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Law school applications: Fee waivers
LSAC will grant fee waivers to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Comprehensive information regarding the fee waiver application process can be found here. The application should be submitted as early as possible in order to take the fullest advantage of everything the fee waiver pays for, including LSAT prep materials through LawHub Advantage.
Beginning September 3rd, 2024, all applicants who receive an LSAC fee waiver will be required to complete two LawHub practice tests in exam mode before they can register for the LSAT. Similarly, successful fee waiver applicants must also watch a half-hour video on LSAC’s website about the application process before they can use the Credential Assembly Service.
LSAC has two tiers of fee waivers, depending on financial eligibility, and they cover a range of mandatory and optional fees, including: 1-2 LSATs ($238 each), one Credential Assembly Service (CAS) ($207), 4-6 CAS Law School Reports ($45 each), 1-2 Score Preview services ($45-$80, optional), and LawHub Advantage test prep resources ($115, optional).
Typically, if you are still in school and receiving substantial need-based financial aid, you should be granted a fee waiver. It is more difficult (but not impossible) to be found eligible for a fee waiver once you’re out of school.
Note that the initial fee waiver determination is made largely by algorithm: you complete the online questionnaire, and receive a determination within a couple of days. In order to have a human being review your file, you must appeal this initial determination (if it’s a denial). If you have a good faith reason to believe that the initial determination was wrong, you should absolutely request an appeal.
LSAC fee waiver standards are more stringent than many law schools’ standards. All law schools will waive their application fees if you have been granted a fee waiver from LSAC, but most will also waive their application fees even if you do not qualify for LSAC’s waiver. (The law school specific fee waivers do NOT require you to take practice tests or watch an LSAC video.) You will find specific information about fee waivers on the website or in the application materials for each law school, but you should also ask directly. Often, admissions reps offer fee waivers at informational events like law school forums, open houses, and visits to our campus. (You may also receive unsolicited offers of fee waivers from law schools—these offers are not an indication of your chance of admission at those particular schools.)
