Because getting a college education isn’t expensive enough, the fees for taking the SAT and ACT tests as part of the admissions process can be a hardship for many high school students and their families.
Currently, it costs $47.50 to take the SAT ($64.50 with the Essay portion), and $22 for each of the SAT subject tests, not including the $26 registration fee. The ACT costs $50.50 ($67 with the Writing portion), and for each test there are extra costs for late registration. Advanced Placement (AP) tests cost $94.
Add in the fact that many college counselors recommend taking the test multiple times to use the best scores, and the numbers can get out of hand very quickly.
Some colleges and universities are de-emphasizing the need for SAT and ACT test results, particularly if students meet a minimum grade point average or class rank. Functionally speaking, however, these tests are still very much ingrained in the college application process.
Low-income high school students may qualify for fee waivers, though, if they meet certain requirements. The College Board details who is eligible for SAT fee waivers, as well as how to apply:
You’re eligible for fee waivers if you say “yes” to any of the following:
You’re enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Your annual family income falls within the
Income Eligibility Guidelines
set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
Your family receives public assistance.
You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless.
You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
Similarly, the ACT fees are waived for students who meet these criteria:
1. They are currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12 grade.
2. Are testing in the United States, U.S. territories or Puerto Rico.
3. Meet one or more of these indicators of economic need:
Are enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on the USDA’s income levels.
Are enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged, such as federally funded programs like GEAR UP or Upward Bound.
Reside in a foster home, is a ward of the state or is homeless.
Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Contact your child’s school counselor for help with the fee waiver application process or to determine whether you qualify.
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