Q: Is a 147 a bad LSAT score?
A: A 147 LSAT score is below the national average (which is typically around 152) and places you in approximately the 33rd percentile. This means you scored higher than about 33% of test-takers. In the context of admission to American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools, a 147 is generally considered a low score that significantly limits your options, making admission to most law schools highly competitive and often unlikely without other exceptional factors.
Q: What are my realistic law school options with a 147?
A: Admission to ABA-accredited schools with a 147 is very challenging but not impossible. Your realistic options are typically limited to:
- Schools with Lower Median LSAT Scores: Some law schools have median LSAT scores in the high 140s to low 150s. A 147 could make you a candidate for these programs, though you would not be a statistical standout.
- Conditional Admission/Pathway Programs: A few schools offer conditional admission programs where you begin studies provisionally, often with required summer coursework, and must meet certain GPA benchmarks to continue.
- Non-ABA Accredited Law Schools: These schools (often in California) have lower admission standards but come with significant risks, including much lower bar passage rates and limited employment prospects.
Q: What should I do if I scored a 147?
A:
- Retake the LSAT. This is the single most impactful action you can take. With dedicated, strategic preparation, most students can increase their score by 10+ points.
- Assess Your Full Profile. If you have an exceptionally high GPA (3.8+) or truly unique, compelling life or work experience, you may have a slightly better chance, but a higher LSAT is still the most reliable path to more options.
- Use an LSAC Fee Waiver if eligible to reduce the cost of retaking.
- Re-evaluate Your Preparation. A 147 often indicates foundational gaps in understanding the test's logic or a lack of timed, realistic practice. Consider a new study method, a prep course, or a tutor.
Q: Can I get any scholarship money with a 147?
A: It is extremely unlikely to receive meaningful merit-based scholarships with a 147. Merit aid is heavily tied to LSAT scores and GPAs that are at or above a school's median. A score at this level typically means paying full tuition if admitted.
Q: What is the biggest risk of applying with a 147?
A: The biggest risk is attending a law school with poor bar passage and employment outcomes. A low LSAT score is a strong predictor of struggling with the law school curriculum and, ultimately, the bar exam. It is crucial to avoid taking on significant debt for a degree that may not lead to a legal career.
Q: How can TheEntryPass help after a 147?
A: At TheEntryPass, we provide strategic guidance for navigating this exact scenario. We help candidates:
- Develop a Realistic Retake Strategy: Creating a focused plan to identify and improve on weaknesses to target a 155+ score, which opens many more doors.
- Conduct a School List Triage: Honestly evaluating which ABA-accredited schools, if any, might be realistic targets with your current score and GPA, while prioritizing the path of retaking.
- Weigh Risk vs. Reward: Providing clear data on bar passage rates and employment outcomes for schools that may accept a 147, helping you make an informed decision about whether attending is a prudent investment.
For official data on law school admissions statistics, refer to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org.