139 LSAT Score – Is 139 a Good LSAT Score?

Curious about where a 139 LSAT Score can take you? Let’s set course!

• Understanding a 139 LSAT Score: Put in perspective, this score falls in the lower third percentile.
• Implications of a 139 LSAT Score: The doors of top-tier law schools may not swing wide open but that doesn’t mean shutting down your law school dreams.
• Boosting your 139 LSAT Score: A world of drilling strategies, practice tests, and insightful prep materials awaits you.

Embracing your 139 LSAT score could be just the starting point of your law school journey.

Is 139 a Good LSAT Score?

A 139 LSAT score is on the low end of the LSAT score range, putting a test-taker in the bottom third percentile compared to other LSAT exam-takers. This isn’t like saying you’re in the bottom third of your high school class—it’s much more competitive. You’re being compared to thousands of highly driven, ambitious law school hopefuls from around the country and possibly around the world.

A Comparison to the Average LSAT Score

The average, or median LSAT score, is generally around 150. Any score below that average is deemed low and any score above it, high. Hence, a score of 139 falls significantly short of this median benchmark. This score indicates a number of correct responses that is below the average for test-takers.

• To put it into perspective: Even though a 139 is less than the average 150, it still means that you did better than about 30% of test-takers. However, a higher score would give you a considerable advantage.

LSAT Scores and Law School Admissions

In considering law school applications, a competitive LSAT score is a crucial element. Law schools often determine cut-off points for their LSAT scores—usually the top 25% of test-takers—making the competition for spots highly intense. A score of 139 is not usually considered competitive for most of the prestigious law schools.

Is 139 a Bad LSAT Score?

To assess whether a 139 is a bad or good LSAT score, we must first understand that LSAT scores are often evaluated relative to the requirements of individual law schools and the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool. Yes, relative to the average LSAT score of 150, a 139 is on the low end.

Considering ABA Law School Admissions

The American Bar Association (ABA) accredits the majority of U.S. law schools, providing a standardized measure of prestige and quality. A score of 139 might make it challenging to gain admission into an ABA-accredited law school due to the competitive nature of these admissions processes.

• Financial implications: This score could also impact financial aid opportunities. Many scholarships are merit-based, determined in part by LSAT scores. Therefore, a low score could mean a higher financial burden.

139 LSAT Score Percentile

A percentile rank for an LSAT score provides a broader context, nurturing an understanding of one’s performance relative to other test-takers. For instance, if a test-taker falls within the 70th percentile, they scored better than 70% of test-takers.

Understanding Your Percentile

A 139 LSAT score level places you approximately in the 13th percentile of test-takers. This means that about 87% of test takers score higher—a sobering statistic if you’re aiming for a place in a competitive or top-tier law program.

Impact on Your Law School Options

Given law school admissions’ highly competitive nature, this percentile may not provide you with a significant competitive edge, particularly at more reputable or top-tier schools. It’s worth noting that certain schools might place greater emphasis on LSAT scores, while others might take into account more holistic factors.

Can You Get Into Law School with a 139 LSAT Score?

A 139 LSAT score doesn’t make it impossible to gain admission into a law school. However, it restricts the choice of law school and might limit your options to less competitive law schools.

Considering State Schools and Unranked ABA-Approved Law Schools

For someone with a 139 LSAT score, an alternative strategy might be to consider state schools or unranked ABA-approved law schools. Positions at these schools can be less competitive and more accommodating of lower scores.

• Potential downside: However, keep in mind that attending these schools might mean being prepared to bear the full cost of tuition, as scholarships might be primarily reserved for those with higher scores.

Considering Your GPA and Other Application Elements

Though your LSAT score is important, keep in mind that it’s not the only component of your application. Admissions committees also consider your GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and other factors that demonstrate your potential for success in law school.

• Crucial tip: If your GPA is particularly strong or you have impressive professional or extracurricular accomplishments, these may help compensate for a lower LSAT score.

In conclusion, a 139 LSAT score, while on the low end of the scale, doesn’t automatically bar you from pursuing a legal career. With strategic thinking, careful planning, and consideration of all admission factors—plus a little flexibility and perseverance—you can certainly still have a shot at fulfilling your law school dreams.

Should You Cancel a 139 LSAT Score?

The choice to cancel an LSAT score is a significant decision and should be based on various factors such as initial expectations, the requirements of your target law schools, and your ability to retake the test.

Gauging Expectations and Reality

If you’ve been consistently scoring significantly higher on practice tests, a 139 might be an anomaly. In such a case, it might be worthwhile to contemplate retaking the LSAT.

• What to consider: The goal is not to simply sit for the test again, but to prepare thoroughly, understanding where you went wrong, and aiming for a higher score on the next attempt.

Considering Law School Applications

If you know that your goal is to apply to top law schools or those above a certain rank, a 139 LSAT score may not meet their admission requirements, making cancellation a consideration.

• Remember: If you cancel, law schools will only see a “cancelled” notations—there won’t be any actual score. This will have no detrimental effect on your application.

Assessing Opportunities to Retake the Test

The LSAT is no longer limited to being taken once a year, providing the flexibility to retake it even within the same application season. Retaking the test could mean overcoming a bad test day or any unexpected occurrence during the previous test.

• Keep in mind: Make a strategic plan if you decide to retake the test. Use your previous test experience to focus on areas that you need to improve.

How Hard Is It to Score a 139 on the LSAT

Scoring a 139 on LSAT could be seen as challenging or simple, depending on an individual’s academic foundation and test preparation.

Assessing the Difficulty

While it may seem less challenging than targeting a high or exceptional score range, it is crucial to remember that the LSAT is a difficult test, designed to assess aptitude for the rigorous law school curriculum.

• Understanding the weight: Each LSAT section bears its weight and contributes towards the final score. The test taker should be acquainted with all areas of the test, including Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.

Preparation is Key

LSAT preparation does not only consist of studying content but also understanding the exam’s structure, being familiar with question formats, and pacing strategies to optimize test-taking performance.

• Best practices: Comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and LSAT prep courses can provide crucial preparation for the LSAT.

Tips to Improve Your 139 LSAT Score

Improving an LSAT score from 139 involves comprehensive preparation, reassessing weaker sections, and considering strategic test-taking methodologies.

Identifying Weaknesses and Focusing on Fundamentals

Identifying the areas that challenged you the most can help guide your study focus. Having a clear understanding of the LSAT structure and fundamental principles behind the questions is essential to increase your scoring potential.

• Study tip: Practice question deconstruction and reasoning understanding rather than attempting to memorize solutions.

Developing a Sound Test-taking Strategy

Developing a strategic approach helps with efficient time management—an essential factor for the LSAT. Familiarity with question types also allows for intuitive understanding and swift decision-making during the test.

• Strategy suggestion: Take full-length timed practice tests which can help simulate actual testing conditions and manage test-induced nerves.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

The LSAT operates on a scaled scoring system, with the lowest score achievable being 120 and the highest 180. With 150 considered around the average marker, understanding where a 139 lies on this scale can help assess your LSAT performance.

What a 139 Means on the LSAT Scoring Scale

Falling below the mid-range of the LSAT scoring scale, a 139 score is considered on the lower end. As you move up the scale, the difference of one or two points becomes increasingly significant.

• Competitive perspective: For example, a score increase from 139 to 142 could make your application more competitive at certain law schools.

Exploring Your Law School Options

Depending on where within this scale you land, your admission options can change significantly. Above 150, you might find yourself eligible for consideration at more prestigious and competitive schools.

• The bright side: While it’s true that a lower score will generally correlate with fewer options, keep in mind that with nearly 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S., there may still be a good law school that’s the right fit for you even with a lower score.

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

Even with a 139 LSAT score, law school admission is not out of reach. It might mean reconsidering and adjusting your expectations, being open to a wider range of law schools, and enhancing the other elements of your application.

The Whole Picture

Keep in mind that LSAT scores, while vital, are only one component of your law school application. Your academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, work and life experiences can help paint a more holistic picture of your capabilities.

• The take-home message: No single score defines your potential or your future. Each individual brings unique experiences and attributes that can contribute to a successful law school journey—and a successful legal career.

Preparing for the Journey Ahead

Embrace your score—it is a reflection of your hard work and dedication. Now, it is time to capitalize on this learning experience, reflect upon it, and determine your next steps on your journey to law school.

• Embracing reality: Having a less-than-ideal LSAT score isn’t necessarily a barrier to becoming a fantastic lawyer. Many legal professionals have overcome early obstacles in their academic careers to achieve great success.

In the final analysis, your 139 LSAT score is merely a starting line. It is not the best score, nor is it the worst. The key lies in identifying the strengths in your profile, understanding where you can improve, and crafting an application that best showcases your potential to succeed in law school and beyond.