Applying to college is time-consuming and expensive. But a growing number of states and even some individual school districts are picking up the tab for high school students to take either the SAT or ACT college entrance exam during class time, at their school.
Students who attend public high schools in one of nine states that pay for the SAT, including Colorado and Connecticut, or one of 18 that pay for the ACT, including Ohio, usually take one free exam during their junior year. It typically costs $45 to take the SAT ($57 with the writing portion) and $42.50 for the ACT ($58.50 with writing).
In-person test prep may boost a student's SAT scores by 15 to 30 points overall, says Derek Briggs, a University of Colorado professor who studies the effects of test preparation. But you don't have to spend a boatload on private tutors, who can charge $100 an hour or more, or prep classes, which can run in the thousands. The College Board, which oversees the SAT, offers free test prep through KhanAcademy.com, where students can customize practice based on their PSAT scores, take quizzes to pinpoint weak spots and take six full-length official practice tests. You may also find low-cost SAT or ACT prep options at your child's high school, a nearby community college or the local library.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Winners and Losers of Fed Rate CutsNavigating interest-rate changes can seem daunting, but these areas of the fixed-income market could perform better (or worse) than others.
-
What You Should Know About Spousal IRAsWithout spousal IRAs, you would need an earned income to contribute to your retirement account.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
