What to do after low LSAT score?
Asked by: Prof. Jarvis Barton | Last update: November 1, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)
- Understand Admissions Stats. ...
- Apply Strategically. ...
- Strengthen Your GPA. ...
- Write a Standout Personal Statement. ...
- Build a Solid Resume. ...
- Highlight Your Diversity. ...
- Explain Your LSAT Score.
What to do if you have a low LSAT score?
Another tool that you can consider if you have a low LSAT score is submitting an LSAT addendum with your application materials. An LSAT addendum allows law school applicants to explain what factors may have contributed to receiving a low score.
What to do after a bad LSAT score?
If you scored below 150, you do not have to throw away your law school dreams. Instead, take steps to strengthen your application package, especially your essays, consider waiting to apply, and change up your LSAT study methods for a retake.
Is 148 a bad LSAT score?
Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High.
Is a 172 a good LSAT score?
On the other end of the spectrum we can consider an LSAT score of 172. An LSAT score of 172 means the student scored better than about 99% of applicants.
Getting Into Law School as a First Gen With Lower Stats | scholarships + application journey
Can I get into Harvard law with a 172 LSAT?
The average Havard LSAT score for admitted law students is 172. This score places Harvard Law among the most selective law schools globally, as they have candidates who have performed exceptionally well on the LSAT. Achieving a high LSAT score is crucial for admission to Harvard Law School.
How bad is a 149 on the LSAT?
You can get into law school with a low LSAT score if it is above 144-145. Scores in this range will get you into some lower-ranking schools, although the majority of law schools prefer scores above 150. For expert prep on increasing your score and chances of accetpance, speak with a counselor at Juris Education.
Should I cancel a 143 LSAT score?
Vast majority of law schools take your highest score. Not a lot of benefit, if any, from cancelling. They'll see a canceled score notification. So if you are going to bring it up, I'd keep the score.
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 is a failing LSAT score?
Understanding Your LSAT Scores. The LSAT scores range from 120-180, with 120 being the lowest possible score. If you are wondering what a good LSAT Score is, there is no failing or passing score on the LSAT.
Is it bad to keep a low LSAT score?
Most applicants who consider canceling their LSAT score do so because they think that having the lower score on their record will hurt them, even once they have a higher score. This is, for the most part, not the case.
Does retaking the LSAT look bad?
No, law schools don't really care if you retake the LSAT. However, if you have multiple LSAT scores (four or more) it may raise a few eyebrows and make the admissions committees question your time management, dedication, and academic potential a little more.
Has the LSAT gotten harder over time?
No. The LSAT changes for each session that it is offered. While it may change in difficulty, that does not affect a student's ability to get a high mark.
Can I get into law school with a 148 LSAT?
Your chances of admission are high if you score above 144 on the LSAT and have a GPA above 3.00, though.
Does a bad LSAT score hurt you?
Meaning, a lower score on a LSAT retake should not hurt you. Now admissions officers are still humans, and there is most certainly some psychological negative impact of having multiple lower LSAT scores and then a high LSAT score when compared to someone who just scored high the first time.
Is it possible to raise your LSAT score 20 points?
Students have successfully improved their LSAT score by over 20 points, but it required several months, even years, of dedicated study, trial and error, and unwavering focus.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
The easiest to predict, by far, is Barack Obama's score, mostly because we have some data. Based on admissions records, we can deduce — somewhat reliably — that Barry-O scored between the 94th and 98th percentile on his LSAT. Using today's grading system, that would place him somewhere around a 170.
What is the average LSAT score for first time takers?
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. First-time LSAT test-takers score an average of 151 out of 180. The median LSAT score of first-year JD students is 158.5. Among first-year JD students, 160.9 is considered a high score (75th percentile), and 154.8 is considered a low score (25th percentile)
How bad is a 139 on the LSAT?
This shows that the lowest acceptable LSAT score is 139. Typically, a good rule of thumb is that you want to at least break 140 to make taking on the cost of law school economically feasible. You can get into a law school with a 140 LSAT score.
Should I retake a 163 LSAT?
If you're somewhere within the 25th to 75th percentile, then a retake may not even be necessary—especially when you consider the time and money it'll cost you. If you're one of the lucky few that scored a 170 or higher on the first try, then there's really no point in retaking it at all.
How bad is a 152 on the LSAT?
A 150 is a decent LSAT score, but if we're getting specific, 151-152 is better, as this is the average LSAT score. You'll meet the LSAT requirements for many accredited law schools with a score in this range.
What is a poor LSAT score?
The LSAT score range is 120 to 180, with the average score being around 150. Above the 75th percentile (155 or higher) in all three sections is considered “good”; while below the 25th percentile (135 or lower) in one or more sections is considered “bad.”
Should I cancel my 148 LSAT score?
Remember, just because you feel you did poorly on the test does not necessarily mean you did. 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.