Quick answer: going from a 160 to a 170 takes about 14 more right answers, so you can miss only about 11 of the 77 scored questions. It moves you from 112 to 179 schools at or above the median. This is often the hardest jump, because the easy wins are gone.
What a 170 Unlocks
| Score jump | Raw questions | Percentile | Schools at or above median | Schools at or above 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 to 165 | 8 more right | 71.1 to 85.2 | 112 to 153 | 87 to 137 |
| 165 to 170 | 6 more right | 85.2 to 94.5 | 153 to 179 | 137 to 172 |
| 160 to 170 | 14 more right | 71.1 to 94.5 | 112 to 179 | 87 to 172 |
Raw numbers are our estimate for a typical test, and each real test has its own chart. School counts come from the 2025 ABA 509 data for all 196 schools.
Why This Jump Feels Harder
- You already know the question types, so progress comes from precision.
- Your misses are often close calls between two answers.
- Timing starts to matter more, since you need to reach and check the hardest questions.
How to Go From 160 to 170
- Review every question you were unsure of, not only those you missed.
- Study why the second best answer is wrong.
- Find your pattern. Use a wrong answer journal by question type.
- Work on timing with sections, and learn when to move on.
- Practice with newer tests in the current format.
- Use blind review to find out if the issue is timing or understanding.
Is It Worth the Effort?
It depends on your schools. T14 medians run from 170 to 174, so a 170 may matter a lot there. Elsewhere, it can mean scholarship money. See how much a higher score can save and what LSAT score you need. Read more about the highest LSAT score and what it takes.
Timing at This Level
At 170, you can only miss about 11 questions, so time spent on one hard question can cost you two easier ones. Learn to mark a hard question, move on and come back. Practice this in timed sections until it feels normal. Then check whether your misses fall early or late in a section, since that tells you if you are rushing or running out of time.
FAQ
How long does it take to go from 160 to 170?
It varies a lot. Plan on months, not weeks, and judge progress across several tests.
Do I need a course for 170?
Not always, but a tutor or course can help if you have stalled. See the tutor guide.
Is 170 enough for the T14?
It is at or above the median at Berkeley, and below the median at the other T14 schools. See the T14 chart.