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Hello All. Long-time lurker, first-time poster:

I'm just getting started in the prep/application process and intend to apply in a little over a year from now. I'm registered for the LSAT next spring/summer and took a diagnostic last week (165). With so much time to study, I see no reason I can't drag that score into the mid 170s.

I have a low (just under 3.3) GPA due to a deployment-related injury and graduating a year early (I plan to write an addendum). I have strong softs (military and multiple grad degrees) and am in my mid-30s. Given that the LSAT Flex and covid seems to have seriously messed with the medians this year, if you all were in my shoes, what score would you feel comfortable with in order to land a T-14 seat?

With a 3.3, would not feel truly comfortable south of 180.

It is pretty tough to tell, but you'll certainly want north of 170. Best of luck.

Thank you both for taking the time to share your thoughts. Best of luck to you both in your own journeys.

Thank you both for your replies. I have one school in particular I am shooting for but will apply broadly because I accept this is an unpredictable process.

171+/3.3 w/ military and other WE gives you at least a shot at schools like Northwestern and Georgetown, preferably 172+, which will place you above their 75%iles. If you can’t crack 170, you’re looking at regional programs, in which case you’ll just want to minimize debt.

I think that upper 160s would give you a decent but not amazing shot; 170 should comfortably put you in the convo for Cornell, Georgetown, and UM. If you can bring the score up to a 173+ that could probably mitigate concerns about your GPA and place you in contention anywhere not T3, especially if you write an addendum. If you get less than a 167 or so, I would probably consider T14 a reach and shoot for strong T25 in the area you want to practice.

I think that upper 160s would give you a decent but not amazing shot; 170 should comfortably put you in the convo for Cornell, Georgetown, and UM. If you can bring the score up to a 173+ that could probably mitigate concerns about your GPA and place you in contention anywhere not T3, especially if you write an addendum. If you get less than a 167 or so, I would probably consider T14 a reach and shoot for strong T25 in the area you want to practice.