4 Common SAT Test Center Issues

If your child experiences any issues on test day that that negatively affects their performance, fill out this SAT Inquiry form and call the College Board Support line (866-756-7346 or 212-713-7789) as soon as possible. Ideally, you will want to complete these steps on either the same day or the day after the SAT exam. 

Below are the four common test center issues:

1. Proctor: Not all SAT exam proctors are created equal. Some are downright incompetent and create unnecessary stress by failing to communicate proper instructions or acting unprofessional in general. One of my students took the SAT this past weekend and had to file a complaint, because the proctor was listening to music on his cellphone during the exam. I've had other students file complaints because their proctors were talking on their phones/watching movies on their iPads. 
   
   
2. General Noise: Other noise issues, such as outdoor construction, fire alarm, loud students or any other noise related disruptions.
   
   
3. Temperature: I always tell my students to dress in layers, because you never know whether the exam room will be on the hot or cold side. However, that won't really help if the A/C or heater is broken, forcing your child to take the exam in extreme temperatures. 
   
   
4. Technical Computer Issues: Now that the SAT is digital, it's not uncommon to experience technical (Computer/Internet/Wi-Fi) issues. 

While these are four common issues, your child may experience something that falls outside of these categories. Regardless, it's important to contact the college board if the issue in question negatively affected your child's ability to take the exam. 

The College Board will usually rectify the issue by refunding the exam fee, offering an exam-retake date free of charge (or sometimes both). I would ask for both...doesn't hurt to ask, right? Your child will also have the opportunity to cancel their scores, which I will discuss in the next blog post.