The ACT Test Cost

The ACT, a college entrance exam run by American College Testing, is one of the two major college entrance exams for U.S. schools. The ACT is the most widely accepted or preferred entrance exam in the United States. In 2007, the ACT reported that every four-year college in America accepted the test as part of its admissions review.

Typical costs:

The test costs $33. Some colleges require applicants to also take the writing portion, which costs an additional $15. Students who are applying to more than four colleges will pay an extra $10 each to send scores to a fifth and sixth college. Self-guided test preparation programs are relatively inexpensive ways to prepare for the test. Online preparation on the ACT's official website costs $19.95; the ACT's official test guide costs $30.95. Other ACT guides can cost as little as $9.99. ACT preparation classes can be more expensive, but they offer an individualized approach to preparing for the exam. Classes can cost $500 -$900; individual tutoring can cost more than $100 an hour and generally involves at least 20 hours of tutoring. Kaplan and The Princeton Review are the two leading sources of classes and tutoring. Other national and local tutoring companies offer ACT preparation services, as do some online-only companies. Some community colleges also offer test-preparation courses. Tutoring includes at least 20 hours of individual guidance on how to improve scores in specific subject areas and more flexible scheduling. Individual tutoring can cost more than $100 an hour and generally involves at least 20 hours of tutoring. Kaplan and The Princeton Review are the two leading sources of classes and tutoring. What should be included:

The ACT is more extensively based on testing what students have learned in high school than the SAT, which assesses critical thinking skills. The $33 test fee includes the basic test, a score report for the student's high school and distribution of scores to up to four colleges or universities. Test prep classes, such as those offered by Kaplan or Princeton Review, include at least 15 hours of instruction, classroom-setting mentoring on test taking strategies and in-class reviews of practice tests. Many classroom programs include score improvement guarantees. Additional costs:

Other ACT registration fees include late registration, which is $21, standby testing, which is $41; and test center or date changes, both of which cost $20. Discounts:

The ACT offers fee waivers for students with financial need. Students should contact their high school counselors for information about fee waivers. Used ACT guides can be found on websites like Powell's Books for about $10. Shopping for the act test:

High school guidance counselors can offer advice about preparing for the ACT. Another resource could be the admissions office at a college or university. Students working or volunteering in the office might have had experience with prep programs. Consider online classes and tutoring, which are also offered by some test preparation companies. They can offer scheduling flexibility and a more relaxed studying environment. Companies offering ACT test preparation include The Princeton Review and Kaplan. Check local community colleges to see if they offer ACT preparation courses.