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The SAT®: Parent FAQs
- How much does the SAT cost? What about fee waivers?
- 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 about students with disabilities?
How much does the SAT cost? What about fee waivers?
The fee to take the SAT is $45. Students who cannot afford test fees can request a fee waiver from their school counselor.
Fee Waivers
- Cover the basic test fees for SAT or SAT Subject Tests™
- Cover either the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the Student Answer Service (SAS)
- 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
- When registering online, a $40 discount on the price for The Official SAT Online Course™
How much time does my child have to complete the SAT?
The testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Can my child eat or drink during the test?
Although for security reasons, neither food nor drinks can be opened or consumed in the test room, your child is encouraged to bring snacks in a book bag on test day. These snacks are easily stowed under desks or chairs in the test room and can be consumed in designated areas during breaks.
What do SAT scores look like?
The SAT has three scores, each on the scale of 200-800. The score includes 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 won't have to have any prior specific knowledge about the topic to write an effective essay.
Will colleges see my child's essay?
A college will be able to view and print your child's essay only if your child sends that college her test scores.
How do colleges use the SAT writing score?
Different colleges use the writing score in different ways. Writing scores may be used for admissions decisions and, possibly, for placement in English composition courses. Some colleges were waiting for information on how well writing scores predicted college performance before using them in admissions or placement decisions. That information is now available and shows that of the three SAT sections, writing is actually the strongest predictor of college success.
What about students with disabilities?
The College Board's policies for students with disabilities have not changed and still apply to the SAT. Students with disabilities, whose documentation has been validated by the College Board, will receive testing accommodations. Students with disabilities that necessitate use of a computer for writing will be able to do so for the essay portion of the writing section. Learn more about Services for Students with Disabilities.
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