Get in touch: (800) 551-3410
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 4/12/24
LSAT scoring is a critical aspect that can shape your journey into law school. But what exactly is it, and why should you care about it?
LSAT scoring can seem confusing, but we’ll make it crystal clear. You don't need to be a math whiz to understand the scoring system. We'll cover how it impacts your future, helping you grasp its significance in your legal career.
So, whether you're a prospective law school applicant or simply curious about the LSAT, keep reading to learn all about how the LSAT is scored.
The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest and 180 the highest possible score. The scoring process involves converting your raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) into a scaled score through a process called equating, which adjusts for variations in test difficulty.
Each question is weighted equally, and there are no penalties for incorrect answers. Percentiles are also provided, showing how your score compares to others. For example, a score of 152 is around the 46th percentile, while 165 places you around the 88th percentile. Because different students take the LSAT each year, percentiles can fluctuate annually.
For an in-depth look at how LSAT performance varies across the United States, check out this detailed analysis: Mapping the LSAT: Which States Are the Best at the LSAT.
Take a look at an example conversion chart based on PrepTest 89:
Several factors can affect your LSAT score, and it's crucial to keep them in mind as you prepare for the exam. First and foremost, your level of preparation plays a major role. The more effort you put into studying and getting familiar with the test format, the better your chances of scoring well.
Your test-taking skills matter, too. Managing your time effectively, staying focused, and handling test anxiety can make a difference. So, it's a good idea to work on these skills.
The LSAT is challenging overall but its questions come in varying degrees of difficulty. Logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning (those logic games) all play a part. So, strengthening your skills in these areas is essential.
Getting to know the LSAT format is also important. Practicing under timed conditions and understanding the types of questions you'll encounter can help you adapt to the test's demands. Lastly, don't underestimate the test-taking environment. A quiet, distraction-free place can make a significant difference in your performance.
Remember, your LSAT score is just one piece of the law school application puzzle. While it's important, admissions committees also consider other factors like your GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and more when making their decisions. So, give it your best shot, but if you have a low score—try to keep the bigger picture in mind!
To understand the LSAT scoring scale, you need to know about raw scores and scaled scores:
Your LSAT Score Report includes your scaled score, results from all your tests (up to 12), your percentile rank (how your score compares to others), and your score band (a range around your score). Just remember that LSAT scores are valid for five years from the testing year in which the score was earned.
The LSAT consists of 99–102 multiple-choice questions spread across four sections. These include two scored Logical Reasoning sections (24–26 questions each), one scored Reading Comprehension section (26–28 questions), and one unscored experimental section (24–28 questions). Additionally, there is an unscored LSAT Writing essay, which is completed separately online.
The LSAT is designed to challenge test takers with skills, knowledge, and time management. You may not finish all questions in time, which could impact your overall score.
On the LSAT, you can answer up to 10–15 questions incorrectly and still achieve a high score, depending on the test's difficulty and scoring curve. For example, to score around 175–180, you can usually miss 1–4 questions. To score around 160, you can miss approximately 25–30 questions. For a median score of 152, you need about 60 correct answers, meaning you can miss around 40–42 questions out of 99–102 total.
It's important to note that scoring is based on both the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty of those questions, so achieving a high score requires not only accuracy but also careful consideration of question difficulty and time management.
Improving your LSAT score requires dedication and strategy. Here's how you can work on improving your performance:
Remember, improving your LSAT score is a journey. Stay patient, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. With dedication and the right strategies, you can level up your LSAT skills and increase your chances of getting into your dream law school.
For expert LSAT prep, meet with a tutor at Juris Education. Our tutors have the knowledge and experience to drastically improve your LSAT score.
In the following LSAT scoring FAQ section, we'll break down how LSAT scores are calculated and shed light on their significance in the law school admissions process.
Yes, LSAT scores are valid for five years from the test date, as determined by the LSAC. This means your score can be used for law school applications within this period.
The median LSAT score for law school applicants is 152. If you’re looking to be a competitive applicant, aim for a score higher than 152.
To achieve a score of 170 on the LSAT, you can get 11 out of the 101 total questions wrong. This means you should aim to answer around 90 questions correctly.
The LSAT is administered 7–9 times per year, depending on the testing cycle. Test dates are typically spread across January, February, April, June, August, September, October, and November. Scores are generally released about three weeks after the test date, depending on the specific administration.
Overall, this exam plays a significant role in your path to law school; understanding how the LSAT is scored and how it works is essential.
But remember, it's not the only factor in your law school application. Admissions committees look at the bigger picture, so give it your best shot while keeping your overall application in mind.
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
We're so confident in our 173+ scoring tutors that we'll guarantee you get a 165+ on the LSAT, or you'll get more tutoring for free. Win-win.
