How to Determine If You Qualify for an SAT or ACT Fee Waiver
For many high school students, preparing for college involves taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. However, the cost of these tests can be a burden for some families. Fortunately, both the College Board and ACT, Inc. offer fee waivers for students who meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a guide to help you determine if you qualify for a fee waiver and how to apply for one.
Understanding SAT and ACT Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are designed to ensure that all 11th and 12th-grade students, regardless of their financial situation, have the opportunity to take these important tests. A fee waiver can cover the cost of the test itself and often provides additional benefits such as free score reports and access to certain test preparation resources.
SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility
The College Board provides SAT fee waivers to eligible students, covering the registration fees for up to two SATs and an unlimited number of SAT Subject Tests. To be eligible for an SAT fee waiver, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Enrollment in a Federal Program: You are enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Family Income: Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Participation in Public Assistance: Your family receives public assistance.
Living Situation: You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
Orphan or Ward of the State: You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
Special Program: You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs like Upward Bound).
ACT Fee Waiver Eligibility
ACT, Inc. offers fee waivers that cover the registration fee for the ACT (with or without the writing component) for up to four test dates. To be eligible for an ACT fee waiver, you must meet the following criteria:
Grade Level: You are currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.
Family Income: Your family’s annual income is at or below the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines for free or reduced-price lunch.
Participation in Federal or State Programs: You are enrolled in or eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, TRIO programs, or other federal programs for low-income students.
Living Situation: You are in a foster home, homeless, or a ward of the state.
Public Assistance: Your family receives public assistance.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
To apply for an SAT fee waiver, you can apply directly on the CollegeBoard website, or to apply for ACT and SAT you can:
Consult Your School Counselor: Your first step should be to talk to your school counselor. They can help you determine your eligibility and provide the necessary fee waiver form.
Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation of your eligibility. This could include proof of participation in the National School Lunch Program, income tax forms, or other relevant documents.
Complete the Form: Fill out the fee waiver form with your counselor’s assistance. Ensure all required information is accurate and complete.
Submit Your Application: Your counselor will submit the fee waiver application on your behalf. If approved, you will receive a waiver code to use during the test registration process.
Benefits of Fee Waivers
In addition to covering the cost of the SAT or ACT, fee waivers often include additional benefits such as:
Free Score Reports: Fee waivers typically allow you to send your test scores to several colleges for free.
Free Access to Test Prep: Some fee waivers provide access to free or discounted test preparation resources.
College Application Fee Waivers: SAT fee waiver recipients may also be eligible for college application fee waivers, reducing the overall cost of applying to college.
By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process for SAT and ACT fee waivers, you can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with standardized testing and focus on achieving your best score.