140 LSAT Score – Is 140 a Good LSAT Score?

Is a 140 LSAT score *making you sweat?*

• It’s a critical number: That 140 LSAT score decides whether you’re in or out.
• The percentile stakes: It falls somewhere significant on the LSAT percentile chart.
• Influence on acceptance rates: The influence this score has on your law school dream isn’t trivial.

So, let’s break down what a 140 LSAT score means for your law school journey.

Is 140 a Good LSAT Score?

Generally, a 140 LSAT score falls into the “low range” category. The LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with most students achieving an average of around 150. A score of 140 is below this average, which may be viewed negatively by most law school admissions committees.

However, defining a ‘good’ score isn’t black and white, as it’s based heavily on the individual’s context. A good score for you depends on several factors including:

• Your target law school: Different law schools have varying average LSAT scores. For some schools, a score of 140 may be acceptable while for others, it’s far below average.
• Overall application profile: LSAT score is not the only determinant for law school admissions. Other factors like your GPA, your personal statement, and letters of recommendation play a significant role as well.

Defining a Good Score based on Target Law Schools

When crafting your list of potential law schools, understanding the median LSAT scores of current students can give you a ballpark figure for the scores the schools are looking for. For instance, if the median LSAT score of a school’s student body is 165, a 140 LSAT score would likely be viewed as below par. However, if a school’s student body has a median score of 145, your 140 score might be viewed more favorably.

The Influence of Your Application Profile

Even if your LSAT score is low, having a strong overall application profile can help mitigate the impact. A high GPA, impressive work experience, and compelling letters of recommendation might compensate for a lower LSAT score.

Is 140 a Bad LSAT Score?

From the perspective of top-tier law schools, a 140 LSAT score would be considered detrimental. These advanced institutions often require high LSAT scores, with most having a median LSAT score well above 150.

That being said, labeling a score as “bad” is subjective, because:

• Acceptability varies school by school: Certain lower-ranked law schools, particularly if they’re located in smaller markets or less competitive states, might consider a 140 LSAT score acceptable.
• The holistic review process: Law school admissions committees consider more than LSAT scores. They look at your overall application package, sometimes allowing the strengths of your application to balance a lower score.

Acceptability Variance Across Law Schools

Law schools have diverse student bodies and different competitiveness levels. Schools in more competitive markets, like Los Angeles or New York, typically look for high performing applicants. In contrast, smaller, less competitive market schools may accept lower LSAT scores. Consequently, a 140 LSAT score might not be a dealbreaker for all law schools.

The Holistic Review Process

Even at more competitive schools, a lower LSAT score can occasionally be offset by a robust application. For example, if you have substantial relevant work experience or an exceptionally high GPA, a school may overlook a less competitive LSAT score.

140 LSAT Score Percentile

A 140 LSAT score typically falls somewhere around the 26th percentile. This implies that with a score of 140, you would perform better than roughly 26% of the other test takers.

The LSAT percentile represents your relative position among test takers. So whether a 1% difference from the 25th to the 26th percentile significantly impacts a law school application can be hard to say definitively, as it depends largely on the individual law school’s admission criteria.

Understanding Percentiles

To provide some context, if you’re in the 75th percentile, that means you performed better than 75% of the test takers. Hence, standing at 26th percentile with a 140 LSAT score places you among the bottom third of exam takers. It’s not an ideal position to be in, but it doesn’t make entrance to law school impossible.

Can You Get into Law School with a 140 LSAT Score?

Yes, you can get into law school with a 140 LSAT score, but the available options might be limited. Your opportunities would significantly depend on your other qualifications, the law schools you’re applying to, and their requirements.

The Role of Other Application Elements

Having strong elements in other areas of your application can help bolster your chances. These can be:

• High GPA: A high undergraduate GPA can show your academic commitment, which could counterbalance a lower LSAT score.
• Work Experience: If you have relevant work experience or internships in law firms, this might be seen as valuable and partially offset a low LSAT score.
• Well-rounded Application: Being an active participant in extracurricular activities and community service can denote strong soft skills and a well-rounded personality.

Law School Selection and Tuition Fees

Choosing a law school that fits your qualifications, including your LSAT score, is crucial. However, keep in mind that schools which accept a lower LSAT score may also offer fewer scholarships and financial aid opportunities, resulting in higher tuition fees.

Do extensive research on each prospective school’s tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, as well as the average LSAT scores and GPAs of admitted students. This will help you understand the potential return on investment and whether it’s feasible for you to attend a particular school.

Should You Cancel a 140 LSAT Score?

Deciding whether to cancel your LSAT score should not be taken lightly. A 140 may seem low considering the national average, but it might still be adequate for some law schools. Before making a decision, you should factor in several considerations:

• Performance compared to practice tests: If your score is considerably lower than your practice test results, it could be due to test day nerves or issues and might warrant a re-test.
• Acceptability to your prospective schools: If your score aligns with your target schools’ score ranges, cancelling may not be necessary.
• Time and resources for a re-test: You should assess whether you have the time, energy, and financial resources to take the LSAT again.

Performance Disparity and Decision to Cancel

If your practice test scores were consistently much higher than 140, consider cancelling the score and retaking the test. The lower score could be due to test-day nerves or an unexpected circumstance, and you might perform better in a re-take.

Prospective Schools’ Acceptability

Research the median LSAT scores at your potential law schools. If a 140 is within the lower end of their LSAT range, cancelling your score could be premature.

How Hard Is It to Score a 140 on the LSAT?

A 140 score on the LSAT is below the average score of 150, but it still requires a level of understanding of the test material and well-planned strategies in terms of time management and answering methods.

The Knowledge Required

Scoring a 140 indicates a basic understanding of the subject matter, including logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning. This would require consistent studying and practice.

The Strategies Involved

Good time-management and a well-thought-out test-taking strategy are necessary to score 140. This means training yourself to read and assimilate information quickly, and correctly answer as many questions as possible.

Tips to Improve Your 140 LSAT Score

If you’re not content with your 140 LSAT score, there are several strategies you can employ to improve:

• Intensive studying: Craft a strict study schedule focusing on areas of the test you find challenging. Aim to study for several hours each day, varying your methods between reading, practice tests, and reviewing answers.
• Consider a prep course or tutor: An LSAT prep course or tutor might be a useful investment. They can provide customized advice, techniques, and assistance to help you improve.
• Practice under test conditions: Make sure you do full-length LSAT practice tests under realistic conditions. This helps you get used to the timing and pressures of the actual test.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

On the LSAT scoring scale, 120 is the lowest possible score, while 180 is the highest. Most test takers score around 150, making a 140 sit below the average, but not at extreme lows. The scoring scale can be divided into various ranges which may be viewed in the following manner:

• 180 – 170 (superior range)
• 169 – 160 (above average)
• 159 – 150 (average range)
• 149 – 140 (below average)
• 139 – 120 (low range)

While the 140 score falls into the “below average” category, this doesn’t automatically mean failure. Many law schools may still consider candidates with scores in this range, especially if their other application components are strong.

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

Whether a 140 LSAT score is good or bad is relative to your individual situation and aspirations. What’s critical is authenticity and knowing your strengths. Rather than fixating solely on your LSAT score, consider it alongside your other qualifications and the admission requirements of your preferred law schools.

A 140 LSAT score might limit your chances at top-tier schools, but it’s still acceptable at many others. It’s important to remember that your LSAT score is not the sole determinant of your law school admission. Other components, such as your GPA, personal statement, recommendation letters, and work experience can play an equally significant role.

More importantly, addressing the outcomes, whether it’s a lower-than-desired LSAT score or a rejection letter, as part of your growth journey is key. These experiences encourage learning and adapting, and can help shape the attorney you’re en route to becoming.

Continue to stay optimistic, focus on your strengths, and don’t let a single number dictate your entire future. Remember, the journey to becoming a lawyer is a marathon, not a sprint.