Okay, so I took the SAT back in October, and I’m not thrilled with my score. I think I could definitely do better with a little more studying. The problem is, I’m already on a pretty tight budget. I need to know how much it costs to register for another SAT test date, specifically if I’m just taking the regular SAT, not the SAT Subject Tests (since those don’t even exist anymore!). Also, does it cost extra if I sign up late, and what’s considered "late" anyway? I’m in the US, so I need the US pricing. And what if I need to change my test center or the date after I’ve registered? Are there fees for that too? Ugh, this is stressful!
Answer
The cost to retake the SAT varies based on several factors, including registration deadlines, whether you add or change services, and whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Base Registration Fee:
The standard SAT registration fee is currently $60. This fee covers the basic cost of taking the SAT at a registered test center on a scheduled test date.
Late Fees:
If you register after the regular registration deadline, you will be charged a late registration fee. The late registration fee is currently $30. Registering late significantly increases the cost of retaking the SAT, bringing the total to $90. It’s crucial to be aware of the registration deadlines for your desired test date and register well in advance.
Change Fees:
Several types of changes to your registration can incur fees. These include:
- Changing the test date: There is a $30 fee to change your test date.
- Changing the test center: There is a $30 fee to change your test center.
- Changing the test type: There is a $30 fee to change from the SAT to the SAT Subject Tests (if available) or vice versa.
Keep in mind that changes are subject to availability and must be made before the specified deadlines.
Fee Waivers:
The College Board offers fee waivers to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you can retake the SAT for free. Fee waivers typically cover the registration fee and may include other benefits, such as free score reports and college application fee waivers. Eligibility requirements for fee waivers include factors like family income and participation in specific government programs. Check the College Board website for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria.
Additional Score Reports:
The base registration fee includes score reports sent to you and to the colleges you designate during registration. If you want to send your scores to additional colleges beyond the initial allocation, there is a fee for each additional score report. The fee per score report is currently $12 per report.
In Summary:
- Standard Registration: $60
- Late Registration: $90 ($60 + $30 late fee)
- Change Fees (Date, Center, or Test Type): $30 per change
- Additional Score Reports: $12 per report
- Fee Waiver: $0 (for eligible students)
Important Considerations:
- Fees are subject to change, so it is always best to check the College Board website (sat.org) for the most current information.
- Be mindful of registration deadlines to avoid late fees.
- If you think you might qualify for a fee waiver, investigate the eligibility requirements and application process as soon as possible.
- Factor in the cost of transportation to and from the test center when planning your budget.
- Consider the cost of any test preparation materials or courses you might use to improve your score.
