices. Remember, while the LSAT isn’t the only thing law schools care about, it’s definitely one of the most important. If you want to see up-to-date score ranges and percentiles, the official LSAC site is a great resource.

Tips for Getting a Good LSAT Score

Your score isn’t just about how smart you are—it’s about how you prepare and strategize. So start with a timed diagnostic test under real conditions. Trust me, that will give you a sense of the reality you are about to face, and will highlight your strengths and weaknesses. After that, focus on the main LSAT sections using the official practice questions from the LSAC or other trusted resources. This will help you get used to the test’s style.

Another big thing is time management, so practice under timed conditions as much as possible. Don’t just take test after test, though—review your mistakes carefully so you know where to improve. With the right kind of practice, it’s not unusual to see your score jump by 10–20 points from your first go at the diagnostic test.

If you want to break things down into steps, here’s a quick plan:

• Take a diagnostic test to find your baseline.
• Focus your LSAT prep on the sections where you score lowest.
• Use only official questions and full-length practice exams.
• Make reviewing your mistakes a non-negotiable part of your study routine.

With dedication and the right strategy, you’ll be much closer to hitting your LSAT goals—and opening the door to the law school you really want.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about law school, knowing what a good LSAT score is will help you plan and strategize. Remember, a good score is one that gets you into the school you want, with the benefits—like maybe a scholarship!—you’re hoping for. So take some time to research, set a target, and use that as motivation to prep smart and aim high.

FAQs