Northwestern Pritzker School of Law 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 Northwestern 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 Northwestern Law numbers below.
Northwestern Law LSAT Score Data (2025-2026)
The table below summarizes recent LSAT and GPA data for Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, based on the admissions statistics used in our law school score database and ABA 509-style reporting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile LSAT | 169 |
| Median LSAT | 172 |
| 75th Percentile LSAT | 174 |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | roughly 13-15% |
| 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.
Northwestern Law is known for strong employment outcomes, a professional student body, and meaningful value placed on work experience and interview performance.
What LSAT Score Do You Need for Northwestern Law?
There is no official minimum LSAT score for Northwestern 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.
- 174 and above – A 174+ LSAT is above Northwestern’s 75th percentile and can make you attractive for both admission and scholarship review.
- 172 to 174 – 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.
- 169 to 172 – You are within the enrolled-student range, but below the median. A strong GPA, clear essays, and persuasive recommendations matter a lot here.
- Below 169 – Below 169, Northwestern becomes a reach, though strong work experience can help the overall story.
Is a 172 LSAT Good Enough for Northwestern Law?
Yes. A 172 is around the median LSAT for Northwestern 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 172, your LSAT is right around Northwestern’s median and should be competitive with a strong GPA and mature application.
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 Northwestern 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 Northwestern Law?
A retake makes sense if your current score is below 169, or if you are close to a key breakpoint such as 169, 172, or 174. 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 Northwestern Law Compares to Peer Law Schools
Do not evaluate Northwestern Law in isolation. Build a school list with reaches, targets, and scholarship options. Compare this page with nearby schools and similar employment outcomes:
- University of Chicago Law LSAT score guide
- Michigan Law LSAT score guide
- Cornell Law LSAT score guide
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 Northwestern Law?
The median LSAT score for Northwestern Law is approximately 172. The 25th percentile is 169, and the 75th percentile is 174.
Can I get into Northwestern 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 Northwestern 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 Northwestern Law with a score below 169?
It can be worth applying if the rest of your application is exceptional or if Northwestern Law is a true dream school. But for most applicants, improving the LSAT before applying is the higher-impact strategy.
The Bottom Line
For Northwestern Law, aim for at least a 169 to be within the enrolled-student range, a 172 to be around the median, and a 174 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.