Save money preparing for the LSAT: Part I

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This is part I of series on how to save money on the LSAT.

To begin with, I hated the LSAT. For six months of my life it consumed me. It was my introduction to how law school makes you doubt your capabilities and self worth. It also introduced me to how expensive law school is. The test itself costs over $100 and there are several prep programs out there that cost thousands of dollars. My goal today is to give some tips on how to prepare for this dreaded test without it letting it beat you or your pocket book.

1. Take a free diagnostic test from LSAC. You need to know where you’re at, so you can plan your studying. If you have anything above a 155 you’re doing alright. You can get into several schools with that kind of score.
2. If after you take the test and you did poorly (below a 155) , don’t get down! You can improve dramatically with some work. The LSAT is a VERY learnable test. I started out at a 148 and ended up scoring a 161 on the real deal. So, keep your chin up.
3. If you took the test and did well (above a 160), congratulations. However, there’s still room for improvement. You studying will be more focused then the people who didn’t do so well.
4. DON’T sign up for LSAT prep classes. Kaplan can set you back over $1,000. Same with Princeton Review. Additionally, their programs suck. I bought some of their books on strategy and none of it helped me. Several people in my law school section have said that they forked over a ton of money on these programs and ended up making the same score on the test as they did on the diagnostic test. Again, prep classes are a waste of time and money.
5. If you want to save money, you’re going to have to DIY (Do It Yourself). This takes self discipline and self motivation. If you don’t have it, then maybe law school isn’t for you.

Check back tomorrow, for part II on how to save money on the LSAT.

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• Save Money Preparing for the LSAT: Part IV
• Save Money Preparing for the LSAT: Part III
• Save Money Preparing for the LSAT: Part II

4 Comments

1. Anonymous on 13.12.2006 at 15:38 (Reply)

   My husband just took the lsat and he applied for a lsac financial assistance fee waiver. With only a student’s income from the year before, he had his test fee waived his lsac fee waived and several of his schools are even waiving application fees. I wish I had known that when I was signing up. I didn’t take Kaplan, but I paid for the lsac and lsat.

2. The Frugal Law Student on 14.12.2006 at 20:31 (Reply)

   Thanks for stopping by! Good call on applying for a fee waiver. I’ll be including that little tip when later on in the series.

3. Wendell on 15.12.2006 at 08:04 (Reply)

   While I generally agree with your blog, your comment that Princeton Review is worthless seems a bit too broad. For me the course was a help. I studied on my own with a book (and the online program) and then took the diagnostic exam. I scored a 158, and after TPR I scored a 168 on the LSAT. While I agree the cost is excessive and for that reason the courses should be avoided, I do not agree with your comment that TPR program sucks (at least it doesn’t suck for everyone).

4. The Frugal Law Student on 15.12.2006 at 08:12 (Reply)

   Thanks for stopping by Wendell! Good point. I guess it’s a matter of personal preference. Princeton Review just didn’t jive with me and Powerscore did. Congratulations on your excellent score!

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