Is the January LSAT too late?
Asked by: Jacques Sipes | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (42 votes)
No, the January LSAT is generally not too late, especially for significant score improvements, as many law schools use rolling admissions with late deadlines and value higher scores over application timing; however, applying later means competing for fewer spots and scholarships, so applying by January/February with a strong score is often better than applying earlier with a lower one, though applying after this can become more challenging.
Is it too late to take January LSAT?
January is not too late too apply. If you can reasonably improve your score across a certain threshold (5 or so points) by retaking in January, you are 100% better off waiting to apply to law school then, rather than applying now with a lower score.
Is January LSAT too late for scholarships?
Because NDLS uses a rolling process for both admissions and scholarship, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible beginning September 1. Priority deadline is Feb 1. Rolling admissions. *Jan is latest recommended test.
Is Jan LSAT too late on Reddit?
It depends on your score and the school you apply to. If you're trying to apply to a top school with below-median scores, then yes it is absolutely too late. But if your stats are within or above their normal ranges then you're probably fine.
Is January a good time to apply to law school?
If you were applying to the most selective schools, You do really want to apply by November because applying to the most selective schools in December, January, even, especially February, it's not advisable. Unless, you have a 175 and a 4.0, you're just really not giving yourself your best shot.
How Late Is Too Late? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 1082
Is it better to take January or February LSAT?
College students could find the January LSAT particularly advantageous because they can prep over winter break. Some schools won't accept applications past a certain date in January or early February. If you have to retake your LSAT, you might not make the hard law school deadlines.
Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?
A 3.3 GPA isn't "bad" but makes getting into top-tier (T-14) law schools very difficult, as their median GPAs are much higher (around 3.7-3.9+), but it's often sufficient for mid-tier or lower-ranked schools, especially with a strong LSAT score, compelling personal statement, and relevant work experience, which can significantly boost your application by showing resilience and readiness.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
Do law schools accept January LSAT?
If you apply in January with an above-median GPA and LSAT score, the admissions folks will still find your file and you will likely still get a good review. But for many applicants, it behooves them to apply as early in the cycle as is practical for them.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?
That said, the question about what the “Kim Kardashian LSAT score” was, or if she even took the LSAT ends in a resounding no. This unconventional choice has sparked conversations about making legal education more accessible and exploring diverse paths in the legal profession.
What LSAT score gets a full-ride?
Securing a full-ride scholarship to law school is highly competitive, with typically less than 5% of law students receiving complete tuition coverage. These scholarships are usually merit-based, requiring exceptional LSAT scores (typically in the 170+ range) and undergraduate GPAs (3.8+).
Is a 147 a bad LSAT score?
A 147 LSAT score is considered low but not impossible, often falling below the average (around 150-151) and near the cutoff for many ABA-approved law schools, making admission difficult without a very high GPA or significant score improvement, though it's a decent starting point for potential improvement with dedicated study.
Which month has the hardest LSAT?
You'll look at my LSAT PrepTest Raw Score Conversion Charts and calculations of what it takes to get an LSAT score of 160 or 170. Using that data, you'll find that the December exam consistently has the easiest "curve," and the June exam consistently has the hardest.
What LSAT score is a 70%?
A 70th percentile on the LSAT means you scored better than 70% of test-takers, which typically translates to a scaled score around 157-159, often requiring roughly 55-56 correct answers out of the scored sections, putting you in a competitive range for many law schools. This score shows strong performance above the national median (around 150-152) and is competitive for many regional and mid-tier law programs.
Does Harvard accept February LSAT?
Applicants must take either the LSAT or GRE no later than February 1 to ensure that scores are available by the application deadline (February 15). LSAC will report all LSAT scores from the past five years. We will not consider a GRE score in the evaluation of your application if you have a valid LSAT score on file.
How rare is a 172 on the LSAT?
A 172 LSAT score is extremely rare and elite, placing you in roughly the top 3% (97th percentile) of test-takers, meaning you scored better than over 97 out of 100 people, making it a very strong score for even the most competitive T14 law schools. While common on law school forums, it's statistically exceptional, outperforming most applicants for top programs, though some extremely selective schools have medians even higher.
Is January 2025 LSAT too late?
No, the January 2025 LSAT is generally not considered too late, especially if it helps you achieve a significantly stronger score, but it means you'll be applying later in the rolling admissions process and might miss out on early scholarship funds, so you need to be prepared to apply immediately after scores are released and aim for schools with later deadlines (like February/March). While applying in the fall is ideal for maximum opportunity, a higher LSAT score in January often outweighs an earlier, lower score for admissions committees, as they review applications more cautiously and later in the cycle now.
What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?
Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after going from a 143 on a practice test to achieving this near-perfect score by studying intensely for Harvard Law School. Her remarkable score, combined with a 4.0 GPA, secured her admission to Harvard Law.
Is 148 a bad LSAT score?
A 148 LSAT score is considered below average (the national median is around 153) and is often seen as a "high-risk" score for bar passage, making admission to many ABA-accredited law schools challenging without a very high GPA or strong retake. While not impossible to get into some programs (especially lower-ranked schools or with exceptional GPA), many sources suggest it indicates a need to improve fundamentals and retake the test, as it's below the typical threshold where schools see high risk of bar exam failure.
Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?
Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?
Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
How rare is a 165 on the LSAT?
Whereas a 165 is in the 89th percentile! That means if 1,000 people took the LSAT, only 110 would score a 165 or higher.
Can I get into Yale law with a 3.5 GPA?
We do not utilize a GPA or standardized test score cutoff of any kind in our review process. Every year applicants from all backgrounds and with scores in all ranges are admitted to Yale Law School. The only guarantee you will not be admitted is if you do not apply, and we take seriously every application we receive.
Can I get into Harvard law school with a 3.7 GPA?
Harvard Law School typically looks for a GPA of 3.89 or higher, based on recent admissions data.
Is a 160 LSAT competitive?
According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.