What is a Good LSAT Score

A good Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is subjective and varies based on individual aspirations. Even so, you can broadly define it as the score that secures admission into your desired law school.

In our What is a Good LSAT Score guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to understand what a good score means in various contexts. We’ll also help you make informed decisions about your test preparation and law school applications.

What is a Good Score on the LSAT

Historical data suggests that a good LSAT score typically exceeds the yearly median, which fluctuates based on the applicant pool. Having said that, a score’s value can vary greatly based on the law schools you’re targeting.

A score of 160 may prove adequate for admission into a mid-tier law school, for example, but it likely won’t meet the competitive standards of a top-tier institution. As such, what one applicant considers a good score can differ significantly from another.

Additionally, the amount of time you dedicate to preparation is an important factor. On average, candidates spend around three months studying 20 to 30 hours each week.

If you have less time available for preparation, a lower score might still be a good achievement for you when compared to someone who could dedicate more time. Conversely, you might set a higher target score for yourself with more study time.

Essentially, your available preparation time and target law schools should inform your expectations for what constitutes a good score in your specific situation.

LSAT Score Range

Understanding a good LSAT score involves two elements: the scaled score and your percentile rank. Your test answers get converted to a scaled score of between 120 and 180, which law schools use for admissions.

Additionally, your percentile rank compares your performance to other test takers during the last three years to offer a broader perspective of your standing. While you might consider a score within the upper percentiles as good, the specific definition of “good” will depend on your unique circumstances.

LSAT Scoring Trends

Below, you’ll find an analysis of data provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) from the past three years, which provides insights on scoring trends.

2022 LSAT Exam Data

Score	Last Year	Current Year	Percent Change
< 140	3,321	2,976	-10.4%
140-144	5,156	4,415	-14.4%
145-149	9,383	8,422	-10.2%
150-154	12,957	11,801	-8.9%
155-159	12,767	11,335	-11.2%
160-164	10,668	9,155	-14.2%
165-169	7,458	6,502	-12.8%
170-174	4,342	3,762	-13.4%
175-180	1,502	1,309	-12.8%
Total	67,554	59,677	-11.7%

In 2022, LSAT scores showed a notable decrease across the board — especially in the mid to high ranges — with the most significant drop in the 140-144 bracket. This pattern indicates a shift in the scoring landscape, broadening what law schools may consider competitive.

These trends suggest a good score in 2022 would likely be in the mid to upper 160s, reflecting increased competitiveness due to fewer high scorers.

2023 LSAT Exam Data

Score	Last Year	Current Year	Percent Change
< 140	2,976	3,090	3.8%
140-144	4,415	4,524	2.5%
145-149	8,422	8,236	-2.2%
150-154	11,801	11,232	-4.8%
155-159	11,335	10,871	-4.1%
160-164	9,155	8,812	-3.7%
165-169	6,502	6,225	-4.3%
170-174	3,762	3,869	2.8%
175-180	1,309	1,378	5.3%
Total	59,677	58,237	-2.4%

LSAT scores in 2023 reveal a decrease in the number of candidates achieving mid-range scores of between 150-169. The 2023 data also shows a rise in scores within the 170 to 180 bracket.

This pattern points to an escalation in the competitiveness of the applicant pool, pushing the threshold for what test takers may consider a good score into the upper 160s or beyond — particularly for those aspiring to enter top-tier law schools.

2024 LSAT Exam Data

Score	Last Year	Current Year	Percent Change
< 140	891	889	-0.2%
140-144	1,478	1,638	10.8%
145-149	3,204	3,322	3.7%
150-154	5,480	5,678	3.6%
155-159	6,285	6,445	2.5%
160-164	5,927	6,245	5.4%
165-169	4,822	4,820	-0.04%
170-174	3,339	3,197	-4.3%
175-180	1,194	1,187	-0.6%
Total	32,620	33,421	2.5%

The trend so far in 2024 indicates a slight shift in average LSAT scores. While the very highest scores in the 170 to 180 range show a small decrease, there’s a noticeable increase in mid-range scores — especially within the 160 to 164 bracket.

This ongoing rise highlights a competitive landscape in which achieving a score in the high 160s to 170s is becoming increasingly important for standing out in the application process — especially for those aiming for prestigious law schools.

Note: For the most up-to-date data on the average LSAT score — including data by region, race, and gender identity — please refer to the LSAC’s current volume summaries.