Calling the College Board: Is It a “Score” or a “Sucker” Move?
Let’s face it, you’re probably reading this because you’re either a high school student stressed about college applications or a concerned parent trying to navigate this whole “college admissions” thing. If you’re anything like me, you’re also wondering whether calling the College Board to check your SAT scores is going to cost you an arm and a leg. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The folks at College Board seem to have a penchant for charging for everything.
You see, the College Board, that bastion of standardized testing joy, has a peculiar method of treating its “customers” (that’s us, by the way, the students and families who are subject to their whims). They’ve masterfully crafted a system where it seems like every little service comes with a price tag. It’s like they’re running a mini-casino where you’re the player, and they’re the house. You can’t fault them for wanting to stay in business, but let’s admit it, sometimes it feels like they’re taking advantage of our desperation to get into that “dream school.”
So, here’s the deal:
Yes, calling the College Board to get your SAT scores will cost you a whopping $15.
Ouch. That’s $15 that could be going towards a celebratory pizza after you finally get that acceptance letter, right?
But wait, there’s more!
It gets even more interesting (by which I mean, confusing) when you consider the other fees involved in this whole SAT score saga.
- Sending your scores to colleges? Yep, that’ll cost you $12 per school.
- Want your scores in a hurry? Prepare to shell out $31 for a “rush report.”
- Need to access your old scores? That’s a cool $35.
And if you think you’re getting away with “free” score reports, think again! You have a limited window of nine days after the test to send your scores to four colleges for free. After that, it’s back to the “pay to play” game.
The College Board’s pricing strategy seems to be based on the principle that they’re holding your future in their hands, and you’ll be willing to pay anything for information. It’s like they’re saying, “We know you’re stressed, we know you’re desperate, so let’s make a quick buck off your anxiety.”
But hey, don’t despair yet! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s just the flickering glow of your computer screen.
Here are a few ways to avoid the “College Board tax” on score checks:
- Register for the SAT using a fee waiver: If you’re eligible for a fee waiver, you can avoid the extra cost of sending scores to colleges, even after the free nine-day window.
- Wait for your scores to be released online: Instead of calling, check your scores online! It’s free, and you don’t have to worry about the $15 “phone call” fee.
- Consider sending your scores online: While it might seem like a small fee, sending your scores online is cheaper than sending them by mail, which can cost you $15 per report.
In the end, the College Board’s pricing practices can feel like a bit of a slap in the face, especially when you’re already stressed out about the college application process. But remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate this system without breaking the bank. Stay informed, be smart about your choices, and remember that your future is worth fighting for – even if it means fighting against the “College Board tax.”
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community where you can connect with fellow students, parents, and experts who can offer support, advice, and a much-needed sense of humor during this stressful journey. We’ve all been there, and we know it’s not easy!