How High Should You Aim?

There’s no single “correct” LSAT score. But there is a smart way to set an LSAT goal that gives you real options instead of forcing compromises later.

A Reasonable Default Goal

If you’re just starting out and wondering what to aim for, a good default goal is 165. That makes you competitive at many schools and opens the door to meaningful scholarships.

Below that range, options narrow quickly. Above it, leverage starts to compound. That said, 165 is not a ceiling. It should be your floor.

Your Target School Sets the Bar

The most important factor in setting your goal score is the school you want to attend.

Every law school publishes its LSAT median. That number tells you what the typical admitted student looks like. If your score is below that median, you’re fighting uphill. If your score is at or above it, you’re competitive. 

Applicants compete for schools, but schools also compete for applicants. Scoring above a school’s median helps them improve their numbers, which makes you a more attractive applicant.

If you have a target school, your goal should be higher than its median.

Think Economically, Not Emotionally

A lot of students pick a goal score based on vibes. They aim for whatever sounds impressive, or default to “170” because it feels prestigious.

That’s the wrong way to go about it. Your LSAT goal should be informed. The right question isn’t “What score sounds good?” but “What score gets me scholarships at schools I’d actually attend?”

That’s why research matters. Look at real outcomes. Use our scholarship estimator to see how offers might change as your score increases. Higher scores buy leverage, flexibility, and better options.

Don’t Rush

Students often treat their first official test as the finish line. That’s a big mistake.

Law schools only care about your highest score, not how many times you took the test. Therefore, students should plan to take the LSAT up to five times if needed. Each attempt should be part of a longer plan, not a desperate shot to be done.

There is no advantage to finishing early with a score below your potential. A few more months of study can mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

Stop Guessing Your Ceiling

There’s no need to decide your “max” score ahead of time. If your scores are still improving, keep going. Many students who aim higher are surprised by how high they actually score.

The LSAT rewards careful practice over raw talent. If your fundamentals are getting stronger and your practice scores are trending up, there’s no reason to cap yourself early. Let your data set the ceiling, not your doubts.

Aim High, Then Let Data Decide

Set an ambitious goal that is higher than what feels realistic. Then study carefully. Track your progress. Adjust based on evidence, not anxiety.

The LSAT is one of the few parts of this process you have complete control over. The higher you score, the more leverage you have over admissions, scholarships, and long-term outcomes.

Aim accordingly.