This report details the 25th percentile, median (50th percentile), and 75th percentile Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores for all American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools in California, utilizing the most recent data available for the 2025 admissions cycle. The schools are categorized by their U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, where available, and further sorted within these categories by rank. Data for this report has been compiled from various sources, including U.S. News & World Report, LSData, and official ABA 509 reports from the respective law schools . The LSAT, scored on a scale of 120 to 180, is a critical component of law school admissions, and these percentile scores provide a comprehensive overview of the academic competitiveness at each institution . Understanding these metrics is crucial for prospective law students to assess their admission chances and strategically plan their applications. The data reflects the distribution of LSAT scores among admitted students, offering insights into the academic caliber of the incoming classes.

This section covers California law schools ranked within the top 50 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. These institutions are characterized by highly competitive admissions processes, as evidenced by their LSAT score percentiles. The median LSAT scores for these top-tier schools generally range from the mid-160s to the low 170s, indicating a strong academic profile for their admitted students. These schools not only attract high-achieving applicants from across the nation but also offer robust academic programs, extensive alumni networks, and significant career opportunities in various legal fields. The LSAT score ranges provided highlight the selectivity of these institutions and the high academic standards expected of their students.

Stanford Law School, consistently ranked as the top law school in California and among the best in the nation, demonstrates exceptionally high LSAT scores for its admitted students. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the 25th percentile LSAT score was 169, the median LSAT score was 173, and the 75th percentile LSAT score was 175 . These figures underscore the extremely competitive nature of admissions at Stanford. An LSAT score of 173 places a student at approximately the 98th percentile nationally, meaning that the median admitted student at Stanford scores higher than 98% of all LSAT test-takers . The narrow range between the 25th and 75th percentiles (169-175) suggests a very high and consistent level of academic achievement among its enrolled students. Stanford's rigorous academic environment, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies contribute to its elite status and attract some of the most talented aspiring lawyers globally. The high LSAT scores are indicative of the intellectual caliber Stanford seeks in its student body, preparing them for leadership roles in law, business, government, and academia.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, ranked #12 nationally for 2025, also exhibits highly competitive LSAT scores . For the most recent admissions cycle, the 25th percentile LSAT score for admitted students was 165, the median LSAT score was 170, and the 75th percentile LSAT score was 171 . A median LSAT score of 170 corresponds to approximately the 96th percentile nationally, indicating that half of UCLA Law's admitted students scored at or above this very high threshold . The acceptance rate at UCLA Law is reported to be 16.1%, further highlighting its selectivity . The LSAT score range of 165 to 171 for the middle 50% of admitted students suggests that while exceptional scores are common, there is a slight degree of variability compared to the very top schools. UCLA Law is known for its strong programs in various legal specialties, its public interest law focus, and its location in a major legal market, all of which contribute to its attractiveness to high-caliber applicants. The LSAT statistics reflect UCLA's commitment to enrolling a academically talented and diverse student body capable of thriving in its challenging curriculum.

The University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley Law), ranked #13 nationally for 2025, reports strong LSAT scores for its incoming class . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 167, the median LSAT score is 170, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 172 . These scores are very similar to those at UCLA, with the same median LSAT score of 170 (approximately 96th percentile nationally) . Berkeley Law's acceptance rate is reported to be around 14-17.3%, indicating a highly selective admissions process . The LSAT range of 167 to 172 for the middle 50% of admitted students demonstrates a consistently high level of academic preparedness. Berkeley Law is renowned for its intellectual rigor, its commitment to social justice, and its strong programs in areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, and technology law. The LSAT data reflects Berkeley's ability to attract top-tier students who are well-prepared for the demands of its challenging academic program and who go on to successful careers in diverse legal fields. The school's emphasis on public service and interdisciplinary collaboration further enhances its appeal to high-achieving applicants.

The University of Southern California, Gould School of Law (USC Gould), ranked #26 nationally for 2025, also maintains high LSAT standards for its admitted students . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 165, the median LSAT score is 168 or169accordingtosomesources, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 170 . A median LSAT score of 168 corresponds to approximately the 93rd percentile nationally, while a score of 169 is around the 94th percentile . USC Gould's acceptance rate is reported to be 12.4-13%, making it a highly competitive institution . The LSAT score range of 165 to 170 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a strong academic profile. Located in Los Angeles, USC Gould benefits from its proximity to a major legal and business hub, offering students extensive networking and career opportunities. The school is known for its strong programs in business law, entertainment law, and trial advocacy. The LSAT statistics reflect USC Gould's commitment to enrolling students with strong analytical and reasoning skills, essential for success in law school and beyond. The school's emphasis on practical training and experiential learning complements its rigorous academic curriculum.

The University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law), ranked #38 nationally for 2025, shows competitive LSAT scores for its admitted students . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 163, the median LSAT score is 167, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 168 . A median LSAT score of 167 corresponds to approximately the 92nd percentile nationally . UCI Law has an acceptance rate of around 25%, which, while higher than the very top-tier schools, still indicates a selective admissions process . The LSAT score range of 163 to 168 for the middle 50% of admitted students demonstrates a solid academic foundation. UCI Law is a relatively newer law school but has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative curriculum, its commitment to public service, and its strong faculty. The school emphasizes hands-on learning through its extensive clinical program. The LSAT data for UCI Law reflects its growing stature and its ability to attract students with strong academic credentials who are interested in a collaborative and public-interest-focused legal education. The school's location in Orange County provides access to a vibrant legal market.

The University of California, Davis School of Law (UC Davis Law), ranked #50 nationally for 2025, presents solid LSAT scores for its admitted students . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 159, the median LSAT score is 163, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 165 . A median LSAT score of 163 corresponds to approximately the 83rd percentile nationally . UC Davis Law has an acceptance rate of around 33%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process . The LSAT score range of 159 to 165 for the middle 50% of admitted students shows a good level of academic achievement. UC Davis Law is known for its strong programs in environmental law, intellectual property, and human rights. The school offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The LSAT statistics for UC Davis Law reflect its position as a reputable public law school that attracts students with solid academic records and a commitment to making a positive impact through the law. The school's location in Northern California provides access to government, public interest, and private sector opportunities.

This section includes California law schools ranked between 51 and 100 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. These schools offer strong legal education programs and maintain competitive admissions standards. The median LSAT scores for this group generally fall in the low to mid-160s, with some variation. While not as numerically high as the top-tier schools, these scores still represent a significant level of academic achievement and preparedness for law school. These institutions often have strong regional reputations and provide excellent pathways to legal careers in California and beyond. The LSAT score ranges indicate a solid core of students who are well-equipped to handle the rigors of legal study.

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, ranked #55 nationally for 2025, reports LSAT scores for its admitted students that reflect its mid-tier status . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 159, the median LSAT score is 161, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 163. A median LSAT score of 161 corresponds to approximately the 78th percentile nationally . Pepperdine Law has an acceptance rate of around 30% . The LSAT score range of 159 to 163 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a solid academic profile. Pepperdine is known for its beautiful Malibu campus and its strong programs in dispute resolution and entertainment law. The school also emphasizes ethical leadership and public service. The LSAT statistics for Pepperdine reflect its appeal to students seeking a quality legal education in a supportive environment with a focus on practical skills and values-based learning. The school's location near Los Angeles provides access to a major legal market.

The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law, ranked #57 nationally for 2025, presents LSAT scores that are comparable to other mid-tier institutions . According to its 2024 ABA 509 Report, the 25th percentile LSAT score for the 2024 first-year class was 157, the median LSAT score was 161, and the 75th percentile LSAT score was 163 . A median LSAT score of 161 places it around the 78th percentile nationally . USD Law has an acceptance rate of approximately 34-37.1% . The LSAT score range of 157 to 163 for the middle 50% of admitted students demonstrates a good level of academic preparedness. USD School of Law is known for its strong programs in business and corporate law, intellectual property, and international law. The school offers a beautiful campus and a supportive learning environment. The LSAT data reflects USD's commitment to enrolling students who are capable of succeeding in its rigorous academic program and who are interested in pursuing diverse legal careers, particularly in Southern California.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Loyola Law School, ranked #71 nationally for 2025, shows LSAT scores for its admitted students that are competitive within the mid-tier range . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 156, the median LSAT score is 161, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 163. A median LSAT score of 161 corresponds to approximately the 78th percentile nationally . LMU Loyola Law School has an acceptance rate of around 29% . The LSAT score range of 156 to 163 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a solid academic foundation. Located in Los Angeles, LMU Loyola Law School offers students access to a major legal market and extensive experiential learning opportunities, including its renowned clinical programs and trial advocacy teams. The school is known for its commitment to public interest law and social justice. The LSAT statistics for LMU reflect its ability to attract students who are well-prepared for the academic challenges of law school and who are eager to engage with the legal profession in a dynamic urban environment.

The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), ranked #88 nationally for 2025, reports LSAT scores for its admitted students that place it within the mid-tier category . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 157, the median LSAT score is 160, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 162. A median LSAT score of 160 corresponds to approximately the 75th percentile nationally . UC Law San Francisco has an acceptance rate of around 38% . The LSAT score range of 157 to 162 for the middle 50% of admitted students demonstrates a good level of academic achievement. As one of California's oldest law schools, UC Law San Francisco has a long history and a strong alumni network. The school is located in the heart of San Francisco, providing students with access to courts, law firms, and government agencies. It offers a diverse curriculum and numerous experiential learning opportunities. The LSAT statistics for UC Law San Francisco reflect its position as a reputable public law school that attracts students with solid academic credentials and a desire to practice law in a vibrant urban setting.

This section covers California law schools ranked between 101 and 178 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. These institutions generally have higher acceptance rates and lower median LSAT scores compared to top-tier and mid-tier schools, with median scores typically ranging from the high 140s to the mid-150s. While these scores are lower, they still represent a baseline level of academic ability required for law school. These schools often provide access to legal education for a broader range of students and may have strong regional connections or specialized programs. The LSAT score ranges indicate a wider distribution of academic preparedness among admitted students.

Chapman University Fowler School of Law, ranked #104 nationally for 2025, presents LSAT scores for its admitted students that are characteristic of lower-tier law schools . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 156, the median LSAT score is 161, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 164. A median LSAT score of 161 corresponds to approximately the 78th percentile nationally . Chapman Law has an acceptance rate of around 29% . The LSAT score range of 156 to 164 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a reasonable level of academic preparedness, though with a wider spread compared to higher-ranked schools. Chapman Law is located in Orange, California, and offers a variety of JD programs, including part-time options. The school emphasizes practical skills training and offers several clinical and externship opportunities. The LSAT statistics for Chapman reflect its role in providing legal education to students who may not have the credentials for higher-ranked institutions but are still capable of succeeding in law school and passing the bar.

Southwestern Law School, ranked #154 nationally for 2025, reports LSAT scores that are indicative of its position in the lower tier of law schools . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 152, the median LSAT score is 155, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 158. A median LSAT score of 155 corresponds to approximately the 57th percentile nationally . Southwestern Law School has an acceptance rate of around 39% . The LSAT score range of 152 to 158 for the middle 50% of admitted students suggests a more varied academic profile among its students. Located in Los Angeles, Southwestern offers various JD programs, including traditional full-time, part-time evening, and part-time day programs, catering to a diverse student body. The school is known for its entertainment and media law program and its Biederman Entertainment Industry Institute. The LSAT statistics for Southwestern reflect its mission of providing accessible legal education and its focus on practical training for students aiming for careers in various legal fields, particularly within the Southern California region.

Santa Clara University School of Law, ranked #156 nationally for 2025, shows LSAT scores for its admitted students that place it in the lower-tier category . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 154, the median LSAT score is 158, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 160. A median LSAT score of 158 corresponds to approximately the 68th percentile nationally . Santa Clara Law has an acceptance rate of around 52% . The LSAT score range of 154 to 160 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a moderate level of academic preparedness. Located in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Law is well-known for its strong programs in intellectual property law, high technology law, and international law, leveraging its proximity to the tech industry. The school offers a range of JD and LLM programs. The LSAT statistics for Santa Clara reflect its regional focus and its appeal to students interested in technology and business law, offering pathways to legal careers in a dynamic economic environment.

The University of San Francisco (USF) School of Law, ranked #166 nationally for 2025, reports LSAT scores that are consistent with lower-tier law schools . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 152, the median LSAT score is 153, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 156. A median LSAT score of 153 corresponds to approximately the 50th percentile nationally . USF School of Law has an acceptance rate of around 55% . The LSAT score range of 152 to 156 for the middle 50% of admitted students suggests a varied academic background among its students. Located in San Francisco, USF Law offers students access to a major legal market and emphasizes social justice and public interest law. The school provides various JD programs, including full-time and part-time options. The LSAT statistics for USF reflect its commitment to providing legal education to a diverse student population and preparing them for practice with a focus on ethical responsibility and community service.

California Western School of Law (CWSL), ranked #178 nationally for 2025, presents LSAT scores that are characteristic of the lower tier of ABA-accredited law schools . According to its 2024 ABA 509 Report, the 25th percentile LSAT score for the 2024 first-year class was 151, the median LSAT score was 153, and the 75th percentile LSAT score was 157 . A median LSAT score of 153 corresponds to approximately the 50th percentile nationally . CWSL has an acceptance rate of around 55.3% . The LSAT score range of 151 to 157 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a broad range of academic preparedness. Located in San Diego, California Western School of Law offers a practical, skills-based legal education with a focus on experiential learning through its clinics and externship programs. The school aims to prepare students for the bar exam and for effective and ethical legal practice. The LSAT data for CWSL reflects its mission of providing access to legal education for students with diverse academic backgrounds who are committed to pursuing a legal career.

Western State College of Law, ranked #178 nationally for 2025 (tied with CWSL), reports the lowest LSAT scores among the ranked California law schools . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 147, the median LSAT score is 148, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 150. A median LSAT score of 148 corresponds to approximately the 32nd percentile nationally . Western State College of Law has an acceptance rate of around 41% . The LSAT score range of 147 to 150 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates that the academic preparedness of its students is significantly lower compared to other ABA-accredited institutions in California. Located in Irvine, California, Western State offers JD programs designed to prepare students for the California Bar Exam and legal practice. The school emphasizes practical skills and bar preparation. The LSAT statistics for Western State reflect its role as an access-oriented law school, providing opportunities for students who may not meet the academic thresholds for more competitive programs but are determined to pursue a legal career.

This section includes ABA-accredited law schools in California that are not ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. These schools typically have the lowest LSAT score percentiles among California law schools and often higher acceptance rates. They provide pathways to legal education for students who may not be competitive for ranked programs. While these schools are accredited, prospective students should carefully consider bar passage rates and employment outcomes.

Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law is an unranked institution. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 150, the median LSAT score is 153, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 155 . A median LSAT score of 153 corresponds to approximately the 50th percentile nationally . GGU School of Law has an acceptance rate of around 55% . The LSAT score range of 150 to 155 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a varied level of academic preparedness. Located in San Francisco, GGU Law offers various JD programs, including full-time, part-time day, and part-time evening options, catering to working professionals and traditional students. The school emphasizes practical legal skills and offers concentrations in areas such as environmental law, litigation, and business law. The LSAT statistics for GGU reflect its mission of providing accessible legal education, particularly for non-traditional students, and preparing them for the California Bar Exam and legal practice in the Bay Area.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJS), an unranked institution, reports LSAT scores that are among the lowest for ABA-accredited law schools in California . The 25th percentile LSAT score is 145, the median LSAT score is 147, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 150. A median LSAT score of 147 corresponds to approximately the 29th percentile nationally . TJS has an acceptance rate of around 40% . The LSAT score range of 145 to 150 for the middle 50% of admitted students indicates a significant challenge in terms of academic preparedness compared to other law schools. Located in San Diego, Thomas Jefferson School of Law has faced scrutiny regarding its bar passage rates and employment outcomes in recent years. The school offers JD programs and emphasizes practical skills training. The LSAT statistics for TJS highlight the difficulties faced by institutions at the lower end of the admissions spectrum in attracting students with strong academic credentials, which can impact bar passage rates and post-graduation employment prospects.

The University of La Verne College of Law is an unranked institution. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 148, the median LSAT score is 150, and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 152 . A median LSAT score of 150 corresponds to approximately the 39th percentile nationally . The University of La Verne College of Law has an acceptance rate of around 41% . The LSAT score range of 148 to 152 for the middle 50% of admitted students suggests a relatively low level of academic preparedness compared to ranked schools. Located in Ontario, California, the University of La Verne College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program and emphasizes practical skills training. The school is committed to providing a supportive learning environment and preparing students for the bar exam and legal practice. Prospective students should research the school's current bar passage rates and employment statistics thoroughly.

Whittier Law School, located in Costa Mesa, California, is listed as unranked and is notable as it ceased operations in 2020. Therefore, it is no longer an active option for prospective law students, and any historical LSAT data would be irrelevant for current admissions considerations. The LSData entry showing a median LSAT of 0, GPA of 0.00, acceptance rate of 0%, and class size of 0 for the 2025 cycle is consistent with its closure . Prospective students should be aware that Whittier Law School is no longer an operating law school and should not consider it in their application process.

The following table summarizes the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th percentile LSAT scores for California law schools, sorted by their U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Law Schools rank. Data is primarily for the 2024 entering class, which is the most recent complete data available for the 2025 rankings cycle. This information is crucial for prospective students to assess their admission chances and strategically target their applications.

This comprehensive overview provides valuable data for prospective law students evaluating their options in California. The LSAT score percentiles are a key indicator of a school's selectivity and the academic preparedness of its student body. Applicants should use this information in conjunction with other factors such as program specialties, location, cost, and career outcomes when making their law school decisions. It is always recommended to verify the most current data directly with the law schools.