What does a 140-149 LSAT score mean?

A 140-149 puts you in roughly the bottom third of test takers. Seven of the 196 schools in our dataset have medians in this band.

Two tools for this score range: the score converter and the what-if chances tool, which shows how a few more points change your odds.

Percentile ranks are LSAC's official 2023-2026 testing years table ("percent below"). School-median counts come from our dataset of 196 ABA-approved schools (Fall 2025 entering-class medians via ABA 509 disclosures, compiled by ILRG). Both read October 12, 2026.

The percentile: 11th to 33rd percentile

A score of 140-149 sits at the 11th to 33rd percentile of all LSAT test takers. Percentile means the share of scores below yours, not the share of questions you got right. Near the top of the scale, a few points move you past a huge share of test takers. Near the middle, the same few points move you less.

What it means for admissions

Admission is possible at a small number of schools, but you will be below the median almost everywhere, which means little to no scholarship money. Most students in this band benefit more from a retake than from applying now.

The honest rule that holds at every band: schools publish a 25th-75th percentile LSAT band for each entering class. Landing above a school's 75th percentile is the strongest position for both admission and scholarship money. Landing between the 25th and 75th keeps you competitive. Landing below the 25th means the rest of your application has to do heavy lifting.

Should you retake?

• Retake if your practice-test average is clearly above this band and your target schools' medians sit above it.
• Apply if this score already clears the 75th percentile at the schools on your list.
• Wait if you have the months but your practice scores are not there yet. Close the practice gap first, then spend the attempt.

Run the numbers: our retake calculator gives a rule-based verdict from your current score, goal, practice average, and months available.

How to move up from here

Scores here usually mean the fundamentals are shaky: misread arguments, missed conclusions, lost time on hard questions. Drill by question type untimed until accuracy is solid, then add timing.

Frequently asked questions

Should I retake a 145?

Usually yes, if you have the months. A 145 to 155 jump is common with real prep, and it changes which schools are realistic.

Will schools hold a low first score against me?

Most schools say they focus on the highest score. A low score followed by a clearly higher one reads as a prep story, not a verdict.

Last updated October 12, 2026