Okay, so I’m taking the SAT in a couple of weeks and I’m starting to get really nervous! I know the basic stuff, like showing up on time and bringing my ID. But I’m more concerned about the little things that could get me in trouble or mess up my score.
Specifically, I want to know:
- What materials am I allowed to bring besides my ID and admission ticket? Can I bring a specific type of calculator? Is there a limit on how many pencils? What about snacks and drinks? Are there certain types of snacks/drinks I’m not allowed to bring (like, anything noisy or smelly)?
- What is considered cheating? Obviously, looking at someone else’s paper is cheating, but what about things like using a smart watch, writing answers in the test booklet, or even just talking to someone during a break?
- What happens if I violate a rule? Does my score get canceled? Do I get kicked out? Will it affect my chances of getting into college?
- What are the rules about using the restroom? Can I go whenever I need to, or are there specific times I’m allowed to leave the room? Does the time I spend in the restroom count against my test time?
- What is the policy on cell phones? I know I can’t use them during the test, but what are the exact rules about having them in the testing room? Do I have to turn them off completely, or is airplane mode okay? What happens if my phone accidentally goes off during the test?
- What are the rules about timing myself? Can I use my watch to keep track of the time, or am I only allowed to rely on the proctor?
- Are there different rules for the paper SAT versus the digital SAT? I’m taking the paper version.
Basically, I’m trying to make sure I don’t accidentally do anything that could jeopardize my test. Any information about the specific rules and regulations would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
The SAT, administered by the College Board, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The rules and regulations are extensive and designed to ensure fair testing conditions and maintain the integrity of the exam. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
I. Registration and Eligibility
- Eligibility: Generally, anyone can register to take the SAT, regardless of age or educational background. However, some colleges may have specific requirements or recommendations regarding when students should take the test.
- Registration Process: Students must register online through the College Board’s website. This involves creating an account, providing personal information, selecting a test date and location, and paying the registration fee.
- Deadlines: There are registration deadlines for each test date, typically about a month before the test. Late registration is possible for an additional fee, but space is not guaranteed.
- Photo Requirements: Students must upload a recognizable photo during registration. The photo is used for identification purposes on test day.
- Identification Requirements: On test day, students must present a valid photo ID that matches the name on their admission ticket. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, or school ID. The ID must be original (not a photocopy) and current.
- Fee Waivers: Fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Fee waivers cover the registration fee and provide additional benefits, such as free score reports.
II. Test Day Procedures
- Arrival Time: Students are advised to arrive at the test center well before the scheduled start time to allow for check-in procedures.
- Permitted Items: Only specific items are allowed in the testing room. These typically include:
- Admission ticket
- Acceptable photo ID
- No. 2 pencils (with erasers)
- Acceptable calculator (for the Math section only)
- Snacks and drinks (to be consumed during breaks, not during testing)
- Prohibited Items: A wide range of items are strictly prohibited in the testing room, including:
- Electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, etc.)
- Books, notes, or scratch paper
- Highlighters, colored pencils, or pens
- Rulers, protractors, or compasses
- Earplugs (unless pre-approved as an accommodation)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Any device that can access the internet
- Seating Arrangements: Students are assigned seats by the test center supervisor.
- Test Instructions: The test supervisor provides detailed instructions before each section of the test. Students must follow these instructions carefully.
- Timing: Each section of the SAT has a specific time limit. Students must manage their time effectively and are not allowed to continue working on a section after the time has expired. Proctors will announce when time is up for each section.
- Breaks: There are short breaks between sections of the test. Students must remain in the designated break area and are not allowed to access prohibited items during breaks.
- Answering Questions: Students must mark their answers on the answer sheet using a No. 2 pencil. It is important to fill in the ovals completely and erase any stray marks.
- Test Security: The SAT is a secure exam, and any attempt to compromise its security is strictly prohibited. This includes:
- Cheating or attempting to cheat
- Copying answers from another student
- Giving or receiving assistance
- Removing test materials from the testing room
- Sharing test content with others
- Using unauthorized materials
- Misconduct: Any violation of the test rules or disruptive behavior can result in dismissal from the test center and cancellation of scores.
III. Calculator Use
- Calculator Policy: Calculators are permitted only on the Math section of the SAT.
- Acceptable Calculators: Most scientific and graphing calculators are allowed.
- Prohibited Calculators: Certain types of calculators are not permitted, including:
- Calculators with QWERTY keyboards
- Calculators that can access the internet
- Calculators that can communicate wirelessly
- Calculators that make noise
- Calculators with paper tape
- Calculator Use Guidelines: Students are responsible for bringing their own calculator and ensuring that it is in good working order. Calculators may not be shared during the test. Students are expected to clear the calculator’s memory before the test begins.
IV. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
- Eligibility: Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on the SAT.
- Accommodation Types: Common accommodations include:
- Extended time
- Breaks
- Large-print or braille test materials
- Use of a reader or scribe
- Application Process: Students must apply for accommodations through the College Board’s SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Online system. The application requires documentation of the student’s disability and a recommendation from a qualified professional.
- Deadlines: There are deadlines for submitting accommodation requests, which are typically well in advance of the test date.
V. Score Reporting and Cancellation
- Score Reporting: SAT scores are reported to students online and can also be sent to colleges and universities.
- Score Choice: Students have the option to choose which scores they want to send to colleges.
- Score Cancellation: Students can cancel their scores after taking the test, but the cancellation is irreversible.
- Score Verification: The College Board may investigate and verify scores if there are concerns about their validity.
VI. Consequences of Violations
- Score Cancellation: The College Board has the right to cancel scores if it determines that there has been a violation of the test rules or that there is reason to believe that the scores are not valid.
- Test Center Dismissal: Students who violate the test rules may be dismissed from the test center.
- Ban from Future Testing: Students who engage in serious misconduct may be banned from taking the SAT in the future.
- Notification of Colleges: Colleges may be notified of any score cancellations or other irregularities.
VII. Changes to Rules and Regulations
The College Board reserves the right to change the SAT rules and regulations at any time. Students are responsible for staying informed about the current rules and regulations. The College Board website is the official source of information about the SAT. It is crucial to review these rules and regulations thoroughly before taking the SAT to avoid any misunderstandings or violations that could compromise your scores.
