Harvard, as one of the top 14 law schools in the country, has one of the best LSAT medians to match: 173. The 75th percentile for Harvard LSAT scores is 175, and the 25th percentile is 170.
What do these numbers tell you? They tell you that focusing on the LSAT is absolutely crucial for a realistic shot at Harvard Law School. While it’s true that they now accept the GRE for law school admissions, the LSAT is still king.
Let’s take a look at some common questions students have about Harvard and the LSAT, and how you can improve your chances for admission.
Is a (near) perfect LSAT score necessary for Harvard?
While a high LSAT at or above median can definitely help your chances of admission, a great LSAT score is not an absolute necessity. Every year, Harvard admits students whose LSAT scores might be on the lower end—but these students typically bring outstanding strengths in other areas.
If your LSAT doesn’t measure up to the median of Harvard LSAT scores, think about what other parts of your application you should emphasize to make up for it. Not every Harvard student earned a 180 on her LSAT. Consider what else you’d contribute to their class.
Keep in mind that Harvard does not practice cutoffs. No score is “too low” to apply to Harvard, so don’t count yourself as ineligible based on your LSAT score alone. Even so, getting your score to the 170s is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you’re applying to Harvard.
If you’re currently having trouble raising your score from the 160s range to the 170s range, try taking a course (like Magoosh’s online LSAT prep) and learn about different strategies for each section of the LSAT. And let us know in the comments how we can help!
Does a (near) perfect LSAT score guarantee me admission?
So many qualified students apply to Harvard every year (7,505 in the last cycle) that Harvard could fill its entire class with only the best LSAT scores. A top LSAT score gives your application a boost, but it’s by no means a guarantee of admission.
What is the official view on Harvard LSAT scores?
Harvard states that the admissions committee takes many factors into account when judging an applicant’s file. Harvard acknowledges that neither the LSAT nor GPA can fully summarize a student’s strengths. Thus, the law school practices a holistic admissions review. Your LSAT, while important, is not a completely accurate predictor of admission.
What are some other admissions statistics I should know?
Check out Harvard’s class profile for the class of 2023 below.
- Number of Applications: 7,505
- Number of Admission Offers: 968
- Percentage Offered Admission: 13%
- Newly Enrolled 1Ls: 561
- GPA 75th / 50th / 25th percentiles: 3.95 / 3.88 / 3.78
- LSAT 75th / 50th / 25th percentiles: 175 / 173 / 170
- Women: 49%
- Men: 51%
- Students of Color: 47%
- Holders of Advanced Degrees: 10%
- At least 1+ year out of college: 80%
- At least 2+ years out of college: 62%
- At least 4+ years out of college: 23%
What chances do I have of getting into Harvard Law School with my LSAT score?
Keeping in mind that Harvard doesn’t consider the LSAT to be the “end all, be all” of admissions, we’ve compiled a guide to help you get a sense for where your score measures up in Harvard’s candidate pool.
Where does your score stand?
174-180: With this kind of score, you’ll be above median. You’re in the clear, as far as your LSAT is concerned, but again, no score guarantees you admission to Harvard. Make sure your other application materials stand out as much as your LSAT does.
173: You’re at median for Harvard LSAT scores, so your LSAT score is strong relative to other Harvard applicants. Review other components of your application so typos and errors don’t put your LSAT score to waste.
170-172: You’re below median, but still competitive. Your score falls within Harvard’s 25th to 50th percentile range. Apply early and you’ll help strengthen your case for admission.
166-169: You’re in the gray area. Your personal statement, optional essays, and resume will need to outshine your LSAT score. However, 25% of students at Harvard have scores under a 170, so don’t count yourself out of the running.
165 and below: You’ll need to do some serious work to convince admissions officers why you belong at Harvard. Pitch your strengths, and make sure you have a compelling story to support your application!
What about the GRE?
Starting with the 2017-2018 admissions cycle, Harvard Law began accepting the GRE in lieu of LSAT scores. So, you may want to consider if the GRE might be right for you. If Harvard Law is one of your top choices for law school, and your LSAT score is not as competitive as it needs to be, the GRE might be a great way to increase your chances of acceptance.
Takeaway
While a perfect LSAT score is not required to get into Harvard Law, a near perfect score is needed to be a top candidate. So, study hard and review lots of LSAT tips, and go get the best LSAT score you possibly can. From all of us here at Magoosh, best of luck getting into your dream school!
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