What does a 170-174 LSAT score mean?

A 170-174 beats roughly 94 to 98 percent of test takers. Only 22 of the 196 schools in our dataset have medians at or above 170.

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: 94th to 98th percentile

A score of 170-174 sits at the 94th to 98th 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 an elite score. You are at or above the median at nearly every law school in the country, and competitive for admission plus significant scholarships at the most selective schools. From here, GPA and the rest of the application decide outcomes.

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

There is not much test left to study. If you retake, it should be because a specific school's numbers demand it, not because the score feels unfinished.

Frequently asked questions

Should I retake a 171?

Almost never. The difference between 171 and 174 changes almost no admission decision, and it costs one of your limited attempts.

Does a 170 guarantee admission anywhere?

No. No score guarantees admission. It makes you competitive everywhere, but schools still read the whole file.

Last updated October 12, 2026