What is the LSAT writing section like?
Asked by: Ed Heidenreich | Last update: May 29, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (49 votes)
The LSAT Writing section (officially named LSAT Argumentative Writing) is an unscored, remotely proctored writing assessment that requires you to draft a persuasive essay on a given topic. Law schools use this sample to evaluate your ability to construct a cogent argument under timed conditions.
How rare is a 177 on the LSAT?
A 177 LSAT score is extremely rare and exceptional, placing you in the top 0.5% of test-takers, or the 99.5th percentile, meaning you scored better than 99.5% of everyone who took the test. It's a near-perfect score that is considered functionally perfect for admissions, opening doors to virtually any law school, including the most elite ones like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, especially when paired with a strong GPA.
What does the LSAT writing sample look like?
While your writing sample has no word limit, you should aim to be as clear and concise as possible. Most writing samples on the LSAT are between two and four paragraphs long. Ensure you prioritize quality over quantity.
Is the LSAT writing section proctored?
LSAT Argumentative Writing is administered using ProctorU's secure proctoring software on your own computer. You are eligible to take LSAT Argumentative Writing starting eight (8) days prior to the LSAT test administration.
How hard is the LSAT argumentative writing?
You won't want to totally blow it off since LSAT Argumentative Writing is quite easy to master. There's always the chance that a law school admissions counselor will read it, so it doesn't hurt to put some effort into it.
What is LSAT Argumentative Writing? | How To Complete the LSAT Writing Sample
What was 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 172 on the LSAT?
A 172 LSAT score is extremely rare and impressive, placing you in roughly the top 2-3% of test-takers, meaning you outperform about 97-98% of others, making it a very strong score for even the most competitive T14 law schools. While scores in the 170s are common on Reddit, they represent a tiny fraction of all test-takers, with less than 2% scoring 173 or higher, so a 172 is well within the elite range for top law school admissions.
Can I read my LSAT writing sample?
Can I review my writing sample after I have completed LSAT Argumentative Writing? Yes. Each test taker will have an opportunity to read their writing sample immediately after completing the test.
Is a 147 a bad LSAT score?
A 147 LSAT score is considered low (around the 30th percentile) but not necessarily "bad," especially as a diagnostic score, meaning you likely can improve significantly with focused study, but it might be challenging for highly-ranked law schools, requiring flexibility with target schools or retaking the test to reach the average (around 150-153) or higher for better opportunities.
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, depending on the specific test's difficulty, often requiring around 55-56 correct answers out of the total questions. This is a strong score, placing you above average and in a good range for many mid-tier law schools, though top schools often look for scores in the 160s and above, notes Kaplan Test Prep and Grad Prep.
Is a 170 on the LSAT hard?
Yes, a 170 on the LSAT is very hard and an excellent score, placing you in the top 4-5% of test-takers (around the 96th percentile) and opening doors to top law schools; it requires significant dedication, strong logical skills, and several months of intensive study, but is achievable for most people with a solid starting point (like 150+) and focused effort, even if it's a difficult leap.
Can you retake LSAT writing?
You must complete the section for your LSAT scores to be released, but you need to take it only once, even if you end up retaking the LSAT.
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.
Can you get into Harvard with a 173 LSAT?
To give yourself a realistic chance of acceptance into Harvard Law School, students should aim to score 171 or above on the LSAT, with the most competitive applicants scoring 174 or higher. The median LSAT score for admitted students is 174.
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 initially scoring a 143 on a practice test, a massive jump that helped her get into Harvard Law School. This near-perfect score, combined with a 4.0 GPA and strong extracurriculars, made her a competitive applicant, though her rapid improvement from a low practice score is often noted as a highlight (and a bit unrealistic) of her journey in Legally Blonde.
What score is 75% correct on the LSAT?
For instance, a score of 160 puts you in roughly the 75th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 75% of all test-takers. While the scaled score (120-180) is linear, the percentile gaps are not.
How long after LSAT to do writing?
To ensure your LSAT score is released on time, we recommend completing LSAT Argumentative Writing as soon as possible. However, it does not need to be completed on the day it becomes available. You will have one year to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing; however, your score will not be released until it is completed.
Are you allowed scratch paper for LSAT writing?
And remember that while the use of scratch paper is permitted for the LSAT's multiple-choice portion, it is not allowed for LSAT Argumentative Writing. A digital notetaking section is available within the LSAT Argumentative Writing module, so you can type notes as you write your essay.
Is the 95th percentile the top 5%?
Yes, the 95th percentile is the same as the top 5%, meaning a value is higher than 95% of the data points and lower than the top 5%, indicating exceptional standing or extreme high usage in performance metrics. It signifies that only 5% of the data falls above this specific point, making it a common measure for identifying significant peaks or high performers, as seen in bandwidth usage or test scores.
Should I retake the LSAT if I got a 158?
If you don't have the time or energy to grind before November, you could apply now with 158 and still be competitive at plenty of places. But if you feel like 160+ is in reach and worth the extra effort, retaking once more could pay off long term.
What LSAT score do I need for Harvard?
To get into Harvard Law, you need an exceptionally high LSAT score, ideally 174 or above, with the middle 50% of accepted students scoring between 171 and 176, aiming for the 170+ range gives you a realistic chance, but scores of 175+ are highly competitive, as Harvard uses holistic review.
Can I get into Harvard law with a 171 LSAT?
Based on recent class data, the median LSAT score for admitted students is 174, with the middle 50% ranging from 171 (25th percentile) to 176 (75th percentile). While a score below 171 is possible with a standout application, aiming for 174 or higher maximizes your chances.
What did Elle Woods get a 179 on?
A perfect score on the LSAT exam is 180, therefore Elle's score of 179 puts her in the top 0.1 percent. As agreed in her contract, Reese Witherspoon kept all of her costumes after filming. A perfect score on the LSAT exam is 180, therefore Elle's score of 179 puts her in the top 0.1 percent.