This LSAT glossary explains the terms applicants see when comparing scores, percentiles, law school medians, and admissions outcomes.
Core Scoring Terms
- Raw score: number of scored questions answered correctly.
- Scaled score: official 120-180 LSAT score.
- Percentile: how your score compares to other test takers.
- Score band: range around a score that reflects measurement uncertainty.
Admissions Terms
- Median LSAT: midpoint score for enrolled students.
- 25th percentile: lower quarter marker.
- 75th percentile: upper quarter marker.
- Splitter: high LSAT, lower GPA.
- Reverse splitter: high GPA, lower LSAT.
Official LSAT Scoring Sources
When you use LSAT terminology in admissions planning, keep the distinction between raw performance, scaled score, percentile rank, score band, and school-reported percentiles clear. Raw score explains practice-test performance. Scaled score is the official 120-180 number. Percentiles explain comparison with other test takers. School medians and quartiles explain competitiveness inside a specific admissions pool.
Use the official LSAC resources below to confirm scoring terminology before relying on any third-party estimate.
Practical Next Step
Use this definition while reading score charts, school medians, and admissions calculators. If a number changes your application strategy, verify it against current school disclosures and official LSAC score reporting language before treating it as a firm cutoff.