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The SAT®: Parent FAQs
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About the SAT
- How much does the SAT cost? What if we can’t afford the fee?
- How much time does my child have to complete the SAT?
- Can my child eat or drink during the test?
- What do SAT scores look like?
- What will my child be asked to write about in the essay?
- Will colleges see my child's essay?
- How do colleges use the SAT writing score?
- What test-taking arrangements are available for students with disabilities?
How much does the SAT cost? What if we can’t afford the fee?
The fee to take the SAT is $49. Students who cannot afford test fees can request a fee waiver from their school counselor. Each SAT fee waiver:
- Covers the registration fees for a single test date, either for the SAT or for up to three SAT Subject Tests™
- Covers the cost of either the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the Student Answer Service (SAS), when these are ordered during registration. Learn more about these services.
- Covers the international testing fees, if applicable, including the security fee if testing in India or Pakistan
- May qualify your child for application fee waivers at many colleges
Students eligible for fee waivers also receive the following free and discounted services:
- Four additional flexible score reports that they can use free of charge at any time — from registration until they graduate from high school
- A $40 discount on the purchase of The Official SAT Online Course™, when ordered during online registration
How much time does my child have to complete the SAT?
The testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Added to that time are three breaks of five minutes each during testing, plus time before and after testing for administrative tasks.
Can my child eat or drink during the test?
Your child is encouraged to bring snacks in a book bag on test day. These snacks can be consumed in designated areas during breaks. Neither food nor drinks can be opened or consumed in the test room.
What do SAT scores look like?
The SAT has three scores, each on a scale of 200 to 800. The three scores are in writing (W 200-800), mathematics (M 200-800) and critical reading (CR 200-800).
What will my child be asked to write about in the essay?
The essay question asks your child to take a position on an issue and support it persuasively with examples from studies and experience. It is an open-ended question, so your child can answer it successfully in many different ways. Your child doesn’t need any prior specific knowledge about the topic to write an effective essay.
Will colleges see my child's essay?
Admission officers at any college to which your child sends official SAT scores will be able to view and print the essay.
How do colleges use the SAT writing score?
Different colleges use the writing score in different ways. Writing scores may be used for admission decisions or for placement in English composition courses. Of the three SAT sections, scores on the writing section are actually the strongest predictor of college performance.
What test-taking arrangements are available for students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities whose documentation has been validated by the College Board receive testing accommodations when taking the SAT and other College Board tests. Students with disabilities that necessitate use of a computer for writing can use one for the essay portion of the SAT writing section. Learn more about Services for Students with Disabilities.
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