Breaking Down the ACT Test Fees to Set Cost Expectations

Breaking Down the ACT Test Fees to Set Cost Expectations

Some students start to worry about college as early as their freshman year. But for others, the concern for these tests goes beyond which to take and what to review.

ACT test fees are one of the few things about college entrance tests that determine whether you’re ready to take it. So, what exactly are the costs to look out for?

Here’s a brief breakdown of the different ACT test fees to help you set proper expectations for your expenses.

General ACT Test Fees

There are usually two types of ACT tests, one with and without writing. According to the official ACT site, the regular 4-section exam costs $68. With the optional writing test, it increases to $93.

Keep in mind that this only includes the test and a copy of the score report for you, your current high school, and up to four of your chosen colleges. You need to pay for everything else if you’re interested in extra services.

Sending the Score Report

Although you can access your score reports after the test, you may want to have it sent directly to other colleges. For your top four picks, these get sent to them free of charge. If you want to add more to the list, you need to pay about $18.50.

To get the most out of having it sent to colleges for free, you want to include picking schools when you plan and prepare for the test. It’s also important to be clear with your choices since the exam determines your likelihood of getting accepted, as well as your potential college success.

Changing Your Testing Option

Usually, there are two types of ACT tests you can choose from, with the primary difference being one has the written test while the other doesn’t. While there are no particular restrictions with changing your test option, it comes at a price.

You need to pay $25 if you want to change your desired test. It allows you to either add or remove the optional writing test.

A similar principle applies when you decide to change your test date or center. The cost for this is around $44.

Other Extra Costs

ACT test fees come with lots of extra expenses. Even so, keep in mind that these are all optional since you get the core document you need from the test already.

It includes the following:

  • Late Registration: You need to pay $38 if you register for the test during the late period for the provided national test date.
  • Standby Testing: You can be denied admission to the test center of your choice for several reasons. It requires a payment of $68.
  • Additional Score Reports: If you want extra copies of your original score reports, you can get them for $18.50 and request them after the online registration.
  • Test Information Release: For this, you pay $32 when you place an order before the test begins and $40 if you do so after the test.
  • Score Verification: You can get a verification on your tests, allowing you to be extra sure of your final scores and answers. It costs $58 for the multiple-choice test or optional writing test. You can also pay a bulk of $116 for a score verification on both.

International Applicants

If you’re an international applicant, keep in mind that there are a few costs to cover before you take the ACT. According to reports, taking the test as an international applicant requires you to pay $168.50 for the regular 4-section exam and $188.50 if you took the writing part.

The Summary

Understanding the ACT test fees gives you enough time to prepare both mentally and financially. Through this, you can plot your plans better, making sure you have ample time to focus on other things while you prepare for the test.