US Law Schools with Median LSAT Scores Above 170

• The median LSAT score for full-time students entering law school in fall 2025 was approximately 160 across all ranked schools.
• 17 top-ranked schools had a median LSAT score exceeding 170, highlighting the continued importance of high scores in admissions.
• Law schools are increasingly incorporating alternative pathways into their admissions processes, but the LSAT remains a crucial factor in determining eligibility.

The data suggests that while these alternative pathways may be gaining traction, they are not yet replacing the traditional LSAT as the primary means of evaluating applicants.

While law schools are increasingly incorporating alternative pathways into their admissions processes, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) remains a crucial factor in determining a student's eligibility for admission. The test has been a long-standing requirement for aspiring lawyers, and its significance is reflected in the median scores achieved by students at top-ranked institutions. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median LSAT score for full-time students entering law school in fall 2025 was approximately 160 across all ranked schools. However, a closer examination of the data reveals that 17 schools near the top of the rankings had a significantly higher median LSAT score, exceeding 170.

In recent years, law schools have begun to adopt more flexible admissions policies, allowing for alternative pathways to admission. This shift towards greater flexibility has led some to question the continued relevance of the LSAT in determining a student's suitability for law school. However, the data suggests that while these alternative pathways may be gaining traction, they are not yet replacing the traditional LSAT as the primary means of evaluating applicants. For aspiring lawyers, it is essential to understand the nuances of each school's admissions policies and to prepare accordingly.

The high median LSAT scores achieved by students at top-ranked institutions serve as a reminder that admission to law school remains highly competitive. For lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on their applications, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of preparing for the LSAT, even in the face of increasing flexibility in admissions policies. By doing so, applicants can position themselves for success in an increasingly complex and nuanced application process.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that the increasing use of alternative pathways to law school admissions may impact their clients' chances of being accepted, and they should advise applicants on the importance of still preparing for the LSAT.

Source: Original reporting via U.S. News & World Report