Did you know that a top-tier law school is looking for an LSAT score above 167? A score like that means you’re already ahead of most other examinees! Which is great, but how is the LSAT scored, and what does that number really mean? What’s a raw score, or how does the number convert to a scaled score?
Understanding the process and being able to answer those questions—makes sense. Because it can help you set realistic goals, see how you stack up against other test takers, and maybe even calm your nerves a bit. If you’re ready to make sense of score ranges, percentiles, and what it takes to get into your desired school, keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- Every question counts: Your LSAT score starts as a raw score (the number of questions you get right).
- Scaled scores level the playing field: Your core gets converted to a scaled score that falls between 120 and 180.
- Percentiles matter: The percentile you end up ranking in shows how you stack up against other test takers.
- Score bands and reports: Law school admissions teams can see your scaled score, percentile, and a score band that shows your range.
- Raw score isn’t the whole story: Schools don’t see your raw score—the number of questions you answer correctly. They only see the converted, scaled score.
Understanding the LSAT Scoring System
Let’s break down how the LSAT is scored.
The Basics: Raw Score, Scaled Score, and Score Bands
- Raw score: This is just how the total number of questions you answer correctly is represented. If the test had a total of 75 scored questions and you got 60 of them right, your raw score would be 60.
- Scaled score: Since everyone doesn’t get the same LSAT exam, it can vary in difficulty. So to keep things fair, the raw score gets converted into a scaled score. This is the number you’ll see on your score report, where the lowest possible score is 120 and the highest is 180.
- Score band: Every LSAT score also comes with a score band. This is simply a range that takes into consideration that your score can vary a bit every time you retake the exam—assuming you decide to do that. For example, a scaled score of 160 might have a score band of 157 to 163.
Why Convert Raw Scores to Scaled Scores?
Since every test is different, there’s a good chance that some are more difficult than others. But by scaling the score, the score on one LSAT means the same thing as the score on another. It means law schools can compare each student fairly, no matter which test version they took.
What About Percentiles?
Your percentile rank is another important number. Let’s say your scaled LSAT score is 160. If you look at the most recent percentile chart, that puts you ahead of about 75% of other test takers and behind about 25% of them.
Your percentile is important since law schools want to know more than just your score; they also want to know how you compare to other applicants.
LSAT Score Range, Median, and What’s a Good Score?
LSAT score range: The possible score goes from 120, which is rock bottom, to 180, which is a perfect score.
Average LSAT score: The average scaled score is usually in the 150 range.
Median LSAT score: The median LSAT score hovers around 151 to 152.
So, what’s considered a good LSAT score? That’s going to depend on the law school you’re targeting. Most schools report the median and 75th percentile scores for the students they admit. For top schools—think Ivy League—you’ll probably need a score of 170 or higher. But for other schools, you might be just fine with a score in the mid-150s.
How Many Questions Are on the LSAT? What’s the Score Conversion Chart?
The number of questions on the LSAT can be different based on the test you get, but there are usually 75 or 76 scored questions. And each question you answer correctly adds a point to your raw score.
Once you’re done with the exam, your raw score will be converted to a scaled score using a score conversion chart. The chart allows for the small differences in difficulty between test versions and helps to keep things fair for everyone.
As an example, say you answered 60 questions correctly. The score conversion chart might translate that to a scaled LSAT score of 160 on one test but something slightly different on another, depending on the difficulty of the test.
What Do Law Schools Really Look At?
When you apply to law schools, your score report will show:
- Your highest LSAT score.
- The percentile ranking for that score.
- Your score band.
- All valid LSAT results from tests you took in the last five years.
For the most part, law schools are interested in your highest score, but it’s always a good idea to check with your desired schools to see if they have their own policies.
Is There a Penalty for Wrong Answers?
No, you’re not penalized for getting a question wrong. So if you think you have the right answer but you’re not sure, give it your best shot. If you’re wrong, there are no points deducted for wrong answers, but if you were right, you’ll get the point for the correct answer.
Final Thoughts
This test is a huge part of your law school journey. Taking the time to understand how the LSAT is scored just makes good sense. Knowing how the raw score converts to a scaled score and a percentile score can help you prepare with confidence, along with a top LSAT prep course. Remember, every question counts, and your score isn’t just a letter grade; it’s your ticket to your dream law school. Finally, use your score report and percentile chart to set smart goals, and never leave a question blank.
FAQs
A good score on the LSAT will depend on your target school. The average LSAT score is about 150, but top law schools usually look for 165–175 or higher.
You can take the LSAT up to five times within five testing years. Law schools will see all your valid scores from that period.
Depending on the difficulty of the test, you might be able to miss about six to ten questions and still get a score of 170.
Only about 3% of test takers get a scaled score of 172, so it’s very hard to achieve.
145 is a below-average score, so it’s very unlikely anyone with this score would be able to compete for most law schools.
