How Do I Order College Board Exams? (And Why It Feels Like You’re Navigating a Labyrinth of Paperwork)
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of standardized testing. You’re brave – and probably a little bit terrified. Fear not, my friend, for I am here to guide you through the treacherous waters of College Board exam ordering.
Think of this blog post as your personal compass, a map to navigate the choppy seas of online forms, confusing deadlines, and fees that would make your wallet cry.
Let’s start with the big question on everyone’s mind: How do I actually order these darn exams?
Well, the answer depends on what kind of exam you’re after.
1. SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9)
For these exams, you’ll need to head over to the SAT Suite Ordering and Registration site. It’s like entering the portal to a magical land of test scores and college admissions (okay, maybe not that magical, but it’s definitely a website).
2. AP Exams
Ah, the dreaded AP exams. The ones that make you feel like you’ve spent the entire year memorizing every fact under the sun, only to be tested on a single obscure detail. (Don’t worry, you’ll survive.)
To order these, you’ll need to visit the AP Registration and Ordering website.
3. PSAT
Want to test the waters before the big SAT? The PSAT is your friend. To order, log in to ordering.collegeboard.org and follow the steps. And if you ever get lost, remember: there’s a friendly phone number to help you out – 888-477-7728.
Now, let’s talk about deadlines. Because deadlines are like the giant, scary clock ticking down on you in a movie.
For AP Exams, you’ve got until March 1, 2024, to order your exams. That’s right, no more procrastinating! After that, you’re stuck with the exams you’ve already ordered. (Unless you want to pay a late fee, of course.)
But wait, there’s more! There are actually two deadlines for AP exams:
- October 4, 2023: The preferred ordering deadline. Order before this date, and you’ll be treated like a VIP by the College Board. (Okay, maybe not VIP, but you’ll avoid potential stress.)
- November 15, 2023: The final deadline. Miss this one, and you’ll be paying a late fee. (No one likes late fees, unless you’re a lawyer.)
Next, let’s talk about the dreaded fees. Because no one’s happy about fees, especially when they’re for exams that make you question your entire life’s purpose.
- AP Exams: The cost of each AP exam is $128 for students at schools everywhere else. (Schools can get a discount, but let’s be real, you’re probably not going to be taking your exams at a school.)
- SAT Suite of Assessments: The cost varies depending on what specific exam you’re taking. But you can always check the College Board’s website for the most up-to-date information. (Because prices change like the weather, and you don’t want to be caught in a financial storm.)
And last but not least, let’s talk about how to actually pay for these exams. Because no one wants to be a broke student, especially after spending all that time studying.
You can pay online using a credit card or debit card, or you can send in a check or money order. Just remember, if you pay online with a credit card or debit card, you’ll have to pay an extra 3.1% online payment fee. (The College Board loves a good fee, don’t you think?)
Now, you might be wondering: “But what if I need help? What if I need someone to hold my hand through this whole process?”
Don’t worry, my friend. The College Board has a customer service phone number: 866-630-9305 (for international calls: 212-713-8000). Reach out to them if you have any questions. (They might not be able to help with your test anxiety, but they can definitely answer your questions about ordering.)
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey. There’s still a lot more to learn about College Board exams. But with this guide in hand, you’re already one step closer to conquering the world of standardized testing. (Or at least surviving it.)
So, go forth, brave student, and conquer those exams!
Now, if you need more help, guidance, or just someone to commiserate with over this whole exam ordering process, you can always connect with our community at JobLoving! We’re here to help you navigate the murky waters of college applications, career planning, and everything in between.