Cornell Law School is one of the most competitive law schools in the United States. If you are planning to apply, your LSAT score will be one of the clearest signals admissions officers use to evaluate your academic readiness and compare you against the rest of the applicant pool.
This guide breaks down the LSAT score you need for Cornell Law, how to read the 25th, median, and 75th percentile numbers, and what your next move should be if your current score is below target.
Already have a score? Use our LSAT score calculator to see your percentile, then compare your result against the Cornell Law numbers below.
Cornell Law LSAT Score Data (2025-2026)
The table below summarizes recent LSAT and GPA data for Cornell Law School, based on the admissions statistics used in our law school score database and ABA 509-style reporting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile LSAT | 167 |
| Median LSAT | 170 |
| 75th Percentile LSAT | 172 |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | roughly 17-18% |
| Median GPA | 3.85 |
Data reflects recent entering-class admissions statistics. Always confirm against the latest ABA 509 disclosure and the school’s official profile before making final application decisions.
Cornell Law offers elite employment outcomes with a smaller class size and particularly strong BigLaw placement. Its LSAT profile is slightly more accessible than the highest-median T14 schools, but still highly competitive.
What LSAT Score Do You Need for Cornell Law?
There is no official minimum LSAT score for Cornell Law. Like other selective law schools, it reviews applications holistically. But the percentile data gives you a realistic way to understand whether your LSAT is helping, hurting, or simply keeping you in the conversation.
- 172 and above – A 172+ LSAT puts you at or above Cornell’s 75th percentile and can strengthen both admission and scholarship odds.
- 170 to 172 – You are in a strong range. Your LSAT should not hold you back, and the rest of your application will decide how competitive you are.
- 167 to 170 – You are within the enrolled-student range, but below the median. A strong GPA, clear essays, and persuasive recommendations matter a lot here.
- Below 167 – Below 167, Cornell becomes a reach and a retake may be the best next move.
Is a 170 LSAT Good Enough for Cornell Law?
Yes. A 170 is around the median LSAT for Cornell Law. That does not make admission likely by itself, but it means the score is competitive. At that point, your GPA, personal statement, resume, recommendations, and school fit become the difference-makers.
At 170, you are around Cornell Law’s median and should be considered numerically competitive if your GPA is in range.
If your score is one or two points below the median, you are not automatically out. But you should be honest about the rest of your file. A below-median LSAT with a below-median GPA is a difficult combination at a school this selective.
How GPA Changes the LSAT Target
The median GPA for Cornell Law is about 3.85. Applicants near or above that GPA have more room to apply with an LSAT slightly below the median. Applicants below that GPA usually need a stronger LSAT to offset the academic-number weakness.
- High GPA and high LSAT – Strongest numerical profile.
- High GPA and lower LSAT – Possible, but a retake may still improve odds and scholarship leverage.
- Lower GPA and high LSAT – Still viable, especially with an upward grade trend or strong explanation.
- Lower GPA and lower LSAT – High-risk application; consider improving the LSAT before applying.
Should You Retake the LSAT for Cornell Law?
A retake makes sense if your current score is below 167, or if you are close to a key breakpoint such as 167, 170, or 172. At selective schools, even a two- or three-point LSAT increase can shift you from long shot to plausible, or from plausible to scholarship-relevant.
Use our Should I Retake the LSAT? guide if you are deciding whether another attempt is worth it. If you already know you need a higher score, start with how to improve your LSAT score and build a study plan around your weakest section.
How Cornell Law Compares to Peer Law Schools
Do not evaluate Cornell Law in isolation. Build a school list with reaches, targets, and scholarship options. Compare this page with nearby schools and similar employment outcomes:
You should also review our full T14 LSAT score chart and Top 100 law schools LSAT chart before finalizing your application list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median LSAT score for Cornell Law?
The median LSAT score for Cornell Law is approximately 170. The 25th percentile is 167, and the 75th percentile is 172.
Can I get into Cornell Law below the median LSAT?
Yes, but it is harder. Applicants below the median need stronger support from GPA, essays, recommendations, resume, work experience, or other compelling factors. Below the 25th percentile, the application becomes a reach.
Does Cornell Law only care about the LSAT?
No. The LSAT is one of the most important admissions factors, but it is not the only one. Law schools also evaluate GPA, writing quality, recommendations, resume, work experience, diversity of background, and fit with the school.
Is it worth applying to Cornell Law with a score below 167?
It can be worth applying if the rest of your application is exceptional or if Cornell Law is a true dream school. But for most applicants, improving the LSAT before applying is the higher-impact strategy.
The Bottom Line
For Cornell Law, aim for at least a 167 to be within the enrolled-student range, a 170 to be around the median, and a 172 or higher to make your LSAT a clear strength. The closer you are to the median or above, the more control you have over your application strategy.
Check your current score with the free LSAT score calculator, then compare it against the score bands on this page to decide whether to apply now, retake, or adjust your school list.
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.