Q: What is a good LSAT score for Harvard?
A: A "good" LSAT score for Harvard Law School (HLS) is one that places you at or above the school's median for the most recent admitted class. For the entering class of 2023, the median LSAT score was 174. Therefore, a competitive score is 174 or higher. A score at or above the 75th percentile (176+) is considered strong and positions you in the upper quartile of admitted students.
Q: What are the LSAT score percentiles for Harvard admits?
A: Based on recent class profiles:
- 25th Percentile: ~170
- 50th Percentile (Median): 174
- 75th Percentile: ~176
This means 25% of admitted students scored at or below 170, and 25% scored at or above 176.
Q: Can I get into Harvard with a score below 170?
A: Yes, but it is rare and requires an extraordinary compensatory factor. The lower your score below the median, the more exceptional the rest of your application must be. Examples include:
- A first-author publication in a major journal.
- Significant, high-level work experience (e.g., military officer, professional athlete, successful entrepreneur).
- A proven, powerful record of public service or leadership with measurable impact.
- An undergraduate GPA at or near 4.0 from a rigorous institution.
Q: How important is the LSAT compared to other parts of the application at Harvard?
A: HLS practices holistic review, but the LSAT (or GRE) serves as a critical benchmark. Think of it as a necessary threshold. A score below the median does not automatically disqualify you, but it shifts immense pressure onto your GPA, personal statement, recommendations, and resume to be nothing short of remarkable.
Q: Should I retake the LSAT if I have a 172?
A: It depends on the rest of your profile.
- Consider Retaking (aiming for 174+) if: Your GPA is at or below HLS's median (~3.94), or your soft factors (work experience, awards) are strong but not "spike" exceptional.
- Consider Applying with a 172 if: You have a GPA above 3.95, truly unique accomplishments, or your score represents a significant increase from a previous take and further improvement seems unlikely.
Q: How can TheEntryPass help me develop a Harvard application strategy?
A: At TheEntryPass, we help candidates build a data-driven and narrative-driven application strategy. For Harvard Law, this means:
- LSAT Score Targeting & Planning: Creating a personalized study plan to help you reach the 174+ threshold.
- Holistic Profile Assessment: Evaluating your entire candidacy (GPA, experiences, narrative) to determine if a score in the low 170s can be offset or if a retake is strategically necessary.
- Narrative Crafting: Helping you articulate a compelling, coherent story that explains "why law" and "why Harvard" in a way that resonates with admissions officers.
For the most current class profile statistics, always refer to Harvard Law School's official admissions website.