What LSAT Score Do You Need For Harvard Law School?
Detailed guide covering what LSAT score you need to get accepted into Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School is renowned for its rigorous admissions process, with the average LSAT score of accepted students often serving as a benchmark for aspiring lawyers. Achieving a competitive score is crucial, as it can significantly impact your chances of admission to this prestigious institution. In this article, we dive into the average LSAT score required to secure a spot at Harvard Law School and explore what it takes to stand out in the application process.
Harvard Law School LSAT Requirements
For the 2026 cycle, Harvard Law School allows applicants to submit a GRE score instead of the LSAT, a move intended to reach a broader and more diverse pool of candidates.
However, there is a strict “One-Way Street” rule: Harvard Law School will not consider a GRE score if you have a valid LSAT score on file. Because LSAC automatically reports all LSAT scores from the past five years, the GRE-only option is strictly reserved for applicants who have not taken the LSAT. If you have taken both, your LSAT score will be the primary metric used for your evaluation.
Harvard Law School is extremely competitive
To be clear, Harvard Law School does not have a minimum LSAT or GRE score requirement for admission, as they consider a wide range of factors in their holistic review process. The admissions committee evaluates each application comprehensively, taking into account academic achievements, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other relevant factors.
Harvard LSAT Score Range
Harvard Law School does not release the lowest LSAT score accepted in any given admissions cycle, so unfortunately, there is no way of knowing what the actual LSAT score range is of their admitted students.
However, Harvard Law School does release the 25th and 75th percentile LSAT scores of admitted students, providing applicants with an idea of the LSAT score range that successful candidates typically have. This information offers transparency and helps applicants gauge their competitiveness for admission to the program.
For the Class of 2028 (entering Fall 2025), the LSAT score range was 171 to 176 (25th-75th percentiles). These are the most current statistics available from Harvard Law School.
Median LSAT Score For Harvard
The Harvard Law School median LSAT score for the Class of 2028 (entering Fall 2025) was 174.
However, meeting this average is not a guarantee of admission, as Harvard considers a variety of factors beyond just LSAT scores in its holistic review process. Applicants with scores slightly below the average have been admitted, especially if they excel in other areas of their application, such as academic achievements, work experience, and personal statements.
What Is The Minimum LSAT Score Needed For Harvard?
Harvard Law School does not have a minimum LSAT score requirement, and the admissions process is holistic, considering various aspects of an applicant’s profile.
While a high LSAT score can certainly strengthen an application, applicants with lower scores have been admitted based on other compelling factors such as exceptional academic achievements, unique life experiences, and strong letters of recommendation.
With that said, you will realistically need to score 171 or above on the LSAT in order to give yourself a chance of being admitted into Harvard Law School. Of course, there are always exceptions, especially if the other aspects of your application are remarkable.
What Is A Good LSAT Score For Harvard?
Aspiring law students aiming for admission to Harvard Law School should target a competitive LSAT score range of around 173-175 to increase their likelihood of acceptance. Achieving a score within this range is considered quite good and aligns with the high standards of Harvard’s admissions process.
However, it’s important to remember that Harvard considers a range of factors beyond just the LSAT score, so strong performance in other areas of the application is also crucial. A high score can strengthen an application, but there is no guarantee of admission.
Harvard Law School GPA Requirements
While the LSAT often gets the most attention, your undergraduate GPA is an equally critical factor. For the Class of 2028, the bar reached record heights:
75th Percentile: 4.00
Median: 3.96
25th Percentile: 3.89
This means that half of the entering class had a near-perfect 3.96 or higher. However, Harvard uses a holistic review process. If your GPA is below the 25th percentile (3.89), your application isn’t dead on arrival, but you will likely need a “compensating factor,” such as an elite LSAT/GRE score, significant work experience, or a compelling personal narrative to show you can handle the academics.
Tips To Improve Your Harvard Law School Application
Now that you know what LSAT score you will likely need to get accepted, let’s cover a few tips to help you improve your LSAT chances, and round out your law school application.
LSAT Prep Courses: Consider using a structured prep course to streamline your study process. These programs provide expert guidance and access to resources like practice exams and performance analytics, which can significantly boost your confidence before test day. Blueprint LSAT is a standout choice for its adaptive AI-powered study planner and a “170+ score guarantee” specifically designed for those targeting the top law schools.
Blueprint’s LSAT practice material is top-notch
Strong Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters from individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in law school.
Compelling Personal Statement: Write a thoughtful and well-crafted personal statement that highlights your unique experiences, motivations, and aspirations, demonstrating why you are a good fit for Harvard Law School.
Extracurricular and Leadership Activities: Participate in extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership skills, community involvement, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
Work Experience: Gain relevant work experience that demonstrates your commitment to your chosen field of study and your ability to excel in a professional setting.
Demonstrated Interest: Show your genuine interest in Harvard Law School by attending information sessions, connecting with current students or alumni, and researching the school’s programs and values to tailor your application accordingly.
FAQ
What is the median LSAT score for Harvard Law School?
The median LSAT score for Harvard Law School is 174, which reflects the high level of competitiveness among applicants. For the record, a score of 175 on the LSAT lands in the 99th percentile of all test takers.
What score do I need on LSAT to get into Harvard?
To give yourself a realistic chance of acceptance into Harvard Law School, students should aim to score 171 or above on the LSAT, with the most competitive applicants scoring 174 or higher. The median LSAT score for admitted students is 174.
What is the lowest LSAT score accepted by Harvard?
Although Harvard Law School does not technically have a minimum LSAT score requirement, our team estimates a 165 is the absolute lower limit of the ‘outlier zone’. If you are applying with a 165, your application must demonstrate elite-level excellence in other areas.
