Can a high GPA offset a low LSAT?
Asked by: Alexys Raynor | Last update: January 24, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (35 votes)
The rest of your application must be as strong as you can make it to offset a low LSAT score. The first thing an admissions office will want to see to balance out a low LSAT score is a high GPA. This is a high cumulative GPA.
Will a high GPA help a low LSAT?
Popular to contrary belief, the LSAT is not more important than the GPA. And in my experience, law schools are often more forgiving of a low LSAT if the applicant has a proven record of academic success. A strong GPA would be above a school's median, or at the very least within the school's median.
Can a high GPA offset a low ACT?
If you have a GPA of 3.5 or above, this would generally be considered “high” at most colleges and can help offset lower SAT or ACT scores. Remember, these are just averages and each college has its unique admission requirements.
Does GPA correlate with LSAT?
That is, LSAT score predicts cumulative law school GPA about as well as it predicts 1L GPA; in both cases, LSAT score is superior to UGPA as a predictor. However, 1L GPA is a stronger predictor of cumulative law school grades than either LSAT score or UGPA.
Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?
The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.
Law School Admissions: High GPA + Low LSAT
Can I get into Harvard Law with a 3.8 GPA?
While the LSAT score and GPA are significant factors, Harvard Law considers applicants holistically, valuing diversity and unique perspectives. The LSAT score for Harvard Law School typically falls within the 169-175 range, while the average GPA for admitted students is between 3.8 and 4.0.
How rare is a 176 LSAT?
Less than 1% of test takers score a 176. It's a very hard thing to do. Don't let this sub skew your perception of what's realistic.
What matters more, LSAT or GPA?
Those rankings unquestionably value median LSAT score more highly than they do UGPA; in fact, a peek at the full details of the rankings (only available to those willing to pony up $29.95 for inside access) shows the LSAT score placed front and center, whereas it takes several clicks and some scrolling to discover the ...
Is 158 a bad LSAT score?
As mentioned above, the average LSAT score nationally is a 152. Generally speaking, a score of 160 and above is necessary to guarantee admission into top-100 schools like Tulane, UC Hastings, or Case Western Reserve.
What LSAT score does Harvard look for?
So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.
Is 18 on ACT bad?
With a 21 being the most common score, it would put you at the 50th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 50% of all nearly 2 million test takers. With an 18, you fall at the 38th percentile, meaning that the majority of other test takers scored higher.
What is the lowest ACT score ever accepted to Harvard?
There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score.
What if I have a high GPA but low SAT scores?
With a high GPA and a lower SAT score, it's important to remember that college admissions are multifaceted, and no single factor determines your chances of acceptance. That being said, a solid GPA demonstrates consistent academic performance, which is a good indicator of your ability to handle college-level coursework.
How bad is a 147 LSAT?
Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High.
Will a 152 LSAT get me into law school?
The median LSAT score is around 151-152, so 144-145 is significantly lower than this. As such, the majority of law schools will not accept scores below this.
Should I cancel a 160 LSAT score?
Remember, just because you feel you did poorly on the test does not necessarily mean you did. Some people may come out of the test feeling nervous or unhappy with how they did but end up scoring very well. You should only seriously consider canceling an LSAT score if you feel like you completely flunked the exam.
What was Elle Woods' LSAT score?
Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.
How bad is a 149 on the LSAT?
Moreover, if the student with an LSAT score of 149 fell at the 25th percentile at their law school, that institution would be labeled “high risk” or “serious risk,” whereas if the student with an LSAT score of 150 fell at the same percentile at their law school, that institution would be labeled “modest risk.” LSAC has ...
Is there a correlation between GPA and LSAT score?
❖ Upon viewing the correlation coefficient, a strong, positive correlation is seen between GPA and LSAT scores. Meaning, as one variable increases, the other does as well. ❖ Those with higher GPAs are more likely to receive high LSAT scores and vice-versa.
Is a 180 LSAT perfect?
Enrolling in the LSAT Prep Course is a useful way to help you achieve these gains. If you're aiming higher, a scaled score of 164 lands you in the 90th percentile. Even a perfect score of 180 usually allows for a couple of mistakes.
Which part of the LSAT is the hardest?
Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)
This may not seem like a lot, but with a 35-minute time limit, students will only have about eight and a half minutes to complete each individual “logic game.” These “logic games” are one of if not the most notorious sections of the LSAT because they are meant to trick the test-taker.
Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?
Here is a breakdown of what counts as a good enough score for law schools based on the school's rank: Top-five law schools: 170 to 180. Schools like Harvard and Yale, which are the top two, rarely accept applicants with less than 172 on the LSAT. Law schools ranked between 5 and 10: 165 to 170.
What is 99.9 percentile LSAT?
A student scoring a 180 is in the 99.9 percentile because the student scored better than 99.9% of test-takers. A student scoring a 160 is in the 74.8 percentile because the student scored better than 74.8% of test-takers.
Is 170 LSAT enough for Harvard?
What score do I need on LSAT to get into Harvard? To give yourself a realistic chance of acceptance into Harvard Law School, students should aim to score 170 or above on the LSAT. This score range is competitive and aligns with the high standards of academic excellence expected by Harvard.