What does a 165-169 LSAT score mean?

A 165-169 puts you in roughly the top 7 to 15 percent of test takers. 26 of the 196 schools in our dataset have medians in this band, and 48 of 196 have medians at or above 165.

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: 85th to 93rd percentile

A score of 165-169 sits at the 85th to 93rd 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 score opens selective schools and real scholarship money at many of them. At 168+, you are at or above the median for most schools outside the very top of the rankings.

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

At this level the test is about precision under time: one or two fewer misses per section. Study your miss patterns by question type and stop re-studying what you already do well.

Frequently asked questions

Is 167 enough for a top-14 school?

It is in range at several, but below the median at the most selective ones. The rest of the application carries more weight from here.

Should I retake a 169?

Rarely worth it unless your practice average is 173+ and you have a specific school where 3 points change the math. Each retake costs an attempt under LSAC's limits.

Last updated October 12, 2026