What does a 160-164 LSAT score mean?

A 160-164 beats roughly seven to eight out of ten test takers. 43 of the 196 schools in our dataset have medians in this band, and 91 of 196 have medians at or above 160.

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: 71st to 83rd percentile

A score of 160-164 sits at the 71st to 83rd 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

This is a strong score. You are competitive at many well-regarded regional schools and in the conversation at selective ones, especially with a strong GPA. Scholarship money becomes realistic where you land above a school's 75th percentile.

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

Gains here come from the hardest questions: late-section LR, dense RC passages, and trap answers. Review every miss until you can explain why the right answer is right and the trap is wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 162 get scholarships?

Often, yes, at schools where 162 clears the 75th percentile. Schools pay for medians, so being above their published band is what triggers money.

Should I retake a 161 for a top school?

Only if your practice average says 165+ is realistic. A 161 to 164 jump rarely changes outcomes; a 161 to 168 jump can.

Last updated October 12, 2026