If you’re preparing for the LSAT, one of your biggest questions is probably: What’s a good score? The answer depends on your goals — particularly which law schools you’re aiming for. Understanding what makes an LSAT score “competitive” can help you set realistic targets and tailor your prep strategy effectively.
Understanding LSAT Scoring
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is scored on a scale from 120 to 180. The median score is typically around 151, meaning about half of test-takers score below and half above that number.
While every law school looks at your application holistically, your LSAT score remains one of the most important factors in admissions — and often in scholarship decisions, too.
Here’s how LSAT scores generally break down:
| Score Range | Percentile | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 170–180 | 97th–99th | Excellent (Top-tier schools) |
| 160–169 | 80th–96th | Strong (Mid-to-upper-tier schools) |
| 150–159 | 40th–79th | Average to competitive (Regional schools) |
| 140–149 | 20th–39th | Below average (Some access, but limited options) |
| Below 140 | <20th | Uncompetitive for most ABA-accredited schools |
What LSAT Score Do You Need for Top Law Schools?
Let’s look at how LSAT scores align with different categories of law schools, based on the most recent ABA-reported medians.
Top 14 (T14) Law Schools
These are the most selective schools in the country, including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. To be a competitive applicant, you’ll usually need an LSAT in the 170–175 range.
- Yale Law School: Median LSAT ~175
- Harvard Law School: Median LSAT ~174
- Columbia Law School: Median LSAT ~173
- University of Chicago Law: Median LSAT ~172
- NYU Law: Median LSAT ~171
Strong National Schools (Top 30–50)
Schools like Boston University, Fordham, University of Wisconsin, and UC Davis are still very competitive but tend to admit students with mid-to-high 160s LSAT scores.
- Boston University: Median LSAT ~169
- University of Georgia: Median LSAT ~167
- Fordham University: Median LSAT ~166
Regional or Practice-Oriented Law Schools
Many respected regional schools focus on preparing graduates for state practice. A 155–162 LSAT can make you a solid candidate here.
- University of Denver (Sturm College of Law): Median LSAT ~160
- Loyola University Chicago: Median LSAT ~159
- St. John’s University: Median LSAT ~161
Accessible or Tier 4 Law Schools
If your LSAT score is in the 140s–low 150s, you may still find good fits, especially at schools with strong regional reputations or part-time programs.
- Florida A&M University: Median LSAT ~150
- Appalachian School of Law: Median LSAT ~147
- Southern University Law Center: Median LSAT ~146
How to Define Your Competitive Score
A “competitive” LSAT score isn’t universal — it’s the score that aligns with your goals and profile. Ask yourself:
- What’s my target school range?
Research LSAT medians and 25th–75th percentile ranges for your dream programs. - What’s my GPA?
A strong GPA can offset a slightly lower LSAT, and vice versa. - Am I seeking scholarships?
Scoring above a school’s median LSAT can make you eligible for significant merit aid. - What’s my timeline?
If you have several months before applying, an extra 3–5 points on the LSAT could dramatically expand your options.
Final Thoughts
A competitive LSAT score is one that gets you noticed at the schools you want — whether that’s a top-tier program or a strong regional institution. The key is preparation: knowing where you stand, setting an ambitious but achievable goal, and sticking to a strategic study plan.
At Nexus Test Prep, we help students raise their scores through personalized tutoring, targeted drills, and data-driven progress tracking. Whether you’re starting from 145 or aiming for 175, we can help you get there.