A "good" LSAT score is not one universal number.
A good score is the one that puts you in a strong position for your school list and admissions goals.
That said, there are clear score bands that change your competitiveness.
- LSAT scores are scaled from 120 to 180, with no penalty for wrong answers.
- Per LSAC's current percentile table, 170 is about the 95th percentile, 165 about 86th, and 160 about 73rd.
- There is no LSAT pass/fail score.
- "Good" should be set relative to target schools' 25th/50th/75th bands.
- The best target score is strategic: realistic, competitive, and worth the prep timeline.
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No code neededHow LSAT Scoring Works
On LSAC's LSAT Scoring page:
- your raw score is the number of correct answers
- there is no deduction for incorrect answers
- the scaled score range is 120-180
LSAC also reports percentile rank, which shows the percentage of test scores below yours.
LSAT Score Range (120 to 180)
Every LSAT score falls on a fixed scale:
- Lowest possible score: 120
- Highest possible score: 180
- Approximate midpoint (average): around 151-152
There is no negative marking, so every question is worth attempting. Where you land in this 120-180 range - not a raw percentage - is what schools compare.
Current Percentile Anchors (2022-2025 LSAC Data)
From LSAC's current LSAT Percentiles:
| LSAT score | Percent below |
|---|---|
| 175 | 98.91% |
| 172 | 97.13% |
| 170 | 95.07% |
| 167 | 90.56% |
| 165 | 86.50% |
| 160 | 72.92% |
| 155 | 55.91% |
| 150 | 38.06% |
These numbers make one thing clear: once you enter the high-160s, each point is harder and more valuable.
For a full breakdown of every scaled score and what it means nationally, see our guide to LSAT score percentiles.
What's the Average LSAT Score?
The average (mean) LSAT score is approximately 151-152, sitting right around the 50th percentile on LSAC's current table.
In practical terms:
- A score in the low 150s is roughly average among test-takers.
- Breaking 155+ puts you above the national median.
- Most competitive applicants at ranked schools score well above the average.
Average is a useful reference point, but admissions is comparative - your target should be set by your school list, not the national mean.
So, What Is a Good LSAT Score?
If your goal is broad admission options
A score around the low 160s can make you competitive at many schools, depending on GPA and application quality.
If your goal is stronger scholarship and selectivity leverage
Mid-to-high 160s usually creates more leverage than low 160s.
If your goal is highly selective outcomes
170+ often puts you in a different tier of competitiveness.
The exact threshold still depends on each school's current entering-class profile.
Score Bands by Strategy (Practical View)
| Score band | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|
| 150-154 | Often limited leverage; needs strong compensators elsewhere |
| 155-159 | Viable for some targets but still context-dependent |
| 160-164 | Solid competitive zone for many applicants |
| 165-169 | Strong admissions/scholarship positioning in many contexts |
| 170+ | Elite percentile territory with broad upside |
This is directional guidance, not a guarantee.
Is Your Exact LSAT Score Good? (150 to 180)
If you are checking one specific number, here is a quick read using LSAC's current percentile data:
| LSAT score | Approx. percentile | Is it a good score? |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | ~99.9% (max) | Perfect score - the absolute ceiling |
| 175 | ~99th | Elite; competitive at any school |
| 172 | ~97th | Elite; strong across the T14 |
| 170 | ~95th | High-end; T14-competitive |
| 168 | ~92nd | Strong; near-T14 leverage |
| 165 | ~86th | Strong admissions and scholarship zone |
| 162 | ~80th | Solid competitive score for many schools |
| 160 | ~73rd | Competitive at a wide range of schools |
| 155 | ~56th | Viable but context-dependent |
| 152 | ~50th | About average |
| 150 | ~38th | Below median; lean on GPA and other strengths |
Percentiles between the LSAC anchor points are interpolated and are directional only.
What's the Highest Possible LSAT Score?
The highest possible LSAT score is 180, and the lowest is 120. A 180 is a "perfect" score and is extremely rare - only a small fraction of test-takers reach it in any cycle. In practice, anything from the mid-170s up is already elite percentile territory, so you do not need a perfect 180 to be competitive at even the most selective schools.
Good LSAT Scores by Law School Tier
There is no single cutoff, but medians cluster by school tier. Use these as directional bands, then confirm each school's current 25th/50th/75th profile:
| School tier | Typical median LSAT |
|---|---|
| Top 14 (T14) | ~170-175 |
| Ranked ~15-50 | ~163-169 |
| Ranked ~51-100 | ~156-162 |
| Ranked ~100-150 | ~151-156 |
A "good" score for law school is simply one at or above the median of the schools you are targeting. Aiming for a school's 75th percentile also strengthens scholarship leverage.
No, the LSAT Is Not Pass/Fail
There is no official "passing" LSAT score.
Admissions decisions are comparative and holistic, and schools evaluate scores in context with GPA, writing, recommendations, work history, and fit.
How to Pick Your Personal Target Score
- Build your realistic school list.
- Check each school's 25th/50th/75th LSAT profile.
- Set a target range, not a single magic number.
- Compare timeline and cost of improving to that range.
If your current score is already near the top of your target range, a retake may have lower ROI than improving other parts of your application.
Is Retaking Worth It?
Retake decisions should combine:
- score gap to target schools
- realistic improvement potential
- additional prep time needed
- added test/application cost
For timeline and budget planning, use how long to study for LSAT and how much does the LSAT cost.
FAQs About Good LSAT Scores
Is 160 a good LSAT score?
For many applicants, yes. On current LSAC data, 160 is around the 73rd percentile.
Is 165 a good LSAT score?
Yes. It is around the 86th percentile and is a strong competitive score in many cycles.
Is 170 a good LSAT score?
Yes. 170 is around the 95th percentile and is a high-end score nationally.
Is 150 a good LSAT score?
150 is around the 38th percentile - below the national median. It can still work with a strong GPA and a well-matched school list, but applicants aiming higher often retake.
Is 155 a good LSAT score?
155 is around the 56th percentile, just above average. It is viable for a range of schools but stays context-dependent on GPA and target list.
Is 162 a good LSAT score?
Yes. 162 sits around the 80th percentile and is a solid, competitive score at many law schools.
Is 168 a good LSAT score?
Yes. 168 falls between the 90th (167) and 95th (170) percentiles - roughly the 92nd - giving strong, near-T14 leverage.
Is 172 a good LSAT score?
Yes. 172 is about the 97th percentile and is an elite score competitive across the T14.
Is 175 a good LSAT score?
Yes. 175 is around the 99th percentile - among the highest scores reported and competitive at any school.
Is 180 a good LSAT score?
180 is the highest possible LSAT score (a perfect score). It is exceptionally rare and competitive everywhere, though you do not need a 180 to get into top schools.
What LSAT score do I need for top schools?
There is no universal cutoff. Use each school's current class-profile bands rather than generic internet claims.
How long are LSAT scores valid?
Per LSAC reporting rules, scores are reportable for law school admission within the current plus prior five testing years.
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