Should I retake the LSAT if I got a 160?

Asked by: Prof. Nettie Metz DDS  |  Last update: May 1, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (58 votes)

You should consider retaking the LSAT if your 160 is well below your practice test average (e.g., 165+) and you have significant time to improve without delaying your applications past late fall/early winter; a 160 is solid but might not get substantial scholarships at top schools, so retaking to hit school medians (like 165+) or improve scholarship potential is often a smart move, especially if you feel you can realistically score higher.

Is 160 a good starting LSAT score?

160 is an excellent starting score for a college junior (my typical LSAT student) or adult. The average starting score for most of my classes was slightly below 150.

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. 

How rare is a 160 on the LSAT?

A 160 LSAT score is considered strong and respectable, placing you around the 75th to 80th percentile, meaning you scored better than most test-takers (around 73-80%). While not an "elite" score for top-tier law schools (T-14), it's competitive for many good regional and top-100 programs and significantly above the average score (around 151-152). It's not "rare," but it does demonstrate solid skill, especially as the pool of test-takers often includes many college graduates.
 

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 Retake the LSAT?

43 related questions found

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.
 

Is a 162 a bad LSAT score?

Is a 162 LSAT Score Good? Yes, a 162 LSAT score is considered a good score. This score will look strong on an application to one of the top 25 law schools. However, this score will not suffice for a top-10 law school.

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.

Where can I go to law school with a 160 LSAT?

Mid-tier law schools have average scores ranging from 155 to 165. 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.

Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?

Yes, Michelle Obama failed the Illinois bar exam on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School, but she retook it, passed, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989, going on to have a successful legal career. She is one of several prominent figures, including Hillary Clinton and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who initially failed the bar exam before achieving great success.
 

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.
 

What is most people's first LSAT score?

The average LSAT score is around 152, though many top-100 schools will require more than the average for admissions. Schools will compare you to other applicants from the same cycle.

What's the hardest section on 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. 

What law schools can I get into with a 155 LSAT?

  • Columbia University - School of Law. ...
  • George Washington University - Law School. ...
  • Boston College - Law School. ...
  • University of California, Los Angeles - UCLA School of Law. ...
  • The University of Texas at Austin - School of Law. ...
  • Baylor University - School of Law. ...
  • William & Mary - Marshall-Wythe School of Law.

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.

Should I keep a 160 LSAT score?

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.

Can you get into UCLA with a 165 LSAT?

To be competitive for admission to UCLA Law, applicants should aim for an LSAT score within the following range: 25th Percentile: 165. 50th Percentile (Median): 170. 75th Percentile: 171.

Should I cancel a 165 LSAT?

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 did Barack Obama get on the LSAT?

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. 

Should I retake a 163 LSAT?

An LSAT score of 163 is a very respectable score (approximately at the 90th percentile) and will make a law school applicant feel very welcome at well over 50 of the top 100 law schools. Retaking the LSAT is an option for those those willing to prepare to close to the maximum.

What's an Ivy League LSAT score?

LSAT Score Ranges for Ivy League Law Schools

To gain admittance to an Ivy League law school, you should score in the 172-175 range. In addition to a stellar LSAT score, many Ivy League law schools also require near-perfect GPAs.

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.

Who got the highest LSAT score ever?

Sarah Boyle, a member of The University of Scranton's Class of 2024, scored a perfect 180 on her Law School Admission Test (LSAT).