126 LSAT Score – Is 126 a Good LSAT Score?

Looking to better understand your 126 LSAT score? You’re in the right place.

• Understanding a 126 LSAT score: Learn about what this score means, its percentile rank, and its impact on your law school admission chances.
• Improving a 126 LSAT score: Grasp practical steps for increasing your LSAT score significantly.
• Law school admission with a 126 LSAT score: Explore law schools that might consider a candidate with a 126 LSAT score.

Get ready to fully comprehend your 126 LSAT score and chart your law school journey with confidence.

Is 126 a Good LSAT Score?

At the outset, it’s important to underscore that all LSAT scores provide insight into specific strengths and areas for growth – a 126 is no different. Is it considered traditionally ‘good’? That’s subjective.

How ‘Good’ is Defined in Standardized Testing

An LSAT score of 126 falls below the average range indicating competitive strength in most law school admissions, which is typically above 150. The LSAT is a standardized test used to assess key skills needed for success in law school, namely, critical reading, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning. As such, the scoring rubric is designed to differentiate students based on these competencies.

The ‘goodness’ of an LSAT score is often determined by how well it meets the minimum acceptance criteria set by law schools and how it stands relative to other test-takers. Generally, higher scores are seen as better indicators of potential success in law school and the legal profession.

There’s More to An Application Than Just Your LSAT Score

However, it’s important to remember that while your LSAT score is a critical component of your law school application, it’s not the only component. Admissions committees consider a holistic view of every applicant. The strength of your score must be viewed contextually with the rest of your application.

Indeed, a 126 LSAT score can still open doors to a number of law schools, particularly if offset by a compelling personal statement or a strong GPA.

For example:

• Strong GPA: If your overall GPA and major GPA are significantly higher than the median GPA of accepted students at targeted schools, this can provide a counterbalance to the LSAT score.
• Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement allows you to demonstrate your uniqueness and high points in your journey. With a well-crafted narrative, you can showcase elements of resilience, passion, dedication, or any other quality that may set you apart.
• Great Recommendation Letters: Positive endorsement from reputable professors, or character references from legal professionals, can significantly bolster your entry potential.

LSAT scores, just like other academic measurements, are not definitive determinants of success. Having a comprehensive, stellar application and a clear vision for your legal career can indeed help tilt the scales in your favor.

Is 126 a Bad LSAT Score?

While a 126 on the LSAT might imply challenges grappling with the test’s complexity, labeling it as ‘bad’ can be misleading and reductive.

The LSAT Score Range

For some context, LSAT scores typically range from 120 to 180, with the average score hovering around the 150 mark. Scores below 147 are generally classified as ‘low’. Hence, a score of 126 may be seen as such when compared to the higher averages.

However, as we’ve already indicated, this belief is highly dependent upon the requirements of the particular law schools you’re targeting and the overall strength of your application.

The Implications of a 126 score

Scoring 126 suggests you grappled with the test’s complexity, indicating that you have a fundamental understanding of LSAT requirements but may have had issues with more advanced concepts or problems. It might also imply needing to reassess and refine your study techniques.

However, this should not be viewed as entirely negative, but rather an opportunity to grow.

126 LSAT Score Percentile

Undoubtedly, percentiles play an important part in understanding LSAT scores. The percentile your LSAT score falls into gives a fair comparison of where you stand among other test takers. It further allows law schools to gauge the level of a student’s readiness for their program.

An LSAT score of 126, having considered data from previous years, tends to fall in the lower third percentile. This implies that 1 in every 3 test takers performs at this level or lower. While it may not be the most promising statistic, it nonetheless demonstrates an understanding of LSAT fundamentals.

It’s always useful to remember what we mentioned earlier. Your LSAT score is just one piece of your application puzzle.

Can You Get into Law School with a 126 LSAT Score?

Yes, you can. However, you may need to recalibrate your expectations and perhaps be willing to explore a broader range of law schools than you initially considered.

What A 126 Score Means for Your Law School Application

A score of 126 undoubtedly presents challenges with often-rigorous admissions standards in many higher-tier law schools. It might also necessitate greater flexibility in the selection of your preferred law schools. For some more selective schools, unfortunately, it might mean your application will not be competitive.

Financing Law School

Moreover, you might also have to consider additional financial implications. Generally, higher LSAT scores tend to receive more scholarship offers. With a score of 126, you might have to plan for full tuition payment in some cases.

It’s worth noting, however, that being resourceful and exploring a myriad of scholarship opportunities outside the law schools might help in this regard.

Keeping Your Dream Alive

Even with a score of 126, you shouldn’t give up on your law school dreams. It’s a challenging score, but it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.

Remember that law schools take into consideration various facets of your application, not just your LSAT score. If the other components of your application are strong, then there is still a possibility for acceptance.

Thus, rather than viewing a 126 LSAT score as a discouragement to your admission-focused efforts, see it as motivation for heightened preparation, keen focus, relentless dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity. Law schools value students who display these qualities – they are at the heart of a successful legal career!

Should You Cancel a 126 LSAT Score?

The thought of cancelling your LSAT score after viewing it may seem tempting, especially when it falls on the lower end of the spectrum, such as a 126. But is cancellation the right move? Let’s delve into this.

Defining Your Expectations

It all comes down to your individual expectations, the standards set by your prospective law schools, and the unique strengths of your overall application.

Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides an option to cancel your LSAT score within six calendar days after the test. However, keep in mind, cancelled scores are still reported to law schools with a “C” but aren’t factored into cumulative scores.

Constructing an Improvement Plan

Before making a hasty decision to cancel, consider whether you have a concrete plan to improve your score should you decide to retake the test.

For example:

• Identifying Weak Areas: Are there sections of the test that posed significant challenges? Did the time pressure affect your performance?
• Developing a Study Schedule: How much time can you commit to preparation for the retake? Does your study plan include sufficient practice tests?
• Resources and Learning Material: Have you gathered the necessary study materials? Should you consider a tutor or prep course?

If you feel confident in your improvement plan and believe you can attain a higher score with additional preparation, it might be worth considering cancellation. However, make sure to weigh this decision carefully and perhaps seek input from trusted mentors or advisors.

How Hard is It to Score a 126 on the LSAT?

While perceived difficulty will vary across individuals, scoring a 126 on the LSAT could indicate a struggle with the test’s inherent complexity. Despite any challenges you may face, a score of 126 should not be viewed as a failure, rather a gateway to understanding the areas requiring improvement.

Understanding LSAT Complexity

The LSAT is designed to test comprehension, critical thinking and analytical abilities – essential attributes for potential law students. Scoring a 126 implies an understanding of the basics but a struggle with higher-level applications, perhaps due to underdeveloped strategies or a lack of practice.

Areas to Focus On

Consequently, these struggles should be viewed as an opportunity for constructive improvement. Pinpoint which sections you felt particularly challenged by – was it logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, or the reading comprehension sections? Once these weak points are identified, they can become the focal point of your preparation for the next attempt.

Focus on honing necessary skills, adapting your problem-solving strategies, and expanding your familiarity with the test format.

Tips to Improve Your 126 LSAT Score

With a score of 126 in hand, your journey doesn’t end here. Instead, it’s time to strategize your next moves effectively to enhance your score. Here’s how:

Staying Organized and Consistent

A detailed study plan can guide you in your LSAT preparation journey. Dedicate specific hours each day to read and practice, ideally during the time of day when you are most alert and productive.

Leveraging Relevant Resources

Utilize all available resources to aid your preparation:

• LSAT Prep Books: These offer detailed breakdowns of each section and practice questions that help familiarize you with the style of the questions.
• LSAT Prep Courses: These can give you discipline and structure, usually providing a broad array of practice questions, mock tests, and strategies to tackle each section of the LSAT. They also offer the opportunity for personal feedback.
• LSAT Forums and Blogs: Joining online communities of LSAT aspirants can offer a wealth of advice and tips, as well as moral support from others who are in the same boat.

Furthermore, consider enrolling in a tutoring program if you’re struggling with certain areas of the test. A skilled tutor can offer personalized strategies and resources tailored to your unique learning needs.

Cultivating a Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude and patience are crucial while preparing for the LSAT. Remember, increased practice leads to familiarity, which can in turn alleviate anxieties and improve performance.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

The LSAT offers a standard measure for comparing candidates’ capabilities, with scores ranging from 120 to 180. A score of 120 sits at the bottom of the scale, while a perfect 180 is at the top.

Here’s how to comprehend the scoring scale:

• Low (120-147): While this range is generally less competitive in most law schools, it does not eliminate a candidate if balanced by a strong application portfolio.
• Mid (148-156): This range is average, where just over half of all test takers land. It offers a broader range of law school opportunities.
• High (157-164): This range indicates a strong potential for success in legal education and could lead to admission at a solid range of law schools.
• Exceptional (165-180): This top tier score range can unlock opportunities at the highest-rated law schools, often accompanied by substantial financial aid offerings.

Remember, LSAT scores are best utilized not as self-defining, but as tools to shape your law school application strategy.

For more information on the LSAT Scoring Scale we recommend you check out LSAT.org

LSAT Scores 120 to 180

120	121	122	123	124
125	126	127	128	129
130	131	132	133	134
135	136	137	138	139
140	141	142	143	144
145	146	147	148	149
150	151	152	153	154
155	156	157	158	159
160	161	162	163	164
165	166	167	168	169
170	171	172	173	174
175	176	177	178	179
180

Conclusion: Embracing Your LSAT Score & Planning Your Law School Journey

A score of 126 on the LSAT should not be seen as a deterrent to your law school dreams but as motivation to assess and revise preparation strategies effectively.

Continuous Improvement Is Critical

Acknowledge the areas that need improvement and refocus your study plans. Your score provides insight into which areas of the LSAT require the most attention.

To see progress, it’s essential to:

• Invest Time: Spend ample time reviewing each LSAT section and truly understanding where challenges arose.
• Apply Efforts Thoughtfully: Strategic efforts are the key. Prioritize the areas where you struggled most.
• Measure Progress: Regularly take practice tests to monitor your progress and adjust study approaches as needed.

Fostering Resilience

The crux of this journey lies in maintaining a resilient mindset. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any process. Rather than hinder you, they’re designed to propel you forward through gained experience and learned wisdom.

In the end, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace your LSAT score, plan your journey, stay dedicated and focused. Your persistence, resilience, and relentless dedication will keep you steadfast on the pathway to achieving your dream of getting a law degree. Keep moving forward, your legal career awaits you!