For Parents

A practical guide to value, cost, preparation, and safety

DSA is designed to help high school students demonstrate academic depth in fields they genuinely care about.

What DSA Is and Is Not

DSA Is

  • A supplementary academic credential
  • A way to show depth in an intended field
  • An online proctored assessment
  • A structured preparation and testing experience

DSA Is Not

  • A replacement for school grades or required standardized tests
  • A guarantee of admission outcome
  • A broad general aptitude test
  • A reason to overload a student's schedule

Cost and Preparation

Registration Fee

The DSA registration fee is $149 and includes one Core Subject assessment plus up to one optional eligible Adjacent Subject assessment.

Core Materials

Core Subject preparation materials are included as part of the registration package. Students should still budget preparation time carefully.

Financial Assistance

Eligibility-based assistance may be available through the registration process. Details are shown before payment when applicable.

Online Testing and Privacy

DSA assessments are completed online using the student's own computer in a quiet, private location. Online proctoring may require camera, microphone, screen sharing, identity verification, and exam-session monitoring to protect score fairness.

  • Students should test in a private room with stable internet
  • Only approved materials and devices may be used during the assessment
  • Technical checks should be completed before test day
  • Any proctoring data is used for assessment integrity and administrative review

Ready to Review the Student Path?

Start with subject choice, dates, and the preparation guide.

Explore Subjects See Dates