171 LSAT Score – Is 171 a Good LSAT Score?

A 171 LSAT Score can unlock opportunities in esteemed law schools. Let’s explore its various aspects.

• Good 171 LSAT Score: A lead towards top-tier law schools
• 171 LSAT Score Percentile: Find out where this score places you
• Improving a 171 LSAT Score: Tips for the persistent test taker

Achieving a 171 LSAT score is commendable, shaping the path towards a successful law career.

Is 171 a Good LSAT Score?

In the world of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a score of 171 isn’t just good; it’s viewed as exceptional. The LSAT scoring scale ranges from 120, the lowest possible score, to 180, the highest possible score. In this context, a score of 171 significantly exceeds the average score, making it praiseworthy.

The LSAT Average Score

Before we fully dive into the understanding of a 171 LSAT score, let’s take a moment to examine the average LSAT score. According to statistics released by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the average LSAT score is around 152. It’s worth noting that this average includes all test takers, both those who are applying to law school and those who are just testing for practice.

A score of 171 is a full 19 points above this average – a striking difference. This fact alone attests to why a 171 score is indeed excellent and seen as exceptional, putting the test-taker in the upper echelons of all LSAT candidates.

Where a 171 Score Stands in Competitive Law School Admissions

Let’s look at how a 171 LSAT score stacks up when applying to law schools. Top law schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale have median LSAT scores in the mid to high 170s. Although not the absolute top, a 171 score certainly aligns you in the vicinity of the scores required for these schools. Lower-tiered yet still prestigious law schools, such as *Boston University, George Washington University, and University of Texas Austin*, have median LSAT scores hovering around the mid-160s. A 171 LSAT score would position an aspirant as a highly competitive candidate for these schools.

Is 171 a Bad LSAT Score?

Just as it is important to understand why 171 is a great LSAT score, it’s equally valuable to explore scenarios where a 171 might be considered less than desirable. Despite a 171 score being in the 98th percentile, making it highly commendable, there could be specific circumstances where it may fall short.

For Ultra-Competitive Law Schools

The only situation where a 171 LSAT score might be seen as insufficient is when applying to the topmost tier of law schools. Schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford may have median LSAT scores in the 174-175 range. Though a 171 is certainly not far off, it might not bring the competitive edge required solely based on LSAT score.

Remember, even though LSAT scores play a huge role in law school admissions, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Personal statements, letters of recommendation, past academic performance, and work experience also carry weight.

171 LSAT Score Percentile

Understanding percentile rankings can help put a 171 LSAT score in perspective. The percentile represents the percentage of LSAT test-takers who scored lower than you. For example, if you are in the 98th percentile, as is the case with a 171 LSAT score, it means you performed better than 98% of all test takers.

What does 98th Percentile mean in terms of Competition?

A 171 score, which lands in the 98th percentile, means that out of every 100 test takers, 98 scored lower than you. This places you amongst the top 2% of test takers, and hence is a mark of exceptional achievement.

Can You Get into Law School with a 171 LSAT Score?

Beyond a doubt, a 171 LSAT score can open many doors in the world of law school admissions. To assess the breadth and scope of possibilities, it’s beneficial to propel beyond the broad question, “Can I get into law school with this score?” and instead consider, “Which law schools can I be a competitive candidate for with this score?”

Scope in Top-Tier Law Schools

With a 171 LSAT score, most top-tier law schools would certainly consider your application. However, the most elite schools such as Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, where median LSAT scores float around 174-175, might be a tough nut to crack.

Nevertheless, if your application shines in other aspects such as impressive work experience, an exceedingly high GPA, or persuasive letters of recommendation, these schools may still be within reach.

Scope in Other Excellent Law Schools

Looking beyond the top 3 law schools, there lies an array of excellent law schools where a 171 LSAT score makes you a standout candidate. Law schools like Duke, Northwestern, and Berkeley all have median LSAT scores in the high 160s, placing a 171 scoring candidate above the median.

Of course, law school admissions take into account other components of the application such as GPA, work experience, and recommendations. However, a 171 LSAT score certainly gives you a solid foundation to build upon.

Mastering the Admissions Process

Scoring a 171, though a significant accomplishment, is only a part of the admission process. Law schools are known to look at a holistic presentation of the candidate, taking into account undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, resumes, personal statements, and interviews. While these factors can create daunting variables for the admission process, they also offer an opportunity for candidates to highlight their strengths beyond just test performance.

Should You Cancel a 171 LSAT Score?

The notion of canceling a 171 LSAT score may sound preposterous to most because it significantly exceeds the average score and is within upper percentiles. However, let’s explore if there are any circumstances under which one might contemplate such a step.

When to Think of Cancelling Any LSAT Score

The LSAC allows six calendar days after the exam to cancel your score. Some candidates may feel that their test-day performance was affected by significant disturbances—like illness during the exam or a serious distraction at the testing center. In such cases, they potentially might consider canceling.

Why Canceling a 171 Score Is Generally Not Advised

A 171 LSAT score is an excellent score, falling in the 98th percentile. It puts a candidate in a strong position for applying to most top-tier law schools, excluding very few exceptions. Therefore, canceling such a score based on a general feeling of unease or anxiety, without concrete reasons like serious health issues or abnormal disruptions during the exam, is usually not advisable.

How Hard Is It to Score a 171 on the LSAT?

Achieving a 171 LSAT score is undeniably a challenging feat. It requires rigorous study, a deep understanding of the test structure and question types, and sharp critical reasoning skills.

Rigorous Study Required

All LSAT sections—logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension—require significant dedication and consistent practice. A 171 score signifies an ability to answer a vast majority of these questions correctly, which usually comes with extensive preparation.

Understanding of the Test Structure and Question Types

The LSAT isn’t just about knowing the material; it’s also about understanding how the test is structured and what it aims to measure. Test-takers aiming for high scores like 171 need to grasp the underlying logic of every question type on the test.

Tips to Improve Your 171 LSAT Score

While a 171 is indeed a high score, some test-takers may still wish to improve further. Let’s explore actionable tips which such individuals might find useful.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Continuous practice can significantly help you understand the LSAT format and question types. It’s essential to take as many timed practice tests as possible and review each one thoroughly.

Strengthen Your Weak Areas

After taking multiple practice tests, look for patterns in the questions you missed. Are they all in one section? Do they all belong to a certain type? Once you identify your weak areas, dedicate extra time to understanding and mastering them.

Consider Hiring a Tutor

If after self-study your score is stagnant or improving more slowly than you’d like, consider engaging a tutor or opting for a prep course. These resources can offer personalized strategies for improvement.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

The LSAT uses a scaled scoring system, meaning your raw score (number of questions answered correctly) is converted into a scaled score between 120 and 180. On this scale, a 171 would fall into the higher end of the range and is indicative of a high degree of proficiency.

Mapping the Score to Your Law School Goals

Understanding the average LSAT scores for admissions to different law schools can help you interpret your score and its competitiveness. A score of 171 is competitive for nearly all law schools, making it a strong asset in your law school application.

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

Scoring a 171 on the LSAT is an impressive achievement worth celebrating. It positions you as a strong candidate for many prestigious law schools and reflects your dedication and well-honed reasoning skills.

Building a Robust Application

However, a high LSAT score like 171 is just one part of your law school application. As you plan your law school journey, remember to also focus on maintaining or improving your GPA, gaining valuable work or research experience, garnering strong letters of recommendation, and crafting a compelling personal statement. Together, these elements make your application resonate with a deep commitment to legal studies.

Celebrating Accomplishments, One Milestone at a Time

Guiding your journey into law school with a 171 LSAT score undoubtedly brings hope and pride. It’s essential to acknowledge your hard work that culminated in such an excellent score. Pausing to celebrate these milestones will fuel your motivation as you navigate the law school admission process.

Whether your dream is to attend a top-tier law school or you aspire to achieve a high GPA at a less competitive institution, your 171 LSAT score will undoubtedly sharpen your competitive edge. Embrace it and use it as a stepping stone towards your law school endeavors. Onward toward the next chapter of your academic journey, your admirable LSAT score will serve you well on your road to a successful legal career.