[KarenH]

Remember, the $8 isn't just the cost of a phone call.

Do you wind up connected with a live person? If so, you have to include the time the person spends talking to you. At $8 per call, what kind of wages does that person earn? At least half the $8 would probably go to overhead (computer interfaces, network security, electricity, etc.). And the person may be paid per hour, not per phone call--paid whether the phones are ringing off the hook, or are silent. If it's an automated system, it has to be set up and run by someone, who most likely wants to be paid.

Even nonprofits have to be run like a business in order to survive. Everything they do costs money, except for the actual time donated by volunteers. They must charge fees accordingly.

If the College Board is "evil" for charging fees, then consider this: Will your employer consider you "evil" for charging for your time? Or will you work for free? Of course not! EVERYBODY wants to be paid for working, or for providing services or goods. That includes nonprofits, for-profits, small business, Big Business, labor unions, the government--not because they're greedy, but because everybody needs money.

Your test fees cover certain items, such as having the scores mailed to you. They do not cover the phone service, which costs extra, hence the extra charge. If you don't absolutely need your test scores early, consider the $8 an optional expense, the same as going to see a movie. At $10 per ticket the last time we went to a movie theater, the phone call could be the better deal.

>>climbs off soapbox<<