164 LSAT Score – Is 164 a Good LSAT Score?

Want to understand what a 164 LSAT score truly means? Let’s unravel its significance!

• Score Positioning: Discover where a 164 LSAT score sits within the scoring scale, from 120 to 180.
• Admission Prospects: Learn whether a 164 LSAT score can open doors for admission into your dream law school.
• Score Improvement Tips: Find practical advice and strategies to elevate your 164 LSAT score to the next level.

Unlock the potential of a 164 LSAT score in your journey toward a legal education.

Is 164 a Good LSAT Score?

The Law School Admission Test, commonly known as the LSAT, is a critical part of most law school applications, and how well you score on it can greatly affect your chances of getting into your desired schools. As such, it’s worth discussing if a score of 164 is good enough, or if you should strive for a higher score.

LSAT Score Ranges: 120 to 180

For reference, LSAT scores actually range from 120 to 180. So, a score of 164 isn’t simply middle-of-the-road – it’s actually considered quite high. In fact, a 164 falls in the upper end of the “High” range, which spans scores from 157 to 164.

This means that if you score 164, you’re right at the edge of breaking into the “Exceptional” category, which covers scores from 165 to 180. It should be noted that very few test-takers manage to achieve scores in this exceptional range. Therefore, a score of 164 is quite an accomplishment.

Percentile Placement: 70th to 89th

Percentiles are often more illustrative when discussing standardized test performance. A score of 164 places a test-taker between the 70th and 89th percentile. This means you’ve outperformed somewhere between 70% to 89% of all other test-takers, placing you comfortably in the top third.

Considering the number of individuals who take the LSAT each year, outperforming even 50% of time is noteworthy. When you’re outperforming nearly 70% to 89% of test-takers, your score certainly stands out.

To highlight these important numbers:

• 157-164: High range
• 165-180: Exceptional range
• 164: Score falling in the higher end of the “high” category

In terms of a competitive score, a 164 LSAT is undoubtedly strong. It indicates that you’re competitive among an impressive percentage of your peers, and can potentially make your case to law schools looking for top-tier candidates. However, there’s more to admissions than just the LSAT.

Is 164 a Bad LSAT Score?

The context can drastically affect whether a 164 is seen as a good or a bad LSAT score. For the majority of law schools, a 164 would be considered a solid, competitive score. However, for a very small subset of law schools – the highly coveted top-tier schools – a 164 might be perceived as borderline or even below average.

Context is Key

It’s necessary to consider the very top law schools – Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and their ilk. These schools boast student bodies with exceptionally high LSAT scores. In fact, for students accepted to these schools, the median LSAT score often exceeds 170. In this context, a 164 would not stand out, and may even be considered on the lower end.

Here’s the reality. A 164 LSAT score is not low by the standard measure. However, aspirants for top-tier law schools could regard it as ‘not high enough’. Yet for most law schools, a 164 is a competitive score that could put you in a reasonably strong position for admission.

164 LSAT Score Percentile

Understanding a raw score can be hard, it’s more illustrative to reflect on percentile placement. A 164 score places the LSAT taker roughly in the 70th to 89th percentile. This placement implies that almost 90% of the test-takers receive a lower score, putting the candidate within the top 10% to 20%.

What Percentile Placement Means

When you fall in the 70th to 89th percentile of test-takers, it means you outscored 70% to 89% of other test-takers. In simpler terms, you’re in the top 10% to top 20%, which is quite impressive considering the LSAT’s reputation as a challenging exam.

Scoring in this upper percentile is quite promising, especially when applying to law schools looking for strong candidates. When it comes to percentile placement:

• Above 70th: This percentile placement indicates a strong performance, especially in comparison to other test-takers.
• Above the 89th: A percentile placement above the 89th is considered exceptional. It demonstrates that the student has outperformed a significant percentage of other students.

Can You Get into Law School with a 164 LSAT Score?

Simply put, yes, you absolutely can get into a law school with a score of 164. However, gaining admission to any law school – let alone highly ranked ones – relies on more than just an LSAT score.

The Role of the LSAT Score

An LSAT score undoubtedly plays a vital role in law school admissions, but it’s not the only determinant factor. Although a 164 score is generally impressive and provides a competitive edge, law school admission considers a variety of factors about the applicant. These often include:

• Academic transcript: How well did you perform in your undergraduate studies? Grades and the rigor of your coursework play a role in law school admission decisions.
• Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate what makes you unique. Often times, this can be just as compelling as a high LSAT score in the eyes of the admissions committee.
• Letters of Recommendation: The views of professors and professionals who know your work ethic and abilities can greatly influence your chances of admission.
• Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles and active involvement in clubs, organizations, community service, or even work experiences underscore your commitment, skills, and journey toward a legal career.

Bear in mind that getting into top-tier law schools generally requires more than just a high LSAT score. Often, they demand balanced, well-rounded applicants whose skills are reflected in their personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, in addition to an impressive LSAT score and GPA.

Your 164 LSAT score is an important aspect, but remember that it’s not the only one. Every aspect of your application package is critical in carving your path to law school.

Should You Cancel a 164 LSAT Score?

In most situations, you would not want to cancel a 164 LSAT score. Indeed, a 164 is a commendable score, putting you ahead of many test-takers. However, some unique circumstances may prompt consideration for cancellation.

When Cancellation Might Be Warranted

For test-takers aiming for top-tier law schools such as Harvard, Yale, or Stanford, which have higher average LSAT scores, a 164 might appear less competitive. These schools have median LSAT scores often exceeding 170, making a 164 feel less impressive.

Remember, though, cancellation is a significant decision. If you believe you significantly underperformed or were otherwise unable to perform at your best (such as due to illness or unexpected events), then cancellation might be an option. But be mindful that by cancelling, you’ll have to take the test again in a future cycle, which could delay your law school application plan.

How Hard Is It to Score a 164 on the LSAT

Achieving a score of 164 on the LSAT is no small feat. This high score places you within the top 20% of all test-takers, highlighting your strong understanding and aptitude for the skills tested by the LSAT.

The Challenge of the LSAT

The LSAT is seen as one of the toughest standardized tests. It demands a deep understanding of logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension. To score as high as 164 requires a substantial amount of preparation, study discipline, and conceptual mastery.

These sections, in particular, must be thoroughly understood and practiced:

• Logical Reasoning: This section tests your ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments. It requires a significant amount of logical and critical thinking, as well as precision in drawing conclusions.
• Analytical Reasoning: Often termed “logic games”, this section examines your ability to understand a structure of relationships and draw conclusions about that structure. It relies heavily on diagramming and inference-making.
• Reading Comprehension: This section evaluates your ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school. Mastery of this section can contribute significantly to your score, given its weight in the overall scoring system.

Tips to Improve Your 164 LSAT Score

Breaking the 160s is impressive, but every additional point can make you more competitive, especially if you’re aiming for the top. If you’re looking to retake the test, consider these strategies:

• Develop a Study Schedule: Consistency and discipline are critical. Allocate designated study time consistent with your daily routine. Make sure you cover all LSAT sections and allot time for review and simulated testing.
• Use Adaptive Test Preparation Tools: Today’s test prep tools can adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on areas that need improvement.
• Master Each Section: Each LSAT section tests distinct skills. Practice each section separately to hone your abilities before taking full-length practice tests.
• Simulate Test Conditions: The LSAT is a timed test. Simulating time pressure during your practice will help increase your speed and adaptability during the actual test.
• Review, Analyze, and Learn from Your Mistakes: Go through each wrong answer and understand why you missed it. This is just as important as practicing.

Understanding the LSAT Scoring Scale: From 120 to 180

Interpreting an LSAT score involves understanding their conversion from raw scores to scaled scores. A raw LSAT score is simply the number of questions answered correctly, also known as “the credit count”. This raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 120 and 180.

• 120 to 136: This is the “poor” range. With proper preparation, most test-takers can hope to surpass this range.
• 137 to 144: This “low average” range requires consistent preparation.
• 145 to 156: This “average” range depicts where most test-takers fall.
• 157 to 164: As we’ve discussed, this “high” range provides a competitive LSAT score for many law schools.
• 165 to 180: This “exceptional” range offers the top percentage scores, often required by the top-tier law schools.

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 164 on the LSAT is a high achievement, indicating a solid understanding of the skills tested — and that’s something to celebrate. However, if your ambition is to score even higher, or if your chosen school demands it, don’t shy away from the challenge.

Remember, while a high LSAT score is significant, a comprehensive and well-presented application is equally important. Balancing a high score with an impressive GPA, compelling personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and meaningful extracurriculars can set you up for success in your law school journey.

As you plan your LSAT prep, law school applications, and eventual career in law, remember to keep sight of your ambitions, and let them drive your efforts. An LSAT score, whether it’s 164 or otherwise, is just one part of what you bring to the table. Let your score empower you and propel you forward in your journey towards law school and beyond. Keep your dreams and aspirations firmly in sight, and let these guide you beyond the mere score of a standardized test.