My most-read blog topics are those dealing with very low LSAT scores; there are a lot of you out there. The original post is from 2008, and since it’s now June 2019, I think it’s time for an update:
So, what constitutes a “low” LSAT score? The LSAT is scored from 120-180, and an average score is about 150.
LSAT Score Ranges
Range | Score | Percentile |
Low | 120-147 | Bottom third |
Mid-Range | 148-156 | 33rd-67th percentile |
High | 157-164 | 70th-89th percentile |
Exceptional | 165-180 | Top 10% of all test takers |
People often ask me whether their scores are “too low” to attend law school. If your score is 150 or above, it’s not a particularly low score, depending on which law school you want to attend and how your GPA balances your LSAT for that school. Let’s focus this conversation for those of you below a 147 LSAT. In general, if you are in the mid-140’s or above, I have had success helping applicants fulfill their law school admission goals as long as people are flexible about where to attend and you’re willing to pay full price for law school. But once you get below that number, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
What a Low LSAT Score Means
If your LSAT score is in the 130s or low 140s, it’s very hard to find an ABA law school anywhere in the US that will offer you unrestricted acceptance (especially in the increasingly competitive environment). And you’ll be paying full price if you get lucky enough to get in to one of these questionable schools where the outcomes are far from guaranteed.
Conditional Acceptance Programs
It may be possible to gain acceptance to a conditional program at an ABA law school (especially with scores in the low to mid 140s) but even that has its problems. You may get yourself into Nova Southeastern or somewhere to try the conditional course, and then they may only offer acceptance to 2 of the 100 participants. The problem is that once you are unsuccessful in gaining acceptance through a conditional admission program, other law schools will be hard pressed to find a reason to give you a chance at their own school, even with a slightly improved LSAT score.
Re-Taking the LSAT
If you haven’t exhausted your opportunities to take the LSAT, then take it again. However, you must prepare differently than you did before. And don’t rush the process; give yourself time to prepare and keep in mind that there are once again limits on the number of times you can take the LSAT. Make improving your score your focus; without it, the world’s best personal statement, most impressive resume, and illuminating letters of recommendation won’t make a bit of difference. (This is why I often tell people with low LSAT scores to come back to me when they have a higher score; I don’t want you to waste your money!)
Those of you who know me know that I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I will always give my honest opinion in the hopes that this helps you make good decisions about your future.
If you’re concerned about your Low LSAT or Low GPA, you can contact me to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your options.
1,041 Responses
Hello Mrs. Levine, I have a question about prospective schools. I took the LSAT 3 times and my highest score was a measly 153 with a 2.83 Undergrad GPA. I’m unfortunately forced to stay in Washington DC because I have a family.
I know that I can’t realistically get into any T14 or Tier 1 school without curing cancer, so what schools should I apply to in the MD/DC/VA area? App fees are too expensive to give $80 or so to a school if I stand little chance of acceptance. Thank you for this blog.
Martin
Hi Ann,
I recently took the LSAT, and scored 144. I’m shocked. I have and undergraduate GPA of 3.00, and a graduate GPA of 3.5. I am holding out hope that my courses in law during my time in grad school, as well as having an MA with a reasonable GPA will help my chances of acceptance into Law School — Is this an unrealistic hope? I want to know whether I should retake the LSAT, but given that the approximate boost in score appears to be an average of only 2 points, I’m not sure that it’s worth it.
Can you please advise?