172 LSAT Score – Is 172 a Good LSAT Score?

An astonishing 172 LSAT score can be a game-changer in your law school journey.

• Key Implications of a 172 LSAT Score: This score significantly positions you among the top percentile of LSAT takers, opening doors to prestigious institutions.
• Raising the Score Bar: Discussing possibilities and challenges of advancing beyond an already impressive 172 LSAT score.
• Deciding the Fate of a 172 LSAT Score: Insights on whether to retain or cancel this high score.

Master the nuances of a 172 LSAT score, to move one step closer to your dream law school.

Is 172 A Good LSAT Score?

A Unique Perspective into LSAT Scoring

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a significant milestone on the journey to becoming a lawyer. The test measures a range of skills and abilities required for success in law school and your career beyond.

On a scale from 120 to 180, a score of 172 is considered exceptional. It lands you in the 99th percentile, meaning you’ve outperformed 99% of test-takers, a truly impressive achievement.

Relevance of 172 LSAT Score in Law School Admissions

A score of 172 is not just good—it’s excellent. Why is it so desirable?

• Broadens your options: It opens up opportunities for acceptance into prestigious law schools across the United States.
• Increases scholarship chances: A high LSAT score often comes with the added perk of scholarships.
• Boosts employability: Many law firms consider LSAT scores when hiring. A score of 172 could make you a more favorable candidate.

However, it’s crucial to remember that while a high LSAT score is hugely beneficial, it’s not the only factor that law schools consider during admissions.

Is 172 A Bad LSAT Score?

Before we delve deeper into this question, it’s important to understand that a bad LSAT score is subjective and varies greatly depending upon individual goals and benchmarks.

Setting Context: The Ultra-competitive World of Law Schools

In the landscape of extremely competitive top-tier law schools, even minor variations in LSAT scores can make a significant difference. A score of 172, while high overall, could potentially be considered less competitive at schools such as Yale, Harvard, or Stanford, which boast average LSAT scores of 173 and above. However, this context is intensely specific and for a select few.

Beyond the LSAT: Holistic Review of Candidacy Elements

Law schools use a holistic approach in their admissions process. They weigh multiple factors, including:

• Undergraduate GPA: A consistent academic record demonstrates your dedication and commitment to your studies.
• Personal Statement: This gives a voice to who you are outside of the scores and grades.
• Recommendation Letters: These provide perspective on your character and suitability for a rigorous academic program.
• Resume: Any work, internship, or leadership experiences add depth to your candidacy.

So, while a 172 might be slightly below average for the top few law schools, it’s hardly a ‘bad score,’ considering the comprehensive review of applications.

172 LSAT Score Percentile

Making Sense of LSAT Percentiles

In general, LSAT percentiles offer a convenient way to understand how your score stacks up against others. When you receive your LSAT score, it’s presented along with a percentile rank. The percentile system compares your performance to others taking the test, representing the percentage of test-takers you scored higher than.

Positioning 172 on the Percentile Scale

A 172 LSAT score traditionally corresponds to approximately the 99th percentile. This means if you score a 172, you have outperformed 99 percent of test-takers—a score to be genuinely proud of.

Can You Get Into Law School with a 172 LSAT Score?

So, you have a 172 LSAT Score. Congratulations! You’ve taken a significant and successful step towards your aspiration of joining a law school. Let’s explore admission prospects with this score.

Admission Prospects in Prestigious Law Schools

Law schools are renowned for their selectivity, and among these, the Top 14 (T14) schools hold a special status. These schools, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, consistently rank among the top in the country and offer remarkable opportunities post-graduation.

A score of 172 can provide you:

• Strong application in most T14 schools: These include University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and University of Michigan.
• Competitive application in top 5: For example, Columbia and Chicago, where median LSAT scores range from 170 to 172.

Remember, while a high LSAT score strengthens your application, law schools consider several other factors for acceptance, including undergrad GPA, application essays, and recommendation letters.

Considering the Holistic Evaluation of Your Application

Admission in law schools is not a simple equation but a complex interplay of several elements. LSAT Scores, while essential, are a part of this equation. A holistic evaluation includes:

• Academic Records: Your course rigor, trend in grades, and academic stamina are critically reviewed.
• Letters of Recommendations: These act as professional endorsements, demonstrating your skillsets and competencies.
• Personal Statements and Essays: These provide an understanding of your personal aspirations, resilience, and how you can contribute to the diversity at the school.
• Leadership and Work Experiences: These demonstrate your capability to excel outside the classroom, vital in molding future legal professionals.

Having a 172 LSAT score significantly bolsters your application, but preparing a well-rounded application will ensure you step into the law school of your dreams.

Should You Cancel a 172 LSAT Score?

The thought of canceling an LSAT score may cause anxiety for many aspiring law school students. However, considering the rarity and competitive edge of a 172 LSAT score, it helps to approach this discussion soberly.

Understanding the Implications of a 172 LSAT Score

It’s important to grasp the level of accomplishment that a 172 LSAT score represents. As previously stated, scoring a 172 puts you in the 99th percentile of all test-takers—an achievement few others can share. This alone advocates against canceling such a high score.

Contextualizing Your Score: Holistic Assessment

However, LSAT scores do not exist in isolation. They should be seen as part of your bigger law school application, including factors such as your undergraduate GPA, personal statement, recommendation letters, and the specific application needs of your chosen law schools.

If you’ve scored 172 on the LSAT, it complicates your application only in scenarios like aiming for top law schools like Harvard, which hold an average LSAT score of 173. For almost all other law schools, this score is competitive. Therefore, canceling a 172 isn’t typically advisable.

How Hard Is It to Score a 172 on the LSAT?

The LSAT, aimed at assessing skills crucial for law school, is a rigorous examination. Scoring a 172 on the LSAT, which lands you in the top 1% of test takers, is therefore undeniably challenging.

Preparing for the Challenge: Developing Essential Skills

The LSAT tests you on three types of sections, each requiring unique skillsets:

• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): This tests your ability to understand and manipulate logical structures.
• Logical Reasoning: This assesses the skills to critique and construct arguments.
• Reading Comprehension: This gauges the ability to understand complex texts akin to legal documents.

Solid command over these skills and consistent practice, often extending over several months, if not years, is usually required to score a 172 on the LSAT.

Tips to Improve Your 172 LSAT Score

If you’re determined to improve your score beyond 172, the journey will require dedication, discipline, and perhaps most importantly, strategic planning.

Cultivate a Comprehensive Study Plan

A well-devised study plan factors in essential elements:

• Understand the Test: Understand the format, question types, scoring pattern, and test-day procedures.
• Build Mastery: Improve your grasp of the LSAT’s three types of sections through targeted practice sessions.
• Frequent Practice Tests: Take timed practice tests to replicate real test scenarios and assess progress.
• Review Performance: Evaluate your performance in these tests for weaknesses. Then, revise and reattempt these sections.

Seek Professional Guidance

Studying for the LSAT can be overwhelming. Using resources like LSAT prep books, tutors, and prep courses can help guide your strategy and increase efficiency.

Improving beyond 172 will require focused attention on your individual weaknesses. Acknowledge that at this level, every increase in your score garners a significant competitive edge—the difference between getting into a good law school and a great one.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

LSAT scores range from a low of 120 to a high of 180; this scale sets the stage to understand where a score of 172 lies.

Delving into the Scoring Scale

While a score of 180 is the highest achievable, achieving it is extremely rare. Most test-takers score in the mid-140s to mid-150s range, and a score above 160 is achieved by less than 20% of test-takers.

Scoring a 172 means you are among the top 1% of all test-takers—a remarkable feat reflecting your potential as a future law student.

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

The LSAT is a challenging, yet critical step in any aspiring lawyer’s journey. Scoring a 172 on the LSAT isn’t just an indication of your analytical and logical reasoning skills—it’s an affirmation of your tenacity, dedication, and potential for a successful legal career.

While a 172 can open doors to a multitude of elite law schools, it is essential to remember that admission to law school is a comprehensive evaluation. Beyond the test score, your academic record, work experiences, personal essays, and recommendation letters collectively represent your suitability as a law school candidate.

Therefore, be proud of your 172 LSAT score—it’s a significant milestone. By combining this with the holistic development of your overall profile, you’ll present a strong application that showcases the breadth of your potential as a law student.

Remember, your LSAT score is a key, not the destination. Use it to open doors, learn, grow, and ultimately, lay the groundwork for a fulfilling legal career. Embrace the journey, and let the path to law school be the start of your broader journey towards personal and professional growth.