In this third installation of the “Ask Alex” series we answer questions about something that keeps us all up at night: money. In this article we’ll discuss the price of taking the bar, tips for shopping for textbooks, and even a discussion of whether summer classes are a wise financial move. We all know law school is expensive, but a few intentional tweaks can help reduce your overall cost dramatically, especially as it relates to books and bar prep.
How much does it cost to take the bar?
Way more than you think it does. To prepare for the bar, many students enroll in bar prep programs that are designed to pump out three years of legal education over a 12-week period before the exam. The program focuses on highly-tested subject areas, familiarizes you with the question formatting, and even assigns you “homework” to improve your writing skills. My bar prep program was the single best purchase I ever made while in law school and while I did not enjoy spending 8+ hours a day in front of a computer screen throughout an entire summer, I felt very prepared for the bar exam when the time came.
These programs typically range from $1,200-3,000 with the opportunity of a lower price for students who chose their bar prep provider early and began a payment plan. On top of this cost, it is also recommended that students do not work (even part-time) while studying for the bar, as it is considered a full-time obligation—and it is, believe me. So in addition to the bar prep fee, you have to add in the cost of your living expenses (food, rent, etc.) since you will likely be unable to work or secure income during that time.
Finally, there are the application fees and other financial requirements. Before sitting for the bar exam you will likely have to apply to take the exam through your state’s Board of Law Examiners; these bodies often require candidates to subject themselves to background checks, fingerprints, and other measures needed to ensure the candidate is appropriate to take the exam. These fees may vary, but as a frame of reference I paid about $500 in total fees to apply for and take the Indiana bar exam.
In total, it cost me around $3,600 to take the exam. Ways to mitigate that huge cost would include moving back in with your parents/loved ones to avoid rental charges and buying your bar prep early to make paid installments. Even with those changes, it is almost prohibitively expensive.
Is it ok to buy used textbooks instead of used?
Absolutely! A great way to cut costs each semester is to buy used textbooks whenever possible. Some best practices for buying used books would be: (1) check the condition of the book online and be sure to chose one that is a least in “good” condition, (2) avoid excessive writing or highlighting in the book to secure a better buy-back price, and (3) make sure you purchase it from a reputable vendor—a good deal on Contract Law is fine, but not if you don’t receive the book until the middle of the semester!
Should I resell my textbooks at the end of each semester/year or keep them?
Yes, let’s be honest: are you really going to use them again? A lot of students keep them because it might make them look smart, or well-learned but really, they will just take up space and be a real pain if you ever need to move or relocate. Sell them back and put the proceeds into next semester’s textbook fund.
Should I take summer classes?
If you are funding law school with a lot of scholarships or financial aid it might not be in your best interest. While individual situations may differ, government funding is usually only allowed to be split between two semesters each year, meaning that if you took classes during the summer and used some of your funding to offset the cost, it is likely that you wouldn’t be able to use those funds again in either the fall or spring. While it can seem like a good idea to “get ahead” by taking extra summer courses, please talk with your school’s financial aid officer to see how this would affect any scholarships/federal funding you receive.
Have your own question about law school, being a lawyer, or taking the bar? Reach out to me at agsumner@alumni.iu.edu.
