LSAT Scoring

There is no passing score for the LSAT test. There are about 101 multiple-choice questions in the LSAT test and points are awarded according to the number of questions the student answers correctly. Since there are no negative markings there is no penalty for guessing. The points calculated based on the correct answers provided are converted into score ranging from 120 (the minimum) to 180 (the maximum) using a formula that is designed for that particular LSAT. For example, if the student receives 99 points for answering 99 questions correctly out of the 101 questions, it would usually convert into a 180 LSAT score. The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180. The average score is about 150. It is necessary that the students’ score well over 160 to get into one of the top 25 law schools. Since different law schools accept different average scores for admission students can find out the average score of acceptance through the law schools websites or by calling the school office numbers.

Law schools use percentile rank to decide where the score places the student in comparison to his competition. More than 50 percent of test takers receive scores between 145 and 159. The difference between the 50th and 75th percentiles is about three extra questions right per section. Hence, it is crucial to realize that a couple questions can make a major difference in the competitive race of admission. The variation involving the 90th and 95th percentiles is less than two extra right answers per section.

Law schools have dissimilar rules for considering the students’ LSAT scores and GPA. Many law schools will consider the LSAT score further than the GPA. Some schools evaluate the LSAT score 70% against 30% for the students’ GPA, denotation that the 3 1/2 hour LSAT test is valued further than 4 years undergraduate work.