Quick answer: a 138 LSAT score is about the 8th percentile, which means you scored higher than about 8.1% of test takers. On a typical test it takes about 27 right out of 77, so you can miss about 50. It is a low score for law school. None of the 196 ABA law schools have a median at or below 138, so a retake is usually the best next step.
Check your own number in the LSAT score calculator, or see the full LSAT percentile chart.
What Percentile Is a 138 on the LSAT?
A 138 is about the 8th percentile. That data comes from LSAC for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. Here is how it compares with nearby scores:
| LSAT score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 136 | 5.9 |
| 137 | 6.9 |
| 138 | 8.1 |
| 139 | 9.4 |
| 140 | 11 |
Is 138 a Good LSAT Score?
It is a low score for law school. None of the 196 ABA law schools have a median at or below 138, so a retake is usually the best next step.
What counts as good depends on your schools. Compare a 138 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 138 LSAT Score
We compared a 138 with the LSAT ranges at all 196 ABA law schools:
| Where a 138 falls | Number of schools | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| At or above the 75th percentile | 0 | Strong for admission and scholarships |
| Between the median and 75th | 0 | A solid match |
| Between the 25th and median | 1 | Possible, but your GPA matters more |
| Below the 25th percentile | 195 | 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.
Reach schools for a 138
A 138 is in the lower part of the range here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontifical Catholic University Puerto Rico Law | 136 | 139 | 143 | 3.33 |
Can You Get Into a T14 School With a 138?
A 138 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 138?
On a typical 2024+ test with 77 scored questions, a 138 takes about 27 right, so you can miss about 50. That is about 35% 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 138?
Look at what a few more points would add. Right now a 138 is at or above the median at 0 schools and the 75th percentile at 0.
| If you gain | Percentile | Schools at or above median | Schools at or above 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| +2 points (140) | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| +3 points (141) | 12.7 | 1 | 0 |
| +5 points (143) | 16.7 | 1 | 1 |
| +8 points (146) | 24.2 | 3 | 1 |
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.
138 LSAT Score FAQ
What percentile is a 138 LSAT score?
About the 8th percentile.
Is a 138 a good LSAT score?
It is a low score for law school. None of the 196 ABA law schools have a median at or below 138, so a retake is usually the best next step.
What law schools accept a 138 LSAT?
Schools do not set a hard cut off. A 138 is at or above the 25th percentile at 1 of the 196 ABA schools.
How many questions can I miss for a 138?
About 50 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.