Quick answer: a 171 LSAT score is about the 96th percentile, which means you scored higher than about 95.8% of test takers. On a typical test it takes about 67 right out of 77, so you can miss about 10. Yes, it is an excellent score. It is at or above the median at 184 of the 196 ABA law schools. See what it takes to reach the top LSAT score of 180.
Check your own number in the LSAT score calculator, or see the full LSAT percentile chart.
What Percentile Is a 171 on the LSAT?
A 171 is about the 96th percentile. That data comes from LSAC for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. Here is how it compares with nearby scores:
| LSAT score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 169 | 93 |
| 170 | 94.5 |
| 171 | 95.8 |
| 172 | 96.7 |
| 173 | 97.6 |
Is 171 a Good LSAT Score?
Yes, it is an excellent score. It is at or above the median at 184 of the 196 ABA law schools.
What counts as good depends on your schools. Compare a 171 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 171 LSAT Score
We compared a 171 with the LSAT ranges at all 196 ABA law schools:
| Where a 171 falls | Number of schools | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| At or above the 75th percentile | 177 | Strong for admission and scholarships |
| Between the median and 75th | 7 | A solid match |
| Between the 25th and median | 12 | Possible, but your GPA matters more |
| Below the 25th percentile | 0 | 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 171
A 171 is at or above the 75th percentile here. These are the highest ranked by median LSAT:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt Law | 167 | 170 | 171 | 3.91 |
| Notre Dame Law | 166 | 170 | 171 | 3.89 |
| Boston University Law | 164 | 170 | 171 | 3.88 |
| Texas A&M Law | 161 | 169 | 170 | 4.00 |
| George Mason Law (Scalia Law) | 162 | 169 | 171 | 3.93 |
| University of Georgia Law | 159 | 169 | 171 | 3.92 |
Good matches for a 171
A 171 is at or above the median here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA Law | 166 | 171 | 172 | 3.95 |
| Georgetown Law | 166 | 171 | 173 | 3.93 |
| Duke Law | 169 | 171 | 172 | 3.91 |
| Michigan Law | 168 | 171 | 173 | 3.88 |
| University of Minnesota Law | 166 | 171 | 173 | 3.88 |
| BYU Law | 168 | 170 | 172 | 3.95 |
Reach schools for a 171
A 171 is in the lower part of the range here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WashU Law | 165 | 175 | 176 | 3.96 |
| University of Chicago Law | 171 | 174 | 176 | 3.97 |
| Harvard Law School | 171 | 174 | 176 | 3.96 |
| Yale Law | 171 | 174 | 177 | 3.96 |
| UVA Law | 168 | 173 | 175 | 3.99 |
| Northwestern Law | 167 | 173 | 175 | 3.96 |
Can You Get Into a T14 School With a 171?
A 171 is at or above the median at 4 of the 14 T14 schools, and inside the 25th to median range at 10 more. A strong GPA and application still matter. See LSAT scores for T14 law schools.
How Many Questions Can You Miss for a 171?
On a typical 2024+ test with 77 scored questions, a 171 takes about 67 right, so you can miss about 10. That is about 87% 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 171?
Look at what a few more points would add. Right now a 171 is at or above the median at 184 schools and the 75th percentile at 177.
| If you gain | Percentile | Schools at or above median | Schools at or above 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| +2 points (173) | 97.6 | 192 | 185 |
| +3 points (174) | 98.2 | 195 | 187 |
| +5 points (176) | 99.1 | 196 | 195 |
| +8 points (179) | 99.7 | 196 | 196 |
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.
171 LSAT Score FAQ
What percentile is a 171 LSAT score?
About the 96th percentile.
Is a 171 a good LSAT score?
Yes, it is an excellent score. It is at or above the median at 184 of the 196 ABA law schools.
What law schools accept a 171 LSAT?
Schools do not set a hard cut off. A 171 is at or above the 25th percentile at 196 of the 196 ABA schools.
How many questions can I miss for a 171?
About 10 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.