Quick answer: a 165 LSAT score is about the 85th percentile, which means you scored higher than about 85.2% of test takers. On a typical test it takes about 60 right out of 77, so you can miss about 17. Yes, it is a very strong score. It is at or above the median at 153 of the 196 ABA law schools, but below the median at most T14 schools.
Check your own number in the LSAT score calculator, or see the full LSAT percentile chart.
What Percentile Is a 165 on the LSAT?
A 165 is about the 85th percentile. That data comes from LSAC for the 2023 to 2026 testing years. Here is how it compares with nearby scores:
| LSAT score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 163 | 80 |
| 164 | 82.8 |
| 165 | 85.2 |
| 166 | 87.5 |
| 167 | 89.5 |
Is 165 a Good LSAT Score?
Yes, it is a very strong score. It is at or above the median at 153 of the 196 ABA law schools, but below the median at most T14 schools.
What counts as good depends on your schools. Compare a 165 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 165 LSAT Score
We compared a 165 with the LSAT ranges at all 196 ABA law schools:
| Where a 165 falls | Number of schools | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| At or above the 75th percentile | 137 | Strong for admission and scholarships |
| Between the median and 75th | 16 | A solid match |
| Between the 25th and median | 22 | Possible, but your GPA matters more |
| Below the 25th percentile | 21 | 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 165
A 165 is at or above the 75th percentile here. These are the highest ranked by median LSAT:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Law | 160 | 164 | 165 | 3.79 |
| Iowa Law | 161 | 164 | 165 | 3.78 |
| Baylor Law | 159 | 164 | 165 | 3.77 |
| San Diego Law | 160 | 163 | 165 | 3.84 |
| Houston Law | 160 | 163 | 165 | 3.79 |
| Arizona Law | 162 | 163 | 165 | 3.78 |
Good matches for a 165
A 165 is at or above the median here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State Law | 158 | 165 | 167 | 3.91 |
| Cardozo Law | 162 | 165 | 167 | 3.78 |
| Temple Law | 162 | 165 | 168 | 3.76 |
| University of Washington Law | 162 | 165 | 167 | 3.76 |
| UC Davis Law | 160 | 165 | 167 | 3.70 |
| Indiana Maurer Law | 158 | 164 | 166 | 3.91 |
Reach schools for a 165
A 165 is in the lower part of the range here:
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WashU Law | 165 | 175 | 176 | 3.96 |
| 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 |
| USC Gould | 165 | 169 | 170 | 3.91 |
Can You Get Into a T14 School With a 165?
A 165 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 165?
On a typical 2024+ test with 77 scored questions, a 165 takes about 60 right, so you can miss about 17. That is about 77% 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 165?
Look at what a few more points would add. Right now a 165 is at or above the median at 153 schools and the 75th percentile at 137.
| If you gain | Percentile | Schools at or above median | Schools at or above 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| +2 points (167) | 89.5 | 163 | 154 |
| +3 points (168) | 91.4 | 168 | 162 |
| +5 points (170) | 94.5 | 179 | 172 |
| +8 points (173) | 97.6 | 192 | 185 |
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.
165 LSAT Score FAQ
What percentile is a 165 LSAT score?
About the 85th percentile.
Is a 165 a good LSAT score?
Yes, it is a very strong score. It is at or above the median at 153 of the 196 ABA law schools, but below the median at most T14 schools.
What law schools accept a 165 LSAT?
Schools do not set a hard cut off. A 165 is at or above the 25th percentile at 175 of the 196 ABA schools.
How many questions can I miss for a 165?
About 17 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.