SAT Test Centers Close Across the Nation

  Hundreds of thousands of students who are registered to take the upcoming SAT are unable to do so. As the test dates approach, an increasing number of test center closings leave students helpless.

  The pattern, as seen in late spring, intensified in the August and September SAT administration. In March, CollegeBoard maintained that SAT makeups would be held; however, there were no in-person exams until August. As the list of closed test centers lengthened every few hours, thousands of registered students were told that their test centers wouldn’t administer the August and September SAT due to the pandemic. 

   The organization maintains that those registered for the SAT are responsible for checking with the test center, as well as the CollegeBoard website for any cancellations. While CollegeBoard is asking test centers to report closures immediately, students may be notified of a cancellation on the day of their exam.

  Out of the 334,000 students registered for the September SAT, more than 154,000 were unable to test. Combating the frustration from parents and students, CollegeBoard claimed that they too were faced with the difficult decision to close, not wanting to risk the health of educators and students.

  In regards to the actual testing, CollegeBoard has issued several requirements for test-takers. Students “won’t be allowed in the test centers without a mask”, and are to remain covered throughout the three-hour test.

  Desks will also be placed six feet apart, and students are to confirm a series of statements before the test. The CollegeBoard strictly states that if someone does not follow the guidelines, their “scores will be canceled and they won’t receive a refund.”

  Collegeboard states that “schools and test centers make individual decisions” on whether to administer the SAT, in response to the evolving situation. While it is true that most colleges are loosening standardized test requirements for students, the demand is still high. 

  In response, CollegeBoard has assured hundreds of thousands of canceled test-takers that it is “asking member colleges to provide flexibility to students.” The organization has requested schools to accept late scores and to equally consider all applicants in regards to standardized testing.

  As an increasing number of test centers cancel, students race to register for the next SAT. Many students’ ambition of standardized testing is diminishing as time runs out. However, it is important to recognize the determination and hard work that every student is putting in, especially in this unprecedented time.