What to Expect on Test Day
SAT® test day procedures
Every test center follows standardized procedures so that students know what to expect on when they arrive to take the SAT Reasoning Test. Students should know the following procedures.
Schedule
- Arrive at the test center no later than 7:45 a.m., unless the Admission Ticket says otherwise. Admission to the center begins at that time.
- The doors to the testing rooms close at about 8:15 a.m.
- Testing starts between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Once testing has begun, latecomers cannot be admitted.
- There are three five-minute breaks. You can consume snacks and drinks during the breaks.
In the testing room
- IDs are checked whenever you enter the testing room. Keep your ID with you at all times.
- Wait to be seated—your seat is assigned, not chosen by you.
- The test supervisor gives you an answer sheet first and gives step-by-step instructions for filling out the personal and test information.
- Each test book has a unique serial number. The test supervisor hands a book to each test-taker in serial number order and records the test book distribution on a chart.
- No one may leave the room without permission.
- Test books, answer sheets, and calculators must remain on your desk during breaks.
- Cell phone use is not allowed at any time in the test center. Once the testing room supervisor has read the instructions to students to turn off and put away cell phones and other prohibited devices, if a student's cell phone makes any noise or a student is seen using the phone at any time (including breaks), the device may be confiscated, the student may be dismissed and the scores may be canceled.
Taking the test
- Your test book may have a different order of sections than those of the students sitting next to you. For example, your second section may have mathematics questions, while your neighbors' books may have writing or critical reading questions.
- The test supervisor reads all instructions verbatim from a testing manual and can answer only questions about procedure, not about test questions or content.
- The test supervisor will tell you when to start and stop each section:
- You must work within each section of the test only for the time allotted.
- You may not to go back to a section once that section has ended.
- You may not go ahead to a new section if you finish a section early.
- Do not skip sections. Doing so may result in score cancellation, delays, or both.
- After the test is finished, the test supervisor collects and counts the test books to make sure all materials have been turned in before dismissing you from the testing room.
If you need to cancel your scores
You can cancel your scores for any reason on test day or up through the Wednesday after test day. Cancellations must be in writing and include your signature.