If you’re prepping for test day, you might be asking yourself what a good LSAT score is.
How do you go from counting the number of questions answered correctly on your practice test to predicting your chances at a top law school? Enter the magical world of the LSAT score calculator, where the whole LSAT score process doesn’t have to be mystifying!
Key Takeaways
- The LSAT score calculator helps convert your raw score into a scaled LSAT score using LSAC data and historical conversion tables.
- Your LSAT score isn’t just about how many you get right. Test difficulty and test format matter, too.
- The current average LSAT score hovers around 159, but a “good” score varies by law schools and competitive programs.
- Scaled scores and percentile rank matter more to admissions than your actual number of incorrect answers.
- Understanding the difference between your raw LSAT score and your LSAT scaled score helps you set realistic law school goals.
LSAT Score Calculator
Behind the Curtain: How the LSAT Is Actually Scored
Let me clear up the smoke and mirrors. The LSAT isn’t just about nailing the reading comprehension and logical reasoning sections. Instead, scoring involves translating your raw score, that’s your total number of questions answered correctly, into a mysterious-sounding scaled score.
Picture this: You just finished a practice test, counted up your correct answers (let’s say 65 out of 75), and now you’re staring at a score sheet, wondering if it’s any good. This is where a score calculator comes in. You can use it, or an LSAT score converter, to see how that raw LSAT score fits into a conversion chart and compare it to other test takers.
But different LSAT administrations can have their own scoring quirks. Since the score conversion between raw scores and scaled scores is based on test difficulty, a tough official LSAT might forgive a few more slip-ups than a breezy one.
Using an LSAT Score Calculator: Your New Study Buddy
If you’ve ever wished your LSAT prep could feel a little less like reading the tax code, the LSAT score calculator is here for you. Just enter your raw score from a practice test and voilà! You get your LSAT scaled score, the magic number between 120 and 180, that law school admission councils obsess over.
What makes these calculators so helpful?
- They use score conversion tables from the previous three testing years, so you see how your performance compares with other test takers over time, not just the specific test administration you took.
- They show how your raw score is converted to a scaled score and then to a percentile rank. That’s the stat admissions committees really care about.
- You can track your improvement over multiple practice tests. If you’re climbing from a 145 up toward an average LSAT score, you know you’re on the right path.
Here’s a little secret: I’ve looked at a lot of conversion charts over the years. You’d be amazed at how those 2-3 missed questions can shift your LSAT status page from “average” to “dream school contender.”
What Makes a Good LSAT Score? Reading the Tea Leaves
What is a good LSAT score? The basic answer: it depends. Sure, people love to say, “Shoot for 170!” but your target should really fit your goals—and your given law school. Some schools are happy with a 155; others, like Harvard, are looking more for the upper 99th percentile.
Here’s what I’ve seen:
- Average LSAT scores are around 159 nationwide, based on the most recent historical data.
- The typical score band for getting into a top law school starts around 166-170, but you don’t need a perfect 180 to have a chance at great schools.
- Even if you have an eye-popping undergraduate GPA or a dazzling personal statement, your LSAT score is often the first number schools check.
If you’re a numbers nerd, make sure you’re also keeping an eye on the score conversion table for your test date. Every LSAT consists of three scored sections (reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and the less-dreaded LSAT writing), plus the unscored variable section.
Perfecting Your Prep with Score Calculators and Practice Tests
When you use a reputable score calculator (see below!), you stop worrying if your raw score today means “future lawyer” or “back to the drawing board.” So run your practice test scores through our calculator before you even check the LSAT status page for your official results.
Here’s my tip: always take note of the test format and the total number of questions. Some LSAT Flex (shorter pandemic versions) had fewer questions; the conversion varies for those. That’s why it’s smart to use calculators based on your specific official LSAT.
And remember, when you see how your score compares against historical data and the percentile rank of other test takers, you can chart your path to that dream school without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).
Final Thoughts
You might not control how hard the LSAT feels on test day, but you can control how you prep and understand your results. With a reliable LSAT score calculator, you’re not just counting answers you got correct; you’re making your LSAT prep smarter and your law school dreams just a little bit closer. So, next time you finish an official preptest and your brain feels like fried tofu, trust the numbers and check that score conversion table.
Use the most realistic practice exams from these top LSAT prep courses and see what your score is in our LSAT calculator.
FAQs
A 66% raw score usually translates to a scaled score around 154-158, depending on test difficulty and administration.
A 148 LSAT score falls below the current national average. It’s low for most law schools, but some regional programs may still consider applicants with strong applications.
A 157 LSAT score is about average compared to other test takers. It’s competitive for many law schools but not quite in the “top law school” range.
Absolutely—but it takes serious prep, as a 170 LSAT score is around the 95th percentile. Only about 5% of test takers get there.
A 170 LSAT score puts you in range, but Harvard also looks at your undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and other achievements. It’s a strong score for top-tier schools, though!
