It’s the most common admissions question — and the answer is both simple and strategic.
Target SEO Keywords:
- GPA vs LSAT
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- law school admissions stats
- low GPA high LSAT
- how to get into law school with low GPA
Introduction: One Number Isn’t Everything — But One Matters More
Ask any law school admissions officer what matters most and you’ll hear:
“We look at everything holistically.”
But let’s be honest — the LSAT carries more weight. It’s standardized. It’s recent. And it’s used for rankings.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- How schools weigh LSAT vs GPA
- What happens if one score is weak
- The “splitter” strategy (high GPA, low LSAT vs vice versa)
- What you should prioritize if you’re still prepping
The Math Behind Law School Admissions
- Law schools report LSAT and GPA medians to the ABA
- These medians drive their U.S. News ranking
- A 170 LSAT helps a school more than a 3.8 GPA
- Result: Schools often prefer a higher LSAT with slightly lower GPA over the reverse
🎯 Example: A 170 LSAT + 3.4 GPA often has a better shot than a 162 + 3.9
What If You’re a Splitter?
🔺 High LSAT, Low GPA
“Reverse splitter”
- Can still get into T14s
- Write a GPA addendum
- Nail your personal statement
- Strategy: Show growth, maturity, and upward trends
🔻 High GPA, Low LSAT
“Splitter”
- Tougher because LSAT is standardized
- Strategy: Retake the LSAT — one score jump can change everything
Quick Look: What Schools Say
| School Tier | GPA Range | LSAT Range | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| T14 | 3.7–3.9 | 168–175 | LSAT-driven |
| Top 30 | 3.5–3.8 | 160–167 | Balanced |
| Regional Schools | 3.2–3.6 | 150–159 | GPA-flexible |
What to Prioritize Based on Your Situation
| Situation | Focus On |
|---|---|
| Still in undergrad | Max out GPA now — LSAT comes later |
| Graduated, weak GPA | LSAT is your comeback weapon |
| Nontraditional student | LSAT shows you’re still sharp |
| Career changer | Use LSAT + personal story to reframe résumé |
Final Word: The LSAT Is the Great Equalizer
Your GPA is in the past. The LSAT is your chance to take control of your admissions narrative.
At Kingston Prep, we help students turn sub-3.0 GPAs into top-14 offers — and top LSAT scores into six-figure scholarships.
👉 Ready to make your numbers work for you?