What matters more GPA or LSAT score?
Asked by: Katelynn Kautzer V | Last update: November 26, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (5 votes)
For undergraduate programs, prior grades have consistently been better than test scores in predicting subsequent academic success. However, undergraduate grades are weaker predictors of law school grades, whereas the LSAT is far superior in predicting academic success in law school.
Is LSAT or GPA more important?
In general terms, it can be said that law schools value LSAT scores more than they do undergraduate GPA, but whether or not this statement applies to a given institution and how by much depends on the school.
Is there a correlation between GPA and LSAT score?
❖ Upon viewing the correlation coefficient, a strong, positive correlation is seen between GPA and LSAT scores. Meaning, as one variable increases, the other does as well. ❖ Those with higher GPAs are more likely to receive high LSAT scores and vice-versa.
Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?
The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.
Can a high LSAT score make up for a low GPA?
A very good LSAT can make up for a bad GPA or vice versa, but both are highly determinative of the majority of successful applications.
Why grades don't matter in college (and what really counts) 🎓🤷♂️🔥
Is a 3.5 GPA good for law school?
Among the 191 ranked law schools that submitted grade data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average median GPA of entering law school students in 2021 was 3.55. But at the 20 highest-ranked law schools, the average median GPA is much higher – 3.86.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Harvard law?
There's no lowest GPA but you probably won't get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA. Your GPA still needs to be somewhat competitive with the median GPA. That said, you can get into Harvard Law School even if your GPA is 3.82 or lower.
How rare is a 176 LSAT?
Less than 1% of test takers score a 176. It's a very hard thing to do. Don't let this sub skew your perception of what's realistic.
Can I get into Harvard Law with a 3.8 GPA?
While the LSAT score and GPA are significant factors, Harvard Law considers applicants holistically, valuing diversity and unique perspectives. The LSAT score for Harvard Law School typically falls within the 169-175 range, while the average GPA for admitted students is between 3.8 and 4.0.
Is 163 a good 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.
Do law schools still care about LSAT?
Yes, some law schools have chosen not to make LSAT scores a mandatory part of their admission criteria. Instead, they consider other factors like GPA, work experience, or alternative standardized tests.
What LSAT score does Harvard look for?
So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.
What is the best predictor of law school success?
THE LSAT IS PREDICTIVE, BUT NOT RELEVANT
To its credit, the LSAT is meant to predict how well a student will perform during their first year in law school. And perhaps more than any other available metric, the LSAT is best at doing this.
Does LSAT score really matter?
It is important for law schools to keep up their median LSAT score, as it's a significant factor in determining a law school's U.S. News Ranking.
Is 158 a bad LSAT score?
As mentioned above, the average LSAT score nationally is a 152. Generally speaking, a score of 160 and above is necessary to guarantee admission into top-100 schools like Tulane, UC Hastings, or Case Western Reserve.
Do law schools care about where you went for undergrad?
Top Law Schools are unlikely to admit people who attended less impressive undergraduate schools, especially if there were opportunities you did not pursue (such as independent academic research, challenging courses, and intellectual pursuits outside of the classroom.)
Is 174 a good LSAT?
So, a great score on the LSAT is a 172, but more than 100,000 people take the LSAT every year and only 1% score 172 or higher. For the top 50 law schools, the median LSAT score is between 164 and 174. A good LSAT score for top tier(defined by T14 schools for this article) law schools is between 171 and 174.
Is a 3.8 GPA bad for Ivy League?
What Is a Good GPA for the Ivy League? To get into most Ivy League schools, you'll need an average GPA between 3.9 and 4.0. However, if you're aiming for a top Ivy League university such as Stanford, MIT, or others, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.
What LSAT score did Elle Woods get?
When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.
Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?
Here is a breakdown of what counts as a good enough score for law schools based on the school's rank: Top-five law schools: 170 to 180. Schools like Harvard and Yale, which are the top two, rarely accept applicants with less than 172 on the LSAT. Law schools ranked between 5 and 10: 165 to 170.
What score is 75% on LSAT?
For example if your LSAT Scaled Score is 157 you will have a percentile rank of approximately 75% meaning that your Scaled Score of 157 is better than 75% of the LSAT Scaled Scores for the last three years.
Is 136 a bad LSAT score?
What a Low LSAT Score Means. If your LSAT score is in the 130s or low 140s, it's very hard to find an ABA law school anywhere in the US that will offer you unrestricted acceptance (especially in the increasingly competitive environment).
What is the hardest law school in the USA?
1. Yale University. With an acceptance rate of just 6.9%, it's no wonder that Yale is the hardest law school to get into. Only around 1 in 15 of their highly qualified applicants makes it through.
What GPA is too low for Harvard?
What GPA should I have? Applicants should be between 3.9 and 4.0 to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by increasing your SAT or ACT score.
What's the lowest GPA Yale accepted?
We do not set a minimum GPA, nor do we attempt to re-weight GPA's to any standard other than what a school provides.