The Importance of Your LSAT Results
The LSAT uses a point scoring system that ranges from 120 to 180. While 150 is the average LSAT score, the truth is only those with LSAT results that are above 160 have the chance to enter the top law schools in the United States and Canada.
The final LSAT results that range from a lowest score of 120 to a highest score of 180 are converted from the raw scores of the applicants using a special formula. There are approximately 101 LSAT questions and each correct answer gets one point. A score of 99 points out of the possible 101 total points when converted becomes the maximum score of 180.
Applicants who are worried about their LSAT results should remember that the test has no particular passing score and that individual law schools uses their own LSAT average score in accepting students. Therefore, applicants should get in contact with the law schools they are interested in to find out if their LSAT results are above the average scores of accepted applicants.
Additionally, keep in mind that law schools differ in how they evaluate an applicant's LSAT results and GPA. Most law schools put more weight on the LSAT score than on the GPA. In fact, there are some law schools whose admission criteria consists of 70 percent for the LSAT score and only 30 percent for the GPA. Because law schools have varying policies about how they use your LSAT results to determine admission, contact the law schools you are interested in to get this particular information.
If you are preparing for the LSAT, you may be wondering just how serious is the impact of LSAT results in law school admission. LSAT results are indeed very critical and sometimes could even have more bearing than the 4-year GPA (grade point average) of an applicant. Why is this so?
One reason why law schools put a lot of weight on the LSAT score is the fact that it is difficult to use the GPA as a standard because the grading system and process would differ among different schools and programs. In addition, not all undergraduate classes utilize the skills necessary for law school so the GPA is not a reliable measure in this sense.
The same can be said of the references provided by applicants because it is very easy for professors to claim that their students are outstanding. Moreover, the application essays may not reflect the thinking ability of a person because somebody else can write their essay for them. Additionally, the admission staff may not even read the essay if the GPA and LSAT score of an applicant is below the average.
Therefore, it is not surprising why law schools generally depend on the LSAT results for accepting students. Those who dread taking the LSAT should keep in mind that it is possible to beat this test if one learns the strategies in tackling LSAT questions and devotes enough study time.
