An LSAT score of 158 gives you a specific admissions profile: it tells you which schools are realistic, where you may need a retake, and how much scholarship leverage you may have. The key is not asking whether 158 is “good” in the abstract. The better question is whether it is good for your target schools.
Use the LSAT score calculator to compare your score against percentiles, then use this guide to decide whether to apply, retake, or adjust your school list.
LSAT Score 158: Quick Benchmark
| Metric | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Approximate Percentile | mid-70th percentile range |
| Typical Admissions Tier | Strong regional / T50 competitive range |
| Best Use of This Score | T50 targets, strong regional schools, and scholarship lists |
| Retake Pressure | Depends on whether T25 or T14 schools are your goal |
Is 158 a Good LSAT Score?
A 158 can be a good LSAT score if it lines up with your target schools. It is not the same profile as a 170+, but it can still support a smart application strategy when paired with a strong GPA, a coherent school list, and realistic expectations.
Law schools publish 25th, median, and 75th percentile LSAT scores. If your 158 is near a school’s median, you are numerically competitive. If it is below the 25th percentile, that school is a reach unless your GPA and other application factors are unusually strong.
What Law Schools Can You Target With a 158?
Start with schools where 158 is close to the median or above the 25th percentile. Then build a balanced list: a few reaches, several targets, and several scholarship-oriented options where your score is above the school’s median.
Use our Top 100 law schools LSAT chart to compare medians. If you are aiming for highly selective schools, also review the T14 LSAT score chart.
Should You Retake With a 158?
A retake makes sense if your target schools have medians above 158, or if a modest improvement would move you into a better scholarship range. The most important comparison is not 158 versus the national average; it is 158 versus the schools you actually want to attend.
If you are within two or three points of a meaningful breakpoint, such as 163, another attempt may be worth it. Read Should I Retake the LSAT? for a decision framework.
How to Improve From 158
- Take a timed diagnostic and identify whether Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension is costing more points.
- Review every missed question with a written reason for why the credited answer is right.
- Use blind review to separate timing problems from reasoning problems.
- Retake only when practice tests show a stable score increase, not after one lucky test.
For a broader plan, use How to Improve Your LSAT Score.
The Bottom Line
A 158 LSAT score is useful when it is part of a clear admissions strategy. Compare it to school medians, decide whether the score supports your target list, and retake only if the likely gain is worth the time.
Official Sources to Check
Use this guide for planning, then verify current test rules, score reporting, application requirements, and school disclosures with primary sources before making final decisions.