LSAT Passing Score: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for the LSAT passing score, are you curious to find out just how low you can go and still get into law school?

Here’s some info: Southern University Law Center, an ABA-accredited school, has been known to accept students with LSAT scores below the national median, specifically, in the 144 to 148 score range.

So while this shows it is possible to gain entry into such a school with a lower score, and probably into a non-accredited school with an even lower score, the reality is that most law schools want to see LSAT scores well above the minimum.

Sure, there are always expectations. Your score isn’t the only thing considered. But your goal shouldn’t be just to sneak past the finish line. With that in mind, here are the key points you should know about LSAT scores before setting your own target.

Key Takeaways

• LSAT scores range from 120 to 180 on the law school admission test. The average score is about 150, but most law schools are looking for higher numbers.
• There’s no official LSAT passing score. Your target score depends on the median LSAT scores for your desired law school.
• A good LSAT score for a top law school is usually 170 or above. For most other schools, getting a score above 160 is a competitive score.
• LSAT scores are just one part of your application. Law school admission councils look at your undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and the LSAT writing sample.
• Prep and practice matter. Preparation, including practice tests, prep courses, and reviewing the LSAT reading comprehension section, can boost your score on test day.

What is the LSAT Passing Score?

Neither the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) nor any single law school has set an official LSAT passing score. Instead, each school sets its median scores and standards. Some schools, like Southern University, mentioned above, may accept a lower LSAT score, but this is an exception, not a rule.

If you’re wondering what score guarantees you’ll get in somewhere, it’s around 140 to 145 for a handful of schools, but remember that aiming for the minimum passing score won’t give you many options, scholarships, or chances at top law schools.

Understanding LSAT Scores: Raw Score, Scaled Score, and Percentile Rank

• Raw score: The number of questions you answer correctly. And don’t worry, you’re not penalized if you get an answer wrong.
• Scaled score: This is your raw score, which is converted into a score between 120 and 180, using a score conversion chart that takes into account any differences between test dates and administrations.
• Percentile rank: This shows how you compare to other test takers. For instance, a scaled score of 160 will usually mean you did better than about 80% of the incoming class.

What is a Good LSAT Score?

A good LSAT score is going to be different for every applicant and will depend on your goals and the competitiveness of the schools you’re aiming for. If your goal is a top law school, then a scaled score of 170 or higher is typically necessary, since many top programs like Harvard or Yale report median LSAT scores in the 170+ range. But the majority of law schools consider scores above 160 to be competitive.

The average LSAT score for first-time test-takers is about 151, and the median for admitted students is around 158 to 160 for many schools. Even though your score is only part of the law school admission process, it’s still the single most important number on your application for most schools.

Setting Your Target LSAT Score

To set a realistic target score, start by researching the median LSAT scores at each of your dream schools. The LSAC publishes them and can be found on their site or the school websites. Once you have that info, take several practice tests to figure out your current baseline and identify any areas where you need to improve.

Your target should be a few points higher than the median score of your first-choice school. For example, if the median at your top program is 155, aim for a score in the 158 to 160 range. This will help you stand out in the crowd of other applicants and increase your chances.

Just remember that setting your target score isn’t like setting an alarm on your phone. You can’t just keep hitting snooze until you’re ready to go—now it’s time to do the prep that will get you to where you want to go.

Final Thoughts

The LSAT is a challenging standardized test that measures your critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and ability to come to logical conclusions. The last thing you want to do is settle for a passing score; build your skills and strategies with focused LSAT studies, prep courses, and practice tests. All of that will help you achieve your desired score and unlock more opportunities in your journey to a legal education.

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