A splitter is a prospective law school student whose
LSAT score and GPA (as calculated by LSAC) vary significantly from one another, such that his or her numbers are "split" between
high and low marks. More recently, two specific categories of splitter have been defined: the "traditional splitter" (high LSAT,
low GPA) and the "reverse splitter" (low LSAT, high GPA). The traditional splitter is considered much more common, while the reverse splitter will frequently try to
retake the LSAT for a better score. When used with no qualification, "splitter" usually refers to a traditional splitter, but can refer to either or both (when speaking generally).
The criteria for referring to someone as a splitter can vary based on the person asked, the applicant's goal law school(s), how competitive the admissions cycle is, and a number of other factors. One
rule of thumb, however, is that a splitter will have one number above the
75th percentile of his/her target school, while the other can be below the 25th percentile (to an extent).
The status of being a splitter is a matter of great concern to law school applicants, and a subject of extensive discussion every admissions cycle. However, some individuals, especially after being admitted, will wear the term as a
badge of honor.
Hiram has a 3.2 GPA and a 175
LSAT; he's a traditional splitter.
Jaime has a 4.0 GPA and a 162 LSAT; he's a reverse splitter.
Peter has a 3.7 GPA and a 172 LSAT; he's not a splitter.
Fred has a 2.6 GPA and a
164 LSAT; he's not a splitter.