At competitive schools like South High, ambition has defined many students’ lives. Everyday, hallways buzz with familiar conversations about SATs, APs, and clubs. However, for those striving for the highest distinction, these often come with a price—literally. SATs and score report costs are no loose change. AP testing fees accumulate exponentially each year. Many clubs have dues, and for students who participate in competitions, travel costs can drain families’ budgets. While South High prides itself on exceptional curricula and opportunities, the costs of high achievement can be significant. For many, school isn’t just about studying hard and being recognized, but also stacking up the Benjamins.
SATs are an integral part of most South High students’ college applications. Doing well boosts applicants’ chances at elite institutions, and many students take the test more than once hoping to get successively better scores. The average South High student takes the SAT two times. Since the introduction of superscoring, students feel even more inclined to tackle the test multiple times. Each SAT costs $68 without a waiver. This doesn’t take into account other potential expenses, such as the $38 late registration fee or cancellation fees that are $34 or $44 depending on how close you are to the testing date.
AP classes are another way to showcase academic prowess. At Platinum schools like South High, there is almost an unspoken understanding that students take as many as they can. According to the South High College Admissions Summary Report for the classes of 2024 and 2025, the average South High student takes about seven AP classes throughout high school, with each test costing almost $100. Although the College Board offers fee reductions, the majority of South High families don’t meet the financial requirements. Even if they do, each exam still costs $53.
Additional test prep expenses abound. Tutoring, study guides, and prep courses range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. It’s clear academic success comes with a price. Extracurricular activities, competitions, and service projects are another way for South High students to shine. A wide range of clubs welcome student participation, but not all are free. Some have membership dues while others require fees for events or competitions. For example, the Key Club collects $20 in dues, and members pay another $20 for the Fall Rally.
In DECA, students who qualify for State and ICDC (International Career Development Conference) competitions absorb around $475 in expenses. This amount covers conference and hotel registrations for both; meals and bus transportation for State; and flights for ICDC. However, meals at ICDC aren’t included. “The school also usually buys us some sort of attraction ticket, like Disney, but we usually pay for our own entertainment-related activities,” said Julia Xu, a president of DECA.
Active Robotics members attend, on average, one to three regionals each year. Participation costs, which include transportation, lodging, and some meals, range from around $400-$650, depending on the location and duration of competitions. Lunch and individual dinners are students’ responsibility. “Our team fundraises throughout the year so that we can subsidize the trip cost significantly. Members are not required to [pay membership dues], though we do request them to bring [goodies] for fundraisers,” said junior Esther Fisk, Robotics co-leader for awards.
Model Congress also comes with a price. Members take two trips per year, one to Yale and another to the University of Pennsylvania. Attending these simulations cost $300 last year, with financial aid offered for those who qualified. “Students also are responsible for paying for all their meals except a group dinner funded through our bake sales. [They] are recommended [to prepare] $30-40 per day to cover food. There is also a mandatory western business attire dress code that students may need to purchase clothes for,” noted Model Congress Vice President Sky Yadav.
Being a South High student comes with responsibilities that extend beyond the learning environment. The financial component of achievement is a reality that can be daunting. From SATs to APs to clubs, costs can add up fast. An average South High student taking seven APs and two SATs utilizing only study guides is on the hook for about $1,030. Add on a basic prep course, and the figure rises close to $1,400. Tack on expenses related to travel and competitions like South High’s award-winning Robotics team, and you’re looking at around $2,200. The financial pressure related to the pursuit of excellence is undeniable. “Even though most of us are focused on doing our best, we rarely stop and think about the financial burdens that come with it. It’s definitely eye-opening to see the costs,” said junior Irena Jiang.
