How to Improve Your LSAT Score by 5 Points

Quick answer: a 5 point gain usually takes about 5 to 8 more right answers on a typical test. You rarely need to get better at everything. Most of the time, the points are in one question type, one section, or careless misses.

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What 5 Points Can Do

Score jump	Raw questions	Percentile	Schools at or above median	Schools at or above 75th
145 to 150	6 more right	21.5 to 36.6	2 to 14	1 to 3
150 to 155	6 more right	36.6 to 54	14 to 65	3 to 23
155 to 160	5 more right	54 to 71.1	65 to 112	23 to 87
160 to 165	8 more right	71.1 to 85.2	112 to 153	87 to 137
165 to 170	6 more right	85.2 to 94.5	153 to 179	137 to 172
170 to 175	5 more right	94.5 to 98.7	179 to 196	172 to 191

Raw numbers are our estimate for a typical test, and each real test has its own chart. School counts come from the 2025 ABA 509 data for all 196 schools.

Where to Find 5 Points

Check your section accuracy. Use the section score calculator to find your weakest section. Logical Reasoning is about two thirds of your score.
Fix your top two question types. Your wrong answer journal will show them.
Stop giving away easy points. Careless misses are the fastest to fix.
Answer every question. Wrong answers cost nothing, so never leave one blank.
Review properly. See how to review practice tests.

Is a 5 Point Gain Realistic?

For many people, yes, but it depends on your starting point and how you study. Your score also has natural swing, so judge progress over several tests. See the LSAT score band guide and the score predictor.

Want a bigger jump? See how to improve by 10 points.

A Simple 4 Week Plan

Week 1: review your last two tests and list your top misses by type.
Week 2: drill your weakest question type, untimed, then timed.
Week 3: do the same for your second weakest type, and practice skipping hard questions.
Week 4: take one or two full tests and review them closely.

FAQ

How long does it take to gain 5 points?

It depends on your start and your habits. Some people see it in weeks, and others need months.

Is 5 points worth a retake?

It can be, if it moves you past a school’s median or 75th percentile. See the table above.

Is it harder to gain points at the top?

Often yes, since you have fewer questions left to win.