If you’re planning to apply to law school, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: How much does the LSAT cost? Between registration fees, prep materials, and potential retake expenses, the total cost of taking the LSAT can add up quickly. In this post, we’ll break down how much the LSAT is, explore optional but common add-ons like test prep and law school application services, and help you budget for this key step in your law school journey.
How Much Does The LSAT Cost?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) costs $248. This LSAT registration fee is part of the basic fees required to take the exam. Unfortunately, that’s not the only LSAT-related fee you’ll come across. Here are other common LSAT costs:
- LSAT Score Preview: $45 if you sign up before your test date; $85 if you sign up after your test date
- LSAT Score Preview allows you to see your LSAT score and then decide if you want to keep it or cancel it and remove it from your report.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS): $215
- Most ABA-approved law schools require you to use LSAC’s CAS to apply. This service compiles your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores into a single report. You only need to purchase it once per admissions cycle.
- CAS Report: $45 each
- For every school you apply to, you’ll need to pay $45 to send them your CAS report.
- Test Date Change: $150 up to seven days after your test administration’s registration deadline; $248 eight days after your test administration’s registration deadline through the day before testing begins
- Plans changed? Need to reschedule your test or change where you’re taking it? You can do that—but it’ll cost you.
It’s worth noting that some of these costs are optional. LSAT Score Preview, for example, is not required to take the LSAT. You also may not need to change your test date, so you wouldn’t be forced to pay that fee. Additionally, if you only apply to one law school, you’d only need to pay for one CAS report.
You’ll further incur variable practice, LSAT preparation, and logistical costs. All in all, the LSAT does cost quite a bit. It’s an investment, and like any investment, you should carefully consider how to minimize costs and maximize value.
LSAT Fee Waivers and Cost Reimbursement
Hoping for a pocketbook reprieve? That reprieve can come in the form of available fee waivers and reimbursement opportunities. However, these are usually based on financial need, so not every cost-conscious LSAT hopeful will qualify.
LSAC Fee Waivers
One available waiver comes directly from the test-maker. LSAC (Law School Admission Council) renews its commitment to “increasing equity and access to legal education” every year by offering a two-tiered fee waiver program. If you qualify for the LSAC fee waiver, you can receive up to two free LSAT administrations, five-year CAS access, and up to six CAS reports. The amount of benefits you receive depends on the tier you are eligible for.
The approval requirements are strict. Still, if you believe you might be among the 10% of students who qualify, it’s absolutely worth exploring. Even if your application is denied, you still have the option to file an appeal.
However, the LSAT fee waiver process is complex and requires meticulous planning along with thorough documentation. You’ll need to submit your application at least six weeks before your desired LSAT test date. All supporting documents must be provided within 45 days of submitting your application.
Additionally, LSAC does not grant retroactive waivers. Missing the early decision deadline means you’re out of options. You’ll either need to reschedule your test date or pay the full testing price. Plan carefully to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
LSAT Fee Reimbursement
If you’re part of the military community, the GI Bill covers all LSAT costs and associated fees. Unfortunately, this perk is only by reimbursement. Plan accordingly if you’re planning to use this benefit to fund your LSAT costs.
Law School Waiver Programs
If you are part of the 90% of students who don’t qualify for the LSAC fee waiver program, don’t panic! You may still have other cost-saving options. Some amazing, laudable, and just all-around cool law schools offer in-house waiver systems. They won’t cover LSAT fees, but they do waive their application fees, which will help mitigate part or all of the cost of your LSAT. Not every law school offers these waivers, but it never hurts to ask!
If your schools offer waivers, move on them quickly! Law school application fee waivers are doled out on a first-come, first-served basis, and run out fast. The school year begins in late summer, but you can almost bet that by winter, all those golden tickets will be gone.
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Three Ways To Save Money on the LSAT
1. Don’t Take It Too Early
It’s just not worth taking the LSAT if your practice scores are lower than the median LSAT of your targeted schools. In fact, it can cost you! One in four test-takers take the test multiple times. That’s $248 EACH time. All those fees and mental stress eventually add up.
2. Create An Achievable LSAT Study Plan
Before you dive into LSAT prep, take a free LSAT diagnostic exam. The diag will set your baseline score and show you how far you are from your goal LSAT score. This information is important because it allows you to predict how much time you need to prepare and, consequently, which test date you should sign up for. Choosing the wrong test date can cost you. Rescheduling comes with a fee, and missing your test entirely will leave an “Absent” mark on your LSAT record.
Further Reading
📈 Your LSAT Score Potential Based on Your Diagnostic Score
3. Choose the Right LSAT Prep
The right LSAT prep can make or break your experience. LSAT prep courses are crucial in achieving a competitive score. Choosing an LSAT prep option that doesn’t align with your learning style or budget can lead to frustration and wasted time. For example, live courses may be more beneficial for learners who thrive with extra accountability, while online courses are great for those who prefer self-paced studying.
There are various types of prep courses available, ranging from $99 for basic materials to over $2,000 for comprehensive options. This is important because some students who prepare for the LSAT report using multiple preparation methods! Investing in this, investing in that, trying this, trying that, one prep method after the next until you find what works for you? Don’t let this happen to you! Determine what you need and invest in the right preparation method—the first time.
Is LSAT Prep Worth It?
The best way to ensure you get the most bang for your LSAT bucks is to invest in an LSAT prep course. Achieving a high score on your first attempt is crucial to avoid additional costs. If you’re prepared come test day and knock it out of the park with your goal test score, consider these costs you’ll be able to avoid: LSAT retake fees, the cost of using optional services like Score Preview, the cost of additional law school reports, and the cost of additional law school application fees.
Plus, settling for a low LSAT score can be even more costly, affecting which law school you attend. This often leads to a significant cost increase due to lost opportunity, including lost scholarships, higher cost of attendance, and lower potential future earnings. Luckily, each of these costs can be avoided by coming in with your strongest possible LSAT score.
The returns on your LSAT preparation investment are much higher than the many costs associated with being unprepared on test day. Investing in LSAT prep can actually save you money in the long run if it leads to merit aid or a better school fit. Not to mention the confidence and less test anxiety you’ll feel on test day because you know you’re fully prepared will boost your morale.
Why Prepping with Blueprint Will Be Your Best LSAT Investment
My favorite attorney’s slogan is “Secure da Bag,” and test-takers who prepare with Blueprint LSAT are on their way to doing just that. Blueprint LSAT experts have helped our students crush their exams and increase their LSAT score by 15 points. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or 170+ Course, or even private LSAT tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.
