The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is an essential part of the application process for aspiring law school students in the United States and Canada. However, taking this exam doesn’t come without costs.
In this article, we will break down each type of cost you’ll encounter, from registration to test retakes and preparation.
Breaking Down the LSAT Fees
A single attempt at the LSAT carries a registration fee of $200. While some may find this cost to be manageable, it can be quite daunting for others. To support students who are financially constrained, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers fee waivers.
In addition, there are separate fees for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which streamlines the application process for law schools and is required by most of them.
CAS itself has a fee of $195. Moreover, there are specific situations that can accrue additional costs. For instance, if you are located more than 100 miles from an established testing center, you’ll need to pay an extra $295 for the setup of a domestic nonpublished test center.
For international locations, on the other hand, the cost can rise up to $390.
The CAS Factor
Most law schools in the United States rely on CAS for applications. CAS assembles all your important information, including LSAT scores and academic records, into a single package that is sent to each law school to which you apply.
While convenient, CAS registration tacks on an extra $195 fee. Beyond this, you’ll need to budget for individual CAS reports, costing $45 each, which compile your LSAT scores and undergraduate records for submission to each law school.
Note that this does not cover the application fees that individual schools might require.
Fee Waivers and Eligibility
The LSAC provides fee waivers for students in dire financial circumstances, although these are notoriously difficult to obtain. Those fortunate enough to qualify receive two LSAT attempts within a year, free CAS registration, and three complimentary CAS reports.
If you’ve applied for a fee waiver and are waiting for approval, you can still take the LSAT; however, your scores will be on hold until your financial status is clarified.
To apply for a fee waiver, students must submit all necessary financial documents within 45 days of application. These include tax records or justifications for not filing taxes.
Navigating LSAT Auxiliary Fees: Optional But Valuable
LSAT Score Preview: An Investment in Flexibility
For those who want added control over the visibility of their test scores, the LSAT Score Preview offers a unique advantage. This feature allows test-takers to view their scores and decide within a six-day window whether or not to keep them.
This decision can have an impact on your law school applications, as law schools will not see a score you choose to cancel.
Cost-wise, the pricing of this option depends on the timing of your decision to use it. If you opt in before your LSAT test date, you’ll incur a charge of $45.
However, if you decide to add this service after you have taken the test, the fee jumps to $75. This is something to bear in mind when planning your LSAT budget; acting early can save you $30.
Official Candidate LSAT Score Report: A Comprehensive View
While most law schools are only interested in your most recent or highest LSAT scores, there are situations where a complete history of your scores may be beneficial.
These Official Candidate LSAT Score Reports provide an exhaustive list of all your test attempts, including those that are older than five years or are otherwise nonreportable.
The cost for this additional report stands at $50. While not mandatory for law school applications, it might be a useful investment for those looking to showcase a complete academic history or applying to specialized programs or intellectual organizations.
Score Audit: The Cost of Certainty
If you’re dubious about the accuracy of your LSAT score, you have the option to request an audit. At a steep price of $150, this service allows you to double-check that no errors were made in the scoring process.
However, it’s crucial to weigh the likelihood of a scoring mistake against the audit’s cost, given that successful challenges are exceedingly rare. Therefore, unless you have a substantial reason to doubt the accuracy of your score, this is a cost that most candidates choose to avoid.
Unforeseen Costs: Late and Change Fees
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we miss deadlines. If you fail to register for the LSAT on time, don’t panic—late registration is possible, although it comes with additional costs, which can vary by jurisdiction. Similarly, last-minute changes to your test date or location will incur a fee of $125 each.
LSAT Retake and Essay Options
If you’re unsatisfied with your LSAT score, retaking the test is an option—but it comes at a price. A full retake costs the original registration fee of $200.
However, since the essay portion doesn’t affect your overall score and needs to be completed only once, you can opt out of it for a reduced retake fee of $160.
The Price of LSAT Preparation
One should not overlook the costs associated with LSAT preparation. While resources like books can be relatively inexpensive, formal prep courses [1] can range from $500 to well over $1,500, depending on the length and format of the course.
Online resources and practice tests can also have varying costs.
Summing up the Overall Costs
To give you a bird’s-eye view, here are the potential fees you might encounter:
- LSAT Registration: $200
- CAS Registration: $195
- Nonpublished Domestic Test Center: $295
- Nonpublished International Test Center: $390
- Test Date Change: $125
- Test Location Change: $125
- Individual CAS Report: $45
The Investment in Your Future
It’s no secret that the path to a legal career is financially demanding. However, the career stability, earning potential, and personal satisfaction that come with it make the investment worthwhile.
Navigating the LSAT is just one part of this journey. With strategic planning, you can manage these expenses effectively and take the first steps toward a rewarding legal career.
By being fully aware of all the costs associated with taking the LSAT, you are better prepared to make informed decisions and set realistic budgets, making your journey to law school a bit less stressful.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Besides the LSAC fee waiver program, there are other financial aid options that can mitigate the costs of the LSAT and the subsequent law school application process. Some colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for students preparing to enter law school.
Additionally, third-party organizations sometimes offer financial assistance to law school aspirants based on various criteria, which could include academic performance, community service, or belonging to an underrepresented group.
Researching and applying for these scholarships and grants can be a worthwhile investment of your time.
Test Day Costs
While we’ve covered the formal fees, there are also “hidden” costs on test day that you may not have considered. For example, you may need to pay for transportation to the testing center. If the center is far away, you may also need to consider the cost of lodging.
Tips for Cost-Efficiency
- Plan Ahead: The earlier you register and organize, the less likely you are to incur late or change fees.
- Explore Free Prep Materials: Use free online resources or borrow prep books from the library.
- Apply for Fee Waivers Early: The process can take time, and early application increases your chances of timely approval.
- Utilize School Resources: Career centers often have prep materials and might offer free or discounted prep courses.
Conclusion
By understanding the full menu of fees, both mandatory and optional, you’re better positioned to plan a budget that aligns with your test-taking strategy and long-term goals. This foresight not only reduces stress but also puts you on a firm financial footing as you move closer to your legal career.
