The college application process is notoriously taxing on every student’s schedule and brain – the never-ending stream of applications, college visits, and admissions tests have the potential to overwhelm even the most organized students. Some students, however, must worry about far more than the stress of the process. The sheer cost of applying can keep some kids out of college. Forget paying for tutors and prep classes; simply covering the necessary elements of the application process can prove to be too expensive for many disadvantaged students.
Nearly every college-bound student must take either the SAT or the ACT. The base fees for these tests alone are $51 and $36.50, respectively. While this might seem like a minor sum to many Hackley students, these costs can have a much more significant effect on struggling families – especially when they start to add up. On top of these base prices, many ACT takers must also take the optional writing section, bringing the total cost for this test up to $52.50 for most students. In addition, many of the country’s top ranking colleges require at least two SAT subject tests. Even the colleges that don’t require them often suggest that SAT subject test scores be included to strengthen the student’s application. The first SAT subject test each student takes has $24.50 fee, with each additional test costing an additional $13 – except language tests, which are an additional $24. This means that the cost for an applicant who takes the SAT only once with two subject tests is $88.50.
In addition to SAT or ACT scores, students are often encouraged to include AP test scores as well. Each AP test costs $89. Many students at Hackley take multiple AP tests, which can add up to hundreds of dollars.
After testing concludes, usually in eleventh grade, students begin to write their college applications. While the common application is available online for free, many colleges will ask to send a fee with the application. The average fee is $35 per application, but the highest fees can reach $70. Although many schools offer an application fee waiver for certain students, this fee is still unreasonable for those who can afford it because colleges are monetizing a process that does not cost any money (sending in applications).
On top of all of these tests and admissions costs, most students want to actually visit the schools they apply to as well. Visiting schools is a critical part of the college process – its the only surefire way a student can tell if the college “feel” is really right for them. But it can also add tremendous costs – even when visiting a school that is relatively close. Driving from New York to Boston and back, for example, would be an almost $70 trip in gas alone.
On top of all the costs discussed above, most students want to take admissions tests and visit schools multiple times – increasing the total cost to enormous figures. While these costs are insignificant to America’s privileged elite, they can prevent education from truly becoming the great equalizer because the cost of the college process can limit the learning opportunity for many.
