What makes the LSAT so difficult?
Asked by: Ms. Lucienne Prohaska V | Last update: January 29, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (61 votes)
The LSAT is hard because it's not about memorization but tests intense, specific skills in logic, critical thinking, and reading comprehension under extreme time pressure, requiring counterintuitive analytical approaches and the ability to read for precise details, unlike typical academic tests, making it mentally exhausting and requiring specialized training to master its nuances and traps.
How difficult is the LSAT really?
The LSAT is widely considered a very difficult, but learnable, standardized test that challenges core reasoning, critical thinking, and time management skills, requiring intensive study to master its unique logical patterns, even for naturally bright students. Its difficulty stems from unfamiliar question types, dense logic, and high-pressure time constraints, but consistent practice focusing on pattern recognition and understanding core arguments can make high scores achievable.
What was Barack 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.
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.
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.
LSAT Freedom - 3 Reasons Why The LSAT Is So Difficult
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 common experience even for successful lawyers. She initially failed the bar, which was devastating, but she persevered and passed, later working as a lawyer before becoming the First Lady.
Who has the highest LSAT score?
Sarah Boyle, a member of The University of Scranton's Class of 2024, scored a perfect 180 on her Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
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.
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.
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 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.
Did Michelle Obama finish law school?
Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Born in Chicago and raised on the South Side of the city, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. In her early legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin where she met her future husband.
What is the #1 ranked law school in the world?
There isn't one single "number one," as rankings vary, but Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University consistently appear at the very top globally, often trading #1 spots depending on the ranking system, with Harvard often leading in overall QS rankings and Yale/Stanford in U.S. News & World Report's domestic rankings for U.S. schools. Other top contenders include Oxford, Cambridge, Chicago, and NYU.
What is harder, LSAT or bar exam?
Generally, the bar exam is considered harder than the LSAT. The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law.
How many times can I fail the LSAT?
How many times may I take the LSAT? Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2020).
How long should someone study for the LSAT?
Most students need 2 to 4 months (150-300 hours) of focused study for the LSAT, balancing intensity with avoiding burnout, with longer timelines (4-6 months) or shorter boot camps (1 month) possible depending on your baseline score, target score, and personal commitments. Key factors are your starting point, goals, and consistent, high-quality practice, emphasizing review over just taking tests.
What school takes the lowest LSAT score?
Southern Illinois University School of Law
This law school admits applicants with a minimum LSAT score of 147 and a 3.00 GPA, so just by the nature of the game, the bar pass rate will be a bit lower.
What is the hardest type of LSAT question?
Parallel Reasoning. In terms of size, this is the longest question on the list. Coupled with its position at the end of the section, many students simply gave up when they reached the end and saw this monster looming there.
Which LSAT prep has the highest success rate?
There's no single "highest success rate" prep course, as success depends on learning style, but Kaplan is consistently ranked highly for live classes and materials, Blueprint for overall score increases (average 11-15 pts), and LSAT Demon for logic/question practice, while TestMasters is known for deep reasoning. The best choice often involves a mix of official practice tests (LSAC Prep Plus) and supplemental resources like 7Sage or LSAT Hacks for focused concepts, with tutors being crucial for breakthroughs.
Does Elle Woods have autism?
No, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is not officially written as autistic, but many fans interpret her character as having autistic traits, such as intense focus on interests (fashion, law), strong memory, literal thinking, and challenges with social norms, making her a relatable figure for some within the autistic community who see themselves in her journey and focus, even if it's not an official diagnosis.
How long is LSAT valid for?
An LSAT (or LSAT-Flex) result is reportable for up to five testing years after the testing year in which the score is earned. For information about how many times a test taker may sit for the LSAT, please see Limits on Repeating the LSAT. LSAT testing years run from July 1 through June 30.
What LSAT score do I need for Yale?
Yale Law School has an exceptionally high LSAT bar, with the median score for recent entering classes around 174, and the middle 50% typically falling between 171 and 177, though lower scores (like 155) have been accepted with extraordinary applications, and the GRE is also accepted, according to Yale Law School's admissions data and Leland.
What majors perform best on LSAT?
Here are some of the results:
- Mathematics/Physics: 160.0.
- Economics/Philosophy/Theology: 157.4.
- International Relations: 156.5.
- Engineering: 156.2.
- Government/Service/Chemistry: 156.1.
- History: 155.9.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: 155.5.
- Foreign Languages: 155.3.
What LSAT score will get you a full ride?
To get a full law school scholarship, aim for an LSAT score in the mid-to-high 160s or 170s, especially above a school's median, though scores in the mid-160s can secure full rides at strong regional schools like Illinois or UMass, while top-tier schools often require 170+. A higher LSAT significantly boosts chances, often alongside a strong GPA (3.5+) and a holistic profile, with scores above 173-180 making you a prime candidate for many programs.
How many people get rejected from law school?
The peak year for law school applicants was 2004, when more than 100,000 people applied to ABA-accredited law schools. Roughly two-thirds of all applicants (69.9%) were accepted to at least one law school. The acceptance rate was essentially the same as the year before: 69.7% in 2022.