SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a well-accepted global entrance test designed by the College Board that helps top colleges assess students’ aptitudes in language and maths. Furthermore, students who wish to study abroad take the SAT to enrol in the most prestigious global institute. Like other competitive exams, taking the SAT exams requires students to pay mandatory registration fees. Other significant charges are also levied while taking the SAT exam. Knowing SAT exam fees is essential as it can help you plan your budget effectively. So, if you’re from India and you want to take the SAT, here is a breakdown of various fees.
Contents
Breakdown of SAT Fees in India
Standard Registration Fee
The standard SAT exam registration fee in India is INR 5,016. The cost for SAT exams is divided into three parts: Base fee, regional fee and taxes. This would give you a complete understanding of what exactly you’re paying for. The overall SAT fee for Indian students is INR 10,102.
The SAT fees for both centre-based and online-based exams are the same.
Additional Fees
In addition to the standard registration fee for the SAT exam, you should be aware of a few more expenses. Depending on your situation, the additional SAT fees may change. A few possible additional costs are as follows:
- Late Registration Fee: If you register after the scheduled date, you will have to pay a late registration fee. The SAT exam fee in Indian rupees for late registration is INR 2477.51.
- Change Fees: If candidates need to change the exam date or testing centre, you have to pay an additional charge for changes. In India, the current change fee for SAT is INR 2064.59.
- Waitlist Fee: There can be an extra charge involved with obtaining a seat after being added to a waitlist for a certain testing location. The current waitlist charge is INR 4376.93. This cost will be levied only if you can take the test on the day of the exam.
last date to register for Sat 2024 – 2025
Sat Fee Waivers and Eligibility
SAT fee waivers are granted to qualified candidates who can demonstrate their financial needs. The SAT fee exemptions cover registration fees, the cost of sending score reports to up to four universities and scholastic programmes. It is important to remember that the SAT fee waivers do not cover any additional charges associated with taking multiple tests that require listening.
SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility
To obtain an SAT fee waiver, candidates must qualify for any of the following SAT requirements:
- You are eligible to take part in the National School Lunch Programme (NSLP) or are currently enrolled on it.
- Furthermore, you are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, depending on the sum of money your family makes.
- If the government provides support to your family.
- You are part of a low-income student state, federal or municipal programme (like Upward Bound).
- You are living in foster care, homeless or living in a subsidised accommodation.
- You are an orphan or a ward of the state.
- Upon registration for the SAT exam, you can receive SAT score reports when you waive the charge.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
Indian students can obtain a fee waiver starting from classes 9 through 12 by appearing for the SAT exam to join colleges/universities abroad. Furthermore, candidates with a family income of less than INR 8 Lakhs can get SAT fee waiver. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a fee waiver.
Step 1: You must be a citizen of a particular country (for instance, India).
Step 2: Contact your school counsellor and let them know you wish to apply for a fee waiver. They will assist you with the application process and with all the required paperwork.
Step 3: You will get a fee waiver form where you must fill in all the details, including personal information, family income details and other relevant information related to your SAT fee waiver eligibility.
Step 4: To confirm your eligibility for the fee waiver, you need to attach some important documents. These include proof of income, verification that you participate in government programmes, or documentation of other circumstances, such as being homeless, an orphan, or a ward of the state.
Step 5: Return the waiver form and supporting documentation (as required) to your school counsellor.
Step 6: Once the school approves the fee waiver application form, you will receive SAT fee waiver codes. These codes will earn you the fee waiver. This needs to be used throughout the SAT registration process to waive the SAT registration fee.
Benefits of Fee Waivers
The benefits of SAT fee waivers are as follows:
- Six complimentary SAT subject tests will be available for you.
- Two complimentary SAT tests are yours (with or without an essay).
- You will get two complimentary reports from the Student Answer Service (SAS) or Question-and-Answer Service (QAS).
- You get access to numerous score reports which are sent to institutions.
- Application fees are exempted at participating colleges. Thus, you may look for colleges that offer this benefit.
- You can access free CSS applications to apply for financial aid from participating institutions.
- If you want to verify your SAT score, there will be a reduced charge on those score reports.
Sat Refund Policies and Sat Cancellation Fee
According to the cancellation rules laid down by the College Board, applicants must cancel their SAT registration at least 5 days before the main exam. If they cancel their registration after that, they will not receive any refund. Even students who try to cancel their registration within 5 days do not get even a portion of their registration fee.
There is no provision for a full refund in SAT exams. However, candidates can get partial refunds on their registration if they cancel the registration weeks before the main exam. Furthermore, refunds are available for SAT score reports ordered during the registration process, but you didn’t show up for the test.
For the online process, you can simply log in to your College Board account where you’ve registered. Find your registration and cancel your resignation (this will typically be under the “Changes” or “Cancellation” tab). Confirm Cancellation.
For a centre-based process, you can use customer service for the SAT and get the cancellation done. Customer service will ask you for personal information to check your credentials. Once the credentials have been verified, the registration will be cancelled, and a partial refund of INR 835.84 will be processed.
If a student cancels their registration within 5 days of the test or a day before, they must pay the SAT cancellation fee of INR 2064.59.
Tips for Managing SAT Costs
SAT can cost a lot but it also opens up admissions to the most popular institutes of the world. Hence, students undertake SAT exams to advance their academic goals. By using these tips you can manage SAT costs.
Early Registration
The late fee for registration costs half the SAT fees in India and elsewhere. This causes a 50% increase in your overall SAT cost if you’re late to register. If you have a test date in mind, register months in advance so you don’t forget. Ensure you get an email confirmation so you don’t get any surprises on the exam day.
Utilising Fee Waivers
Everyone knows that it is difficult for low-income families to afford to have their children sit for expensive competitive tests like the SAT. For this reason, fee waivers have been introduced. If a candidate is eligible for the SAT fee waivers, they can use them to waive various costs, including the registration fee.
Planning Ahead
SAT exam dates are released by the College Board in advance so that candidates can plan their exam dates accordingly. Once you’ve selected the date and registered, you can push other things and focus on your SATs. Make sure you’re completely sure while choosing your exam date as changes to the test date or testing centre will cost you extra.
Budgeting for Additional Services
SAT exam fees come with various additional services, which can also cost extra. Sometimes, you may be required to avail of those additional services. But you have to decide which service is worth the extra charge and which is not. For instance, if you’ve registered for the SAT exam beforehand, you don’t have to pay the late registration fee, which is a waste of money. On the other hand, you can spend on score reports which will be forwarded to notable institutions, that’s an additional service that is worth your money.
Conclusion
Understanding SAT exam registration fees in India and managing additional costs effectively is crucial for successful planning. By registering early, utilizing fee waivers, and budgeting for necessary services, students can optimize their SAT experience. For comprehensive preparation, consider Law & Design Entrance Coaching and SAT Online Coaching. Efficient financial planning ensures a smoother path towards achieving academic goals and gaining admission to prestigious global institutions.
FAQs on Sat Fee
How much is the digital SAT?
SAT registration costs are the same for centre-based and online exams. The overall cost of the SAT exam is about INR 10,102.
Why is the SAT changing in 2024?
In 2024, the SAT will be changed to a digital format, which will make it easy for candidates to take the test and ensure that it remains relevant.
What is considered late registration for SAT?
If you register for the SATs after the scheduled date, you must pay a late registration charge of INR 2477.51.
