I'm a junior figuring out my college application budget, and I'm curious about the fees for taking the SAT. Specifically, how much does the exam itself cost? Is there any additional cost for the optional essay? Thanks for your help!
The cost of taking the SAT exam can vary slightly depending on the testing year and location, but as of the 2024-2025 testing cycle, the basic registration fee for the SAT is $60.
Keep in mind that these fees cover the test registration, sending scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programs, and receiving a paper or digital score report. If you'd like to send your scores to more than four institutions, there's an additional cost of $14 per recipient.
Beyond these basic fees, you may encounter additional costs for late registration, changing your test center, or changing your test date. However, if you plan and register well in advance, you can usually avoid these extra expenses.
Lastly, you should be aware that fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students. These waivers can cover the entire cost of the SAT and up to four score sends beyond the initial four included with registration. To explore fee waiver eligibility and the application process, consult your school counselor or visit the College Board website for more details.
Good luck with your college application process, and remember to begin preparing for the SAT well in advance to maximize your chances of success!
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