Quick answer: a 161 LSAT score is about the 74th percentile, which means you scored higher than about 74.2% of test takers. On a typical test it takes about 53 right out of 77, so you can miss about 24. Yes, it is a good score. It is at or above the median at 123 of the 196 ABA law schools, though it is below the range at top schools.
Check your own number in the LSAT score calculator, or see the full LSAT percentile chart.
What Percentile Is a 161 on the LSAT?
A 161 is about the 74th percentile. That data comes from LSAC for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. Here is how it compares with nearby scores:
| LSAT score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 159 | 67.9 |
| 160 | 71.1 |
| 161 | 74.2 |
| 162 | 77.2 |
| 163 | 80 |
Is 161 a Good LSAT Score?
Yes, it is a good score. It is at or above the median at 123 of the 196 ABA law schools, though it is below the range at top schools.
What counts as good depends on your schools. Compare a 161 with their medians, not just the national numbers. The middle ABA law school has a median of 159. See what is a good LSAT score.
Law Schools for a 161 LSAT Score
We compared a 161 with the LSAT ranges at all 196 ABA law schools:
| Where a 161 falls | Number of schools | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| At or above the 75th percentile | 98 | Strong for admission and scholarships |
| Between the median and 75th | 25 | A solid match |
| Between the 25th and median | 34 | Possible, but your GPA matters more |
| Below the 25th percentile | 39 | A long shot |
Your GPA changes these odds. Enter your LSAT and GPA in the law school admissions calculator to sort every school into likely, target and reach.
Scholarship targets for a 161
A 161 is at or above the 75th percentile here. These are the highest ranked by median LSAT:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Law | 156 | 159 | 161 | 3.80 |
| Penn State Dickinson Law | 157 | 159 | 161 | 3.71 |
| Texas Tech Law | 157 | 159 | 160 | 3.69 |
| Arkansas Law | 155 | 158 | 161 | 3.71 |
| Marquette Law | 156 | 158 | 160 | 3.70 |
| Regent Law | 153 | 158 | 161 | 3.68 |
Good matches for a 161
A 161 is at or above the median here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Law | 158 | 161 | 163 | 3.84 |
| FIU Law | 159 | 161 | 162 | 3.80 |
| Chicago-Kent Law (IIT) | 156 | 161 | 164 | 3.72 |
| Missouri Law | 156 | 161 | 162 | 3.72 |
| Seton Hall Law | 158 | 161 | 164 | 3.71 |
| UC Law San Francisco | 158 | 161 | 163 | 3.71 |
Reach schools for a 161
A 161 is in the lower part of the range here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M Law | 161 | 169 | 170 | 4.00 |
| University of Georgia Law | 159 | 169 | 171 | 3.92 |
| Alabama Law | 161 | 167 | 168 | 3.97 |
| Wisconsin Law | 161 | 167 | 169 | 3.81 |
| Washington and Lee Law | 161 | 167 | 168 | 3.75 |
| Florida State Law | 158 | 166 | 167 | 3.93 |
Can You Get Into a T14 School With a 161?
A 161 is below the median at all 14 T14 schools. It is a long shot without something very special in your application, so most people aim for a higher score first. See LSAT scores for T14 law schools.
How Many Questions Can You Miss for a 161?
On a typical 2024+ test with 77 scored questions, a 161 takes about 53 right, so you can miss about 24. That is about 68% correct. Every test has its own chart, so this can move a little. Try it in the LSAT raw score calculator.
Should You Retake With a 161?
Look at what a few more points would add. Right now a 161 is at or above the median at 123 schools and the 75th percentile at 98.
| If you gain | Percentile | Schools at or above median | Schools at or above 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| +2 points (163) | 80 | 135 | 120 |
| +3 points (164) | 82.8 | 148 | 130 |
| +5 points (166) | 87.5 | 159 | 145 |
| +8 points (169) | 93 | 174 | 166 |
If your target schools are in the bigger numbers, a retake could pay off through admission or scholarships. Read should I retake the LSAT and how to improve your LSAT score.
161 LSAT Score FAQ
What percentile is a 161 LSAT score?
About the 74th percentile.
Is a 161 a good LSAT score?
Yes, it is a good score. It is at or above the median at 123 of the 196 ABA law schools, though it is below the range at top schools.
What law schools accept a 161 LSAT?
Schools do not set a hard cut off. A 161 is at or above the 25th percentile at 157 of the 196 ABA schools.
How many questions can I miss for a 161?
About 24 on a typical test.
Other LSAT Scores
Percentiles come from LSAC for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. School numbers come from the 2025 ABA 509 disclosures, shown on each school’s page. Raw score numbers are typical values.