What LSAT score and GPA do you really need to get into law school? Can a strong GPA make up for a lower LSAT? Or does the LSAT always matter more?
These are some of the most common questions I hear from applicants every single year. And the truth is: while both your LSAT and GPA play a big role in admissions, neither one tells the whole story.
I’ve had clients with below-median LSAT scores get admitted to the best law schools because their GPAs were stellar, and I’ve had others with lower GPAs who got in because they crushed the LSAT.
Law schools look at your application as a whole—and understanding how LSAT and GPA work together can help you create the strongest application possible.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how law schools weigh LSAT and GPA and how to strategically position yourself no matter what your scores are.
LSAT and GPA benchmarks
The first thing you need to know is: Law schools don’t just look at one number in isolation. Your LSAT and GPA work together.
By understanding law schools’ median scores, you know how competitive you are compared to other applicants.
So, let’s take a look at the LSAT and GPA scores you’d need for applying to T-14 law schools:
| School | Acceptance rate | Median GPA | Median LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | 5.6% | 3.96 | 175 | $74,044 |
| Stanford University | 7.26% | 3.95 | 173 | $74,475 |
| Harvard University | 9.5% | 3.93 | 174 | $77,100 |
| University of Chicago | 12.8% | 3.94 | 173 | $79,539 |
| Columbia University | 12.2% | 3.9 | 173 | $78,444 |
| New York University | 15.7% | 3.9 | 172 | $76,878 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 9.9% | 3.92 | 172 | $74,688 |
| Northwestern University | 15.5% | 3.92 | 172 | $73,754 |
| Cornell University | 19.3% | 3.9 | 172 | $81,306 |
| Georgetown University | 19.6% | 3.91 | 171 | $79,672 |
| University of Virginia | 11.5% | 3.94 | 171 | $73,328 |
| University of Michigan | 12.6% | 3.85 | 171 | $36,081 |
| UC Berkeley | 14.9% | 3.87 | 170 | $75,624 |
| UCLA | 16.8% | 3.92 | 170 | $71,430 |
As you can see, the median LSAT scores for T-14 schools range from 170–175 and 3.85–3.96 for GPA. That’s the benchmark you should have in mind if your goal is one of these programs.
That said, if you fall below, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get admitted, but it does mean you’ll need other parts of your application (your GPA, personal statement, recommendations, and overall narrative) to be that much stronger.
I talk more about how to get into law school with a low LSAT score here and how to make up for a low GPA here.
Can a high LSAT offset a low GPA? Can a high GPA offset a low LSAT?
The short answer is yes – sometimes. Let’s unpack what that really means.
Law schools like to see balance. For example, a 3.2 GPA with a 175 LSAT tells schools that even though your undergraduate record may not have been perfect, you have the intellectual rigour and skills to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
In fact, I’ve seen clients with lower GPAs get admitted to great law schools because their LSAT scores were so strong.
That being said, it’s not as simple as “a high LSAT cancels out a low GPA.” Schools care about why your GPA was low.
Was it a rough freshman year but you improved steadily every semester? Did you take a particularly demanding major or juggle responsibilities outside of school?
If so, your LSAT can help reassure admissions that your GPA doesn’t define your academic potential.
On the flip side, if you have a lower LSAT but a stellar GPA (say, 3.9+), that can also work in your favor.
The key is understanding that law schools look at both numbers together. If one is weaker, the other needs to be stronger and you’ll want to use the rest of your application to give context.
But if you currently have a low LSAT, can you do anything to improve it?
Yes, and here’s how…
How to get a high LSAT
If you’re aiming for law school, the LSAT is one of the biggest pieces of your application—and one of the few things you can still control after your GPA is set.
The good news? With the right preparation and strategy, you can raise your score. I’ve seen clients improve 10–20 points simply by approaching the test differently.
When should you take the LSAT?
Timing is everything. Ideally, you want to take the LSAT early enough that your score is ready by the time you apply. Since most schools have rolling admissions, applying earlier in the cycle (September or October) is always better.
That means you should plan to test no later than the fall of your application year – and even earlier if you want time for a possible retake.
Ultimately, law schools don’t care when you take the LSAT. They only care about your highest score.
How many times can you take the LSAT?
The official LSAC limits are:
- 3 times per testing year (August–June)
- 5 times within the past 5 years
- 7 times over your lifetime
But the more important question isn’t how many times you can take it, but how many times you should.
For most applicants, three attempts is the sweet spot. If your official score is within 2–3 points of your consistent practice test average, that’s usually your ceiling.
Beyond that, retaking over and over again can make your score report look messy without actually improving your outcome.
Should you retake if you’re below the median?
In most cases, yes. If your score is below the median for your target schools, retaking is almost always worth it, if you can realistically improve. Law schools only have to report your highest score to U.S. News, so raising it even a few points can make a huge difference in your admissions chances.
That said, don’t retake just for the sake of retaking. Be strategic and ask yourself:
- Did I prepare as thoroughly as I could have?
- Was my official score significantly lower than my practice average?
- Do I have the time to study differently and improve before the next test date?
If the answer is yes, retake it. If not, it may be time to shift your focus to the rest of your application and make sure your personal statement, recommendations, and narrative are as strong as possible.
The bottom line: a higher LSAT score can open doors, but it’s not everything. Be smart about when to test, how many times to retest, and when to move on.
Trends and policy
The LSAT is still the standard in law school applications, and has been so for decades. But recently, there have been two big shifts you should be aware of: the rise of the GRE and the test-optional debate.
GRE vs. LSAT
More and more law schools are now accepting the GRE in place of the LSAT. The ABA has officially endorsed its use, and schools like Harvard, Columbia, and Georgetown accept it.
So, should you take the GRE instead of the LSAT? It depends. If you struggle with the LSAT but excel on GRE practice tests, take the GRE.
The GRE also opens the door if you’re applying to dual-degree programs (like JD/MBA) or want to keep graduate school options beyond law open.
That said, the LSAT is still the primary test for law school admissions. It’s the test most applicants submit, and law schools have far more data on LSAT performance than GRE performance. So while the GRE can help in the right circumstances, don’t assume it will carry the same weight everywhere.
The test-optional debate
The other trend you’ve probably seen in the news is the discussion around test-optional admissions. The ABA has debated whether law schools should be required to use a standardized test at all. Some law schools have even floated the idea of going fully test-optional.
Here’s the reality: while the policy debates continue, the LSAT (and increasingly the GRE) are still very much alive and required at almost every school.
Even if the ABA loosens its rules, top programs are unlikely to drop testing anytime soon. Why? Because standardized scores give schools an easy way to compare applicants, and they matter for rankings.
The takeaway: keep an eye on these trends, but don’t plan your law school strategy around the hope that testing won’t matter. For now, and for the foreseeable future, your LSAT (or GRE) score is still one of the most important pieces of your application.
FAQs: LSAT and GPA
Is GPA or LSAT more important for law school?
Both the LSAT and GPA are critical for law school admissions, but the LSAT often carries slightly more weight. Why? Because it’s a standardized way for admissions committees to compare applicants from very different academic backgrounds. That said, a strong GPA can absolutely make you stand out, and schools value a proven record of academic success.
How much more important is LSAT over GPA?
While every school is different, most admissions officers will tell you that the LSAT has a small edge over GPA. This is because U.S. News rankings are heavily influenced by median LSAT scores, so law schools are motivated to keep those numbers high. But don’t underestimate your GPA as it shows long-term academic consistency in a way one test can’t.
Can you get into law school with a low GPA and LSAT?
Yes, it’s possible, but it will be more challenging. Some schools admit applicants with lower numbers if they have strong personal statements, excellent recommendation letters, unique experiences, or compelling addenda explaining their scores. However, if your LSAT is below 150 and your GPA is under 3.0, you’ll likely need to focus on less selective schools or consider retaking the LSAT to strengthen your application.
What LSAT score will get you a full ride?
Scholarships vary by school, but generally, an LSAT score that’s well above a school’s 75th percentile makes you a strong candidate for significant scholarships or even a full ride. For many schools, that means scoring in the 170s. Keep in mind that merit aid is based on both your LSAT and GPA, so having a high GPA in addition to a high LSAT can maximize your chances.
What LSAT score do you need for top law schools?
For T-14 law schools, you’ll generally want a score between 170–175. Schools like Yale, Stanford, and Harvard sit at the very top, with medians of 173–175. While it’s not impossible to get admitted with a lower score, being at or above the median dramatically increases your chances.
Can I get into law school with a 3.0 GPA and 170 LSAT?
Yes, a 170 LSAT can offset a 3.0 GPA at many law schools. While the GPA is below most T-14 medians, a 170 LSAT puts you right in the competitive range. I’ve worked with clients who had lower GPAs but strong LSAT scores and still got into top programs. Just make sure the rest of your application (personal statement, recommendations, and addenda) shows why you’ll thrive in law school.
What’s next?
If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: your LSAT and GPA are important, but they don’t define your future in law school. What really matters is how you use the numbers you have, and how you tell the rest of your story.
I’ve helped clients with below-median LSATs get into top law schools. I’ve also helped students with lower GPAs get admitted because they nailed the LSAT. The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all path. There’s only your path, and with the right strategy, it can absolutely lead to your dream school.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help you put together a plan that works for your unique profile. Schedule a free consultation with me today, and let’s talk about how to turn your law school goals into reality.
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