Q: How much does it cost to take the LSAT?
A: The base registration fee for the LSAT is $222. However, the total cost for a candidate can easily range from $222 to over $1,000+ depending on additional services, preparation materials, and potential retakes.
Q: What are the specific fees charged by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)?
A: LSAC charges several key fees:
- LSAT Registration: $222 (includes one test and one score report).
- LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS): $220 (MANDATORY for applying to law schools; includes score reporting and transcript processing).
- Test Date Change: $138 (if changed more than 10 days before the test).
- Score Preview: $75 (for first-time test-takers to see their score before deciding to cancel).
- Score Cancellation After Viewing: $50 (if you use Score Preview and choose to cancel).
- Additional Score Reports: $50 each (beyond the free ones included with CAS).
Q: Are there any fee waivers available?
A: Yes, LSAC offers need-based fee waivers that can significantly reduce costs. A granted waiver typically covers:
- 2 LSAT registrations (within two years).
- The LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) fee.
- 6 CAS Law School Reports.
- Access to official LSAT prep materials through LawHub.
Applicants must apply for the waiver through their LSAC account.
Q: What are the additional potential costs?
A:
- Preparation Costs: This is the largest variable. Options range from free resources and books ($50-$300) to online courses ($500-$1,500) or private tutoring ($1,500-$5,000+).
- Retake Costs: Each retake costs another $222 registration fee.
- Application Costs: Each law school application incurs a separate fee (typically $45-$85 per school) on top of CAS.
Q: What is a realistic total budget for the LSAT process?
A: For a typical applicant taking the test once with moderate self-prep:
- LSAT Registration: $222
- LSAC CAS: $220
- Prep Books/Course: $300 - $800
- Estimated Total: $742 - $1,242
For an applicant retaking the test and using a premium prep service:
- Two LSAT Registrations: $444
- LSAC CAS: $220
- Comprehensive Prep Course: $1,200 - $2,000
- Estimated Total: $1,864 - $2,664
Q: How can TheEntryPass help manage these costs and preparation?
A: At TheEntryPass, we focus on strategic efficiency. We help candidates avoid unnecessary costs like multiple retakes due to poor planning or investing in mismatched prep resources by providing:
- Pre-Assessment Guidance: Helping you choose the right prep investment for your learning style and goals.
- Timeline & Retake Strategy: Creating a plan to maximize your first-attempt score and avoid costly retakes.
- Holistic Application Planning: Integrating LSAT prep into your overall law school application budget to avoid surprises.
For the most current and official fee schedule, always refer to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website at www.lsac.org.