LSAT Percentiles and Scores (Updated in 2024)

Even though it’s a standardized test, no two LSATs are the same. The test changes every year, both in terms of difficulty and length. 

And that’s why LSAT percentiles and scores are important to understand. 

Today, you’ll learn everything you need to know about them.

Want to learn more? Read on!

What are LSAT score percentiles? 

An LSAT score percentile makes it easy to determine just how well you performed against your peers. 

In other words, it reflects how many test takers you scored higher than.

Let’s take a look at the most recent LSAT score percentiles:

Here’s a look at percentiles among test takers in previous test years:

Sources: LSD, LawSchooli

How is your LSAT percentile score calculated?

Your LSAT percentile score is based on what’s called your scaled score.

A scaled score is a standardized version of your raw score, which has been adjusted to fall in the LSAT score range of 120 to 180. 

We’ll talk about types of LSAT scores later – for now,  let’s focus on percentiles.

LSAT score percentiles range from 1 to 99. The higher your scaled score is, the higher your percentile rank will be.

For example, if you scored close to 180, you would fall into the 99th percentile. That would put you among the very best of test takers – the top 1%, to be precise.

On the other hand, if you scored closer to 150, your score would fall into roughly the 25th percentile, meaning that you only scored higher than 25% of test takers. 

So, why do percentile scores matter?

Because LSAT score percentiles are helpful for both test takers and law school admissions teams. 

Knowing your LSAT score percentile will help you set score goals and understand where you stand in terms of law school admissions.

Law schools use LSAT score percentiles to pinpoint the most successful test takers and consider it when determining if you qualify for their program.

But remember, percentiles are just one factor in your law school application.

You also need to have the right kind of application. That includes a great resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

I’ll show you exactly how to create a strategic application in this guide.

With this much to think about, you might be wondering how exactly your LSAT score gets calculated. I’ll walk you through it in the next section, so keep reading!

How do you calculate your LSAT score?

Most of the time, you only hear about the number that someone scores on the LSAT, like 150 or 170.

But technically, there are three scores within your LSAT score.

Your raw score reflects the number of questions you answered correctly on the test.

For example, if you got 60 out of 75 questions correct, your raw score would be 60. 

But your raw score doesn’t matter – you need to focus on your scaled score, which is what people are the most familiar with. 

A scaled score is the conversion of your raw score and will fall between 120 and 180.

Finally, there’s your percentile rank.

Your LSAT percentile rank shows how your scaled score compares to the scores earned by test takers in the last three years.

Your score also depends on what’s called the LSAT curve, which I’ll tell you about next, so read on!

What is the LSAT curve? 

Even though the LSAT is a standardized test, its level of difficulty can always vary.

So, to make sure that scores are fair and consistent, a curve is applied. 

The curve reflects the number of questions you could get wrong and still score 170. More demanding tests get a more significant curve, while easier tests get a smaller curve.

For instance, a harder test might have a curve of 15 points. That means that you could get 15 questions wrong but still score 170. 

If you took a more straightforward test with a ten-point curve, you could miss ten questions and still score 170. 

The catch is that the Law School Admissions Council only calculates the curve after analyzing test results – which means that you don’t know what kind of curve your test will have.

With that in mind, let’s move on to the kind of LSAT score you need to get into your top law school.

What LSAT score do you need? 

Remember, LSAT scores can range anywhere from 120 to 180.

In 2022, the average LSAT score among first-year JD students was 158.5. 

The 75th percentile of test takers scored 160.9, while test takers in the bottom 25% scored 154.8.

If you have your sights set on one of the top ten law schools in the country, such as Stanford or Yale, you should try to earn at least a 170. That would put you in the top 2-3% of test takers.

To get admitted into one of the top 25 law schools in America, you should aim for a score of at least 160. 

To find out more about what makes a good LSAT score, take a look at this 2024 guide.

Regardless of which school you want to attend, it’s okay if you earn a lower score.

Typically, getting an LSAT score of 150 will earn you acceptance into any accredited JD program. And a score of 140 can still make law school worth it for you.

I promise, you can go to law school even in the face of a low LSAT score, and I’ll show you the six steps you need to take to do it in this guide.

Next steps

There you have it! Everything you need to know about LSAT percentiles and scores.

Yes, your LSAT percentile and score do matter.

After all, it’s a surefire way to know how you compare to other test takers and determine if you’re up for the challenge of law school.

And while a high score looks great on a law school application, it’s not the only thing that will get you accepted into your top law school.

That’s where I can help.

I’ve helped hundreds of students get into their dream law school with the right kind of application, and I can help you, too.

Find out what it’s like to work with me here.

Read more:

How to Boost Your LSAT Score

How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?