Low LSAT Score? Read This

The LSAT (in addition to GPA) still remains one of the most important factors in law school admissions.

“Because such a large part of your application is made up of essays and letters of recommendation, the only two factors that are quantifiable are the undergraduate GPA and the LSAT score,” Rachel Margiewicz, a licensed attorney, writes for ABA for Law Students. “These both become valuable tools in comparing students to one another as they are the common denominator all applications share.”

Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently offered a few tips on what applicants can do if they are struggling with a low LSAT score.

TRY RETAKING

The most obvious way to make up for a low LSAT score is to retake the exam. Applicants are allowed to take the test up to three times in one testing year and up to five times over the current and past five years.

“Law schools will see each time you take the test in your score report, but since admissions officers put the most emphasis on an applicant’s highest LSAT score, there is no real penalty for retaking the test,” Kuris says. “And with the LSAT now offered nine times annually in a remotely proctored online format, retaking the test is easier than ever.”

WRITE AN ADDENDUM

If you increase your score by more than 10 points, Kuris says you have the option of including an addendum explaining your score increase.

“You could write an LSAT addendum to explain underperformance on the test,” Kuris says. “However, this sort of LSAT addendum will likely be viewed more skeptically by admissions officers than an addendum explaining anomalies on your transcript.”

HIGHLIGHT OTHER STRENGTHS

While the LSAT is important in admissions, it’s still one of many other factors. If you aren’t able to increase your score, Kuris recommends emphasizing other strengths.

“High grades can help offset a low LSAT score, as can strong recommendation letters from professors, professional experience and a well-structured personal statement,” Kuris says. “Use other elements of your application like your resume to bring out skills tested by the LSAT, like logical reasoning and close reading. Underscore any academic, extracurricular or professional work that required careful analysis and argumentation under time pressure.”

Sources: US News, ABA for Law Students