What’s a Good LSAT Score? You’re Asking the Wrong Question

June 25, 2025 :: Admissionado

I. What Even Is the LSAT? And How Is It Scored, Anyway?

Picture this: You’re staring down a question about whether a lizard breeder’s argument about sunscreen is logically flawed—and you’ve got 90 seconds to figure it out. Welcome to the LSAT.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the legal world’s equivalent of the SAT, but turbocharged. It’s designed not to test what you know, but how you think. And that makes it a strange, frustrating, and—if you’re wired a certain way—oddly satisfying exam.

So what does it actually test? The LSAT zeroes in on three core skills:

• Logical reasoning (Can you dissect arguments and spot flaws?)
• Analytical reasoning (aka logic games—Can you juggle abstract rules and constraints?)
• Reading comprehension (Can you make sense of dense, high-level texts under pressure?)

You’ll face five 35-minute sections—four scored, one unscored “experimental” section thrown in to test future questions. You won’t know which is which. There’s also a separate writing sample, taken online, that law schools can review (though it’s rarely the deciding factor).

Now, let’s talk numbers. Your raw score—the number of questions you answer correctly—is converted into a scaled score between 120 and 180. This isn’t curved like a classroom exam. Instead, it’s adjusted slightly based on test difficulty using a process called equating.

Here’s the reality check: while the average LSAT score nationwide hovers around 150, that stat is meaningless if you’re aiming for a top program. The real action starts around 160, with the T14 law schools routinely admitting classes whose medians sit between 170 and 174.

In admissions terms, the median LSAT score means that half of admitted students scored above that number—and half below. If a school reports a 172 median, that doesn’t mean 172 is “good enough.” It means you need to be competitive with people at or above that score to stand out.

Bottom line? The LSAT isn’t just about clearing a bar—it’s about climbing a ladder. But that also means there’s room to outperform and distinguish yourself, no matter where you’re starting from.

II. LSAT Percentiles: The Truth Behind the Numbers

Let’s get one thing straight: a “good” LSAT score isn’t just about the number—it’s about where that number puts you compared to everyone else. That’s where percentiles come in.

Think of percentiles as your LSAT class rank. If you score in the 95th percentile, you outperformed 95% of test-takers nationwide. Suddenly, a 165 isn’t just a “pretty good” score—it’s better than nearly 9 out of 10 people who took the same test.

Here’s how the landscape really looks:

• 155: Better than ~57% of test-takers
• 160: Better than ~75%
• 165: Better than ~88%
• 170: Better than ~96%
• 175: Better than ~99%
• 180: Top 0.1% of all test-takers

In other words, breaking into the 170s puts you in truly elite territory. Only about 4% of LSAT takers will ever see a 175 or higher on their score report. If you’re sitting on a 172+, you’re not just competitive—you’re rare.

But here’s the kicker: you’re not competing against the general population. You’re competing against the self-selected group of high-achievers aiming for T14 law schools. And in that pool, 170+ isn’t extraordinary—it’s expected.

Let’s say Columbia Law’s median LSAT is 173. That doesn’t mean a 170 won’t get you in—but it does mean you’re applying into a crowd where 173 is the middle of the pack. Everyone else is also gunning for the top. So while a 165 might look great nationally, it could place you below the 25th percentile at a school like NYU or Penn.

That said, percentiles aren’t destiny. They don’t account for your GPA, personal statement, work experience, or that compelling story about how you turned your side hustle into a nonprofit. Law schools admit people, not scores.

So yes, chase a high percentile—but don’t get lulled into false confidence just because your score beats the national average. What really matters is how your score stacks up in the narrow band of schools you’re targeting—and how the rest of your application holds up around it.

III. The Law School Game: Why “Good” Is a Moving Target

So, is a 170 LSAT score “good”?

That depends. At Yale, it’s below their median. At Northwestern, it’s closer to a golden ticket. Welcome to the LSAT numbers game—where “good” is entirely contextual.

Let’s ground this with data. Here’s how LSAT scores shake out at the nation’s top law schools:

Clearly, a 170 isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Yale, it lands you around the 25th percentile, while at Duke, it places you well above the median.

Enter: Strategic Sufficiency

Instead of asking “Is this a good score?”, the smarter question is: “Is this a good-enough score for my application?”

This is the principle of strategic sufficiency—the idea that a score doesn’t have to be perfect, just strong enough in context. That context includes:

• Your GPA
• Your personal story
• Your undergraduate institution and major
• Whether you’re a URM (underrepresented minority)
• Your work experience, leadership, or nontraditional background

Let’s walk through a few real-world profiles:

• Candidate A: 172 LSAT, 3.85 GPA, solid but unspectacular softs. A strong contender at Columbia and Harvard, but might need exceptional essays to crack Yale.
• Candidate B: 165 LSAT, 3.9 GPA, first-gen college student, Peace Corps alum, and compelling public interest vision. That 165 could absolutely play at Penn or UVA with the right narrative.
• Candidate C: 160 LSAT, 3.6 GPA, URM applicant with an upward academic trend, D1 athlete, and a strong personal statement. Might be in the mix for UVA or even Northwestern, especially with early application timing and strong recs.

The lesson here? The LSAT matters—but it’s not the whole game. Admissions committees are building classes, not ranking algorithms. They want diverse perspectives, strong thinkers, and people who fit their institutional mission.

So yes—aim high. But don’t let the LSAT dominate your self-worth or strategy. A “good” LSAT score is simply one that earns you a seat at the table—what you do with the rest of your application is what gets you in the room.

IV. From 165 to 173: Can You Actually Level Up?

Let’s bust a myth right out of the gate: you are not “capped” at your current LSAT score. Just because you hit a 165 doesn’t mean you’re forever barred from the 170 club. But getting there? That’s a whole different beast.

Here’s the truth: it’s much easier to jump from 150 to 160 than from 165 to 173. That’s the law of diminishing returns in action. Early improvements often come from fixing fundamentals—logic game rules, argument flaw types, basic timing. But once you’ve built a solid foundation, each additional point requires sharper execution, deeper understanding, and ironclad consistency.

So how do you actually move the needle?

Tactical Framework for LSAT Score Gains

• Step 1: Diagnostic + Blind Review: Start with a full timed test. Don’t just look at your raw score—analyze why you missed what you missed. Then blind review every section to isolate between understanding gaps vs. timing issues.
  
• Step 2: Identify Section Weaknesses: Is Logic Games your Achilles heel? Are RC passages tanking your stamina? Target the section where improvement would give you the biggest ROI.
  
• Step 3: Time Management Drills: Speed is not your enemy—rushing is. Learn when to skip, when to guess, and how to avoid time sinks. Use 35-minute section sprints with pacing benchmarks (e.g., 8 minutes per game).
  
• Step 4: Track Weekly Progress: Use analytics tools or a spreadsheet to monitor accuracy by section and question type. Don’t just do more problems—do them better.

Timelines That Actually Work

If you’re aiming for a 5–8 point jump, plan on 8–12 weeks of structured, consistent prep. Daily study (90–120 minutes) often outperforms marathon weekend cram sessions. Those who pace themselves tend to avoid burnout and build long-term retention.

Watch Out for These Traps

• Overstudying: More hours ≠ better results. Quality beats quantity.
• Burnout: Study guilt can spiral into anxiety and underperformance.
• Material FOMO: Switching between 5 different prep companies usually creates confusion, not clarity.

Bottom line? If you’ve hit 165, the 170s aren’t out of reach—but you’ll need precision, patience, and a plan. It’s not about grinding harder—it’s about studying smarter.

V. Prep Smarter, Not Louder: Courses, Tutors, and Free Resources That Actually Help

You’ve got the motivation. You’ve got the target score. Now the question becomes: How should you prep for the LSAT without wasting time, money, or your sanity?

There are three main approaches—each with tradeoffs in cost, flexibility, and customization.

1. Self-Study (Books + Discipline)

Popular tools: The LSAT Trainer, PowerScore Bibles, 10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests

• Pros: Cheapest, flexible schedule, highly effective if you’re self-motivated
• Cons: No built-in accountability, limited feedback, hard to diagnose blind spots
• Best for: Independent learners or budget-conscious test-takers starting from scratch

2. Structured Courses (Blueprint, 7Sage, LSAT Lab)

These offer video modules, pacing calendars, and live or on-demand support.

• Pros: Comprehensive, beginner-friendly, includes strategies, drills, and full test simulations
• Cons: Medium to high cost ($300–$1,500), some one-size-fits-all limitations
• Best for: Students who need structure but can still self-direct

3. One-on-One Tutoring

Custom plans with expert instructors, often $100–$300/hour.

• Pros: Personalized feedback, high efficiency, can break scoring plateaus
• Cons: Expensive, results vary by tutor
• Best for: High scorers trying to jump from ~165 to 172+, or students stuck despite other prep

Avoid the Trap of “Prep Paralysis”

Too many students waste 2–3 weeks researching which prep course to take—time that could’ve been spent drilling Logic Games. Don’t fall into the comparison-shopping wormhole. Pick a lane and start driving.

Smartest Path? Go Hybrid.

Many top scorers build a custom system:

• A structured course (for strategy and pacing)
• A handful of tutoring sessions (for weak spots)
• Free materials like LSAC’s Prep Plus, which includes 90+ real tests for just ~$99/year

Pro Tip: The LSAT Is Just the Beginning

At Admissionado, we don’t just help students prep for the LSAT—we help them figure out what score they actually need, how to build a school list that makes sense, and how to craft the narrative that ties it all together. Whether you’re sitting on a 157 or a 177, we’ll show you how to turn that number into an admit.

VI. Timing Is Everything: When to Take the LSAT (And How Often)

The LSAT is offered about nine times per year, typically once a month. But don’t assume you can register last-minute—testing centers fill up quickly, especially for popular dates like June, August, and September. If you’re serious about law school, book your seat early.

For those applying in the fall, the golden rule is: take the LSAT no later than August or September of the year before you plan to start law school. Earlier is even better. This gives you time to retest if needed and still submit by early decision or Round 1 deadlines.

How Many Times Can You Take It?

The official limits are:

• 3 times in a single testing year
• 5 times over 5 years
• 7 times total, ever

And yes, every score stays on your record. Law schools will see them all.

Should You Retake?

• If you scored significantly below your practice average (e.g., 166 practice tests, 159 official), yes—retake.
• If your score is close to your practice range and your app is due soon, a retake might not help much unless paired with a broader application delay.
• Law schools often prioritize your highest score, but multiple takes can prompt questions—so make sure each attempt has a reason and a strategy.

LSAT Score Validity

Your score is good for five years. That means testing too early (e.g., as a college sophomore) isn’t ideal unless your timeline is crystal clear. On the flip side, testing after January for the upcoming fall can be risky unless schools explicitly accept late scores.

VII. Final Verdict: A “Good” LSAT Score Is the One That Gets You In

There’s no magic number. No universal threshold. A “good” LSAT score is the one that opens the right doors for you.

That might mean a 173 if you’re aiming for Harvard—or a 161 paired with an extraordinary story and a killer GPA at UVA. The key isn’t just the number. It’s knowing what that number means in the broader context of your application.

Your LSAT score is a tool—not your identity. Law schools are building classes, not spreadsheets. They want thinkers, leaders, advocates, and original minds. And that means a strong application strategy can do just as much heavy lifting as a few extra LSAT points.

Plenty of successful admits didn’t have “perfect” scores. But they had purpose. Positioning. And a plan.

Let’s talk. A free consultation with Admissionado can help you figure out where you stand—and how to craft an application that hits harder than your score alone.