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.
How 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.
Current Percentile Anchors (2022-2025 LSAC Data)
From LSAC's current LSAT Percentiles:
| LSAT score | Percent below |
|---|---|
| 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.
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.
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.
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.