During the first waves of the March 8, 2025 SAT administration, technical difficulties essentially undermined test takers’ best efforts. Essentially, the Bluebook app forced the submission of many—anywhere from 5,00 to more than 10,000–tests before those tests were completed, generally during the 2nd Math module. All the work those test takers invested to perform their best when the test counted was squandered at the last moment. What did College Board offer to make things right?
- A full refund
- A voucher for a free test
- A special makeup date two weeks later
- Choice to keep March 8 score AFTER seeing the score
Changing the blind cancellation to an option for students to see their scores first was an updated and entirely unprecedented response by College Board on March 13, undoubtedly due to public pressure.
Yet, some consider even this response inadequate, especially when emotional suffering and negative impacts on student schedules are taken into account. However, the CB response is entirely consistent with remedies offered after any testing irregularity. Historically, the very best a testing organization like College Board or ACT can offer is a refund coupled with a timely, no-cost makeup date.
- Proctor error
- Student error
- Site problems
- Wild weather
- Unexpected incidents (see Test Day Nightmares)
There is no truly just way to make test takers whole after a testing irregularity. Students will not be awarded bonus points or have testing requirements waived by colleges or scholarship committees.
Basically, things can and do go wrong on any given test day. Issues may impact just a room full of test takers, a specific testing site or region, or entire states, countries, or time zones. If your specific test is ruined through no fault of your own, you’ll be offered the usual–a refund and free reschedule. So, be sure to take every step you can to make sure test day goes smoothly. As one of our team members, wrote, put on your test day armor to protect against adversity.
When things go wrong, don’t go with them. Stay cool, know more than your proctor, and always begin the testing far enough in advance that a failed test attempt isn’t fatal to your application deadlines.
Mike Bergin