Getting into a top-ranked university would be a dream. A full-ride scholarship is the cherry on top. While the SAT score solely may not enable you a full-ride scholarship, it can help you save thousands of dollars.
First, let’s understand what the SAT is. The College Board administers the SAT, which is a standardized test that is broadly recognized for admissions in the United States. It is a three-hour-long multiple-choice test with two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. The total score for the SAT is 1600, with each section scored out of 800.
Perhaps you’ve taken the test recently and you want to know whether your SAT score is ‘good’ enough to receive a scholarship or not. Or perhaps you’re yet to take the test and want to know what score to aim for. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Before we delve into the details of what is considered a good score to obtain a scholarship, let’s take a look at how much the SAT costs first.
The general SAT consists of two major sections, math and evidence-based writing and reading. As of 2021-22, the general SAT costs $55 for students residing in the United States. However, this fee can vary based on whether you register by phone, make alterations to an existing registration, if you are admitted to administration through the waitlist or if you register during the late registration period. Students taking up the SAT outside the United States must pay additional regional fees.
Furthermore, the SAT registration also includes free score reports to four schools. This expires nine days after you take the test, so make sure you use them! If you would like additional score reports, you will have to pay an extra fee. After having a detailed look at how much the SAT costs, I think we can come to a consensus that the SAT is slightly expensive. However, this depends on your family’s income level.
While your family may be covering your tuition fee, it may help to ease the financial burden in whatever way possible. One of those ways is by receiving a scholarship for a good SAT score. There are two types of scholarships
- Guaranteed scholarship- The guaranteed scholarship is for accepted students who have received a certain SAT score. A separate application for this is not required.
- Merit-based scholarship- This one has the same requirements, but now you are competing against other accepted students. This may require a separate application in which you have to write an essay for why you require it as well.
Generally this minimum level that students must attain is around 1300 and above. However, the higher your SAT score is, the higher your chance will be of receiving scholarships. Not only from universities, but also from College Board. They provide a scholarship opportunity that gives each student who participates a chance to earn up to $40,000.
Also Read : How to study for the SAT and ACT simultaneously?
For students residing in india, there is a scholarship program specific to those known as the
College Board India Scholars Program.
| Merit Scholarships | Merit-Cum-Need Scholarships |
| Annual household income > INR 4,00,000 | Annual household income < INR 4,00,000 |
| SAT taken up in Grade 12 | SAT taken up in Grade 12 |
| SAT score is above 1350 | SAT score is above 1350 |
| Scholarship amount is varies based on college tuition per year | 100% College tuition |
However, let’s say you don’t qualify for a scholarship and belong to the lower income level category.
Luckily, fee waivers exist for a reason. Considering that College Board is a nonprofit organization, they believe in providing all students with access to an affordable cost by offering a fee waiver programme to low-income students.
This fee waiver covers the testing fee, additional score reports and could even possibly extend to college application costs to ensure that these students have an affordable college experience.
When you’re different, sometimes you don’t see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn’t. ― Jodi Picoult
Let’s take a detailed look at what the fee waiver covers:
- The SAT fee waiver covers the registration cost.
- A single waiver code covers two SAT registration costs.
- The SAT fee waiver covers late registration fees if you are in the United States or its territories.
- The SAT fee waiver covers more than four score reports.
- The SAT fee waiver may also cover the college application cost and CSS profile applications for financial aid.
- The SAT fee waiver provides fee reductions for score verification reports.
- The SAT fee waiver covers two question and answer service reports.
- Lastly, the SAT fee waiver covers regional fees if you are a student from the United States living abroad.
So what does the fee waiver not cover?
- Waitlist fees
- Scores by phone
- Rushed score reports
- Registering by phone charges
- Changing fees- if you decide to take a different test or change your test date after registration has been done.
In order to qualify for a fee waiver, you will have to check these factors with your school counselor: household income and size, whether you’re in foster care or are qualified for the free and reduced-price lunch program at your school. If you qualify, you will receive a code from your school counselor, which you can then use to receive the fee waiver.
In conclusion, you should always aim for a high score as that would not only increase your chances of getting accepted into top universities, but also the possibility of receiving a scholarship.
Further Reading: How to Improve Your SAT Score
