Inquiring about ACT Test Expenses

Hey guys, I'm planning my budget for the year and need some help. So, about how much does it cost to take the ACT test? And are there any additional expenses I should take into account like prep materials, tutoring, or fee waivers?

The cost of the ACT largely depends on whether you're taking the test with or without writing. As of 2024, the basic registration fee for the ACT without writing is $60, and with writing, it's $85. These costs cover up to six college choices.

Additional score reports, after the initial six colleges, cost $15 each. If you need to make changes to your registration later, a test date change or a test center change costs $25 each. There are also some services like test information release (TIR) for $20, which provides a copy of the test questions, your answers, and the answer key.

Regarding preparation, the costs can vary depending on your approach. Self-prep using online resources can be free or inexpensive. Websites like Khan Academy, and ACT's own website offer free preparation materials, including practice tests. However, if you require more structured support, you may benefit from tutoring, prep courses or books, which will be an additional cost. Tutoring services can range from $30 to hundreds of dollars per hour depending on the tutor’s experience and expertise. Prep books can fall within the range of $20 - $60.

ACT does offer fee waivers for students who meet their eligibility requirements, which mainly target low-income households. Two fee waivers can be used throughout your high school career. These waivers cover the full cost of the ACT (with or without writing), but they do not cover late registration fees, or any changes made to your registration after the normal registration deadline.

Budgeting for standardized tests can sometimes be overwhelming, so it's great that you're planning ahead. I hope this helps!