Hi everyone! I'm planning to take the ACT but I'm not sure about the costs. Can anyone give me a breakdown of the fees for taking the ACT test? Are fee waivers available? If so, could you explain the process of getting one? Thanks a lot!
Hey! I'm happy to provide you with the information you need about the ACT fees and fee waivers.
As of now, the base fee for the ACT (without the optional writing test) is $68. If you decide to take the ACT with the writing test, it'll cost you $93. Be mindful that these fees are for the United States, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico. The fees for international students might be different.
There are additional fees that you might need to pay depending on your circumstances:
1. Late registration fee: $38
2. Test date change fee: $44
3. Test center change fee: $44
4. Standby testing fee: $68
Now, regarding fee waivers, yes, they are available for eligible students! Fee waivers cover the full cost of the base test and writing test, if applicable. To qualify for a fee waiver, you must be a high school junior or senior, a U.S. citizen or testing in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico, and meet one or more of the following indicators of economic need:
1. Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program
2. Enrolled in a program for economically disadvantaged students (ex: TRIO, Upward Bound)
3. Family's annual income based on the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines
4. Resident of a foster home, ward of the state, or homeless
5. Family receives public assistance (ex: TANF, WIC, SNAP)
To obtain a fee waiver, you should reach out to your high school counselor, who will provide you with the necessary form if you're eligible. Follow their instructions regarding the application process, and once your waiver is approved, they will give you a fee waiver code. You'll enter this code when you register for the ACT test online.
Remember that you can receive up to two fee waivers, but be aware that additional fees like late registration or test center changes are not covered by the waiver.
I hope this helps you plan for your ACT testing experience! Good luck!
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