The Law School Admissions Test, also known as the LSAT, is widely regarded as a difficult exam to master. The average studying time it takes to prepare for this exam is around three months, and most test preparation guidelines recommend between 150 and 300 hours of studying to be put into this exam. If you are new to the LSAT, all of this might seem overwhelming to you, and you might just want to start with the basics, such as learning about the LSAT scoring system.
In this article, we help you understand more about the LSAT, what the highest LSAT score possible is, and how you might be able to improve your LSAT score.
Why Is the LSAT Important?
The LSAT is important in regard to your law school application, as most schools require a set of LSAT scores before you are eligible for admission. Your LSAT score is used to determine how well you might succeed with law school coursework and examine how easily you can master essential concepts for law school. Higher ranked and more notable law schools tend to have higher average LSAT scores for their accepted students, but it is possible to be accepted into any law school with a stellar application regardless of what your LSAT score is.
That being said, it’s important to work with an LSAT tutor and properly prepare for this exam if you want to ensure that you give yourself the best chances of admission into your dream law schools.
Are Higher LSAT Scores Better?
In most cases, higher LSAT scores will open up doors to more selective and name-notable law schools. Law schools that are higher ranked generally have higher average LSAT scores for their accepted students and ensuring that your LSAT score matches or exceeds this average score improves your chances of admission. A higher LSAT score may also show admissions committees that you are a hard worker and will succeed with whatever law school coursework has in store for you, something that admissions committees value.
The Highest LSAT Score Possible
The highest LSAT score possible is a 180, and the lowest score possible is a 120. This is based on an exam containing four 35-minute multiple-choice test sections. Overall, the LSAT has between 99 and 102 questions on it. Students should also note that one of the four sections on the LSAT will be ungraded; this is a section designed to test new questions and difficulty levels and it will be a repeat of one of the other three sections of the test. Individuals will not know which section is ungraded until after their test scores are received, so it’s important to try your hardest on each section of the test.
You can convert your raw score from practice LSATs to estimate what your score might be when you take the real exam.
Can I Improve My LSAT Score?
It is possible to improve your LSAT score, and many students have achieved this with a dedicated study plan and the assistance of LSAT tutors. Both of these things ensure that you evaluate your LSAT weaknesses, continue to support your LSAT strengths, and improve your overall score. If you find that you are struggling to study for the LSAT and improve your score, you may want to take the time to develop a consistent, realistic LSAT study plan and consult an LSAT tutor as needed.
Is the LSAT Graded on a Curve?
The LSAT is graded on a curve, and not every LSAT will be the exact same level of difficulty. A variety of new test questions and varying difficulty levels in addition to changes in the LSAT make it difficult to ensure that every test is the same in terms of questions and difficulty, which is why the curve exists. You can find more information about LSAT scores on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.
Achieving Your Target LSAT Score
The LSAT is notoriously difficult, and the highest possible score of 180 requires you to get every question on the exam correct. While some individuals can achieve this, it’s not done without studying hard and ensuring that you fully understand the concepts that the LSAT is testing. Whether you want to get a 180 on the LSAT or simply achieve the highest LSAT score possible for you, a consistent studying plan, ample studying time, and help from a dedicated tutor can ensure you achieve your target LSAT score.
