Should I retake a 163 LSAT?

Asked by: Rhea Fisher  |  Last update: April 14, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (18 votes)

Whether to retake a 163 LSAT depends on your target schools and confidence in significant improvement, as it's a solid score but a retake carries risk, with most applicants seeing small gains or drops; if aiming for T14, a retake (perhaps to 168+) is likely necessary, while for strong T20-T30 schools, you might apply now and retake later or focus on other application aspects if you can't realistically improve by several points.

Should I retake the LSAT with a 163?

163 is a good score especially for what you are looking for at schools (a lot of really good schools fall in that category)...its up to you whether you feel like you want to try again and if you do a couple extra points could mean a better scholarship offer...

Is it worth it to retake the LSAT?

Many test takers increase their score on the second test. However, some test takers' scores do not change, and some even experience a score decrease. Analyses indicate that, on average, test takers taking their second test in the same testing year increase their scores 2 to 3 points.

Should I cancel a 165 LSAT?

If you've been scoring in the high 160s/low 170s on practice tests, then I'd recommend cancelling. If you've been scoring in the low to mid 160s, then this score is in line with your practice tests.

What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score. 

Can You Retake the LSAT? | LSAT Retaking Tips

17 related questions found

Should I cancel a 164 LSAT score?

If your score is 157 or lower (3 points below the median of your least selective school), there's no value in the score, and you should cancel it. If your score is at least 164 (above the median of multiple schools on your list), it's a useful score and you should keep it. The tricky area is in the middle.

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 score did Elle Woods need on her LSAT?

Elle Woods needed to score a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of the perfect 180, to get into Harvard Law School, after starting with a 143 on a practice test and studying diligently by skipping parties and using practice exams.
 

What percent of people retake the LSAT?

According to LSAC's research report Performance of Repeat Test Takers of the Law School Admission Test (2010–2011 through 2017–2018), retaking the LSAT is completely normal: Roughly 68% of test takers in any given year are first-timers. Around 26% are sitting for their second attempt.

What law schools accept a 163 LSAT?

For example, the University of Maryland and the University of Oklahoma, which both tie for the 51st-best law school in the country, have average LSAT scores of 163 and 160.

What is the hardest section of the LSAT?

The hardest LSAT sections vary by student, but commonly cited challenges include Logical Reasoning (LR) for its abstract language and nuanced question types (like Parallel Reasoning/Flaw), and Reading Comprehension (RC) due to ingrained reading habits, especially with complex science or legal passages (e.g., Waterbugs, Dworkin). While often feared, Logic Games (LG) (Analytical Reasoning) is generally considered the most learnable and perfectible section, despite tough hybrid or new rule questions. 

Is a 165 a bad LSAT score?

First off, you should know that a 165 is a good LSAT score. In fact, it is very good. The median LSAT score is a 151.

How much more important is LSAT over GPA?

But exactly how important is your test score? In general terms, it can be said that law schools value LSAT scores more than they do your undergraduate GPA.

Is 163 a bad LSAT score?

From your raw scores, the test is graded on an LSAT score scale from 120-180. The average LSAT score is about 150. To get into a top 14 law school, you need to score above 166, and to get into a top 50 law school, you need 153 or above.

How realistic is Legally Blonde?

OVERALL (fairly accurate!)

After going through it myself - overall impression of Legally Blonde? Not too shabby! I'd say the class/school scenes are pretty accurate, as well as Elle's transition from totally uncomfortable to realizing that she deserves to be at Harvard Law.

What is a mediocre LSAT score?

For example, to get into a top-ranking law school, you'll probably need an LSAT score of at least 160 or above, while a score in the mid-150s is often acceptable at many excellent law schools. A top 10 law school typically requires a 170 or above.

How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?

Michelle Obama took the Illinois bar exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a fact she openly discussed in her memoir, Becoming, noting it as a humbling but ultimately insignificant setback. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991 after this success.
 

Did Obama take the LSAT?

This test played an important role in Obama's acceptance to Harvard Law School, setting the stage for his future successes. In this article, we will go into detail why LSAT scores are such a big deal in the world of law. We will see how these scores can bring you to a prestigious law school and set you up for life.

How did Kim lose 16lbs in 3 weeks?

She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.

Should I cancel my LSAT score if I did worse the second time?

First we should state that, in general, we do not recommend canceling your LSAT score. Canceling has very few benefits—the test still counts toward your allotted 3 takes per cycle (and 5 takes per 5-year period, and 7 takes total), and it doesn't remove the test administration from your record.

Can I get into Harvard with a 165 LSAT?

What is the LSAT score requirement for Harvard Law School? There is no strict cutoff, but the score for Harvard Law School that places you in a competitive spot is 170–176. That said, people have been accepted with a minimum LSAT score of around 166.