Taking the SAT is typically one of the many steps of getting ready for college, but this year taking the test is optional for many colleges. With testing being optional, students who have chosen to take the test during COVID-19 have experienced a different kind of testing like never before. 

The testing centers for the SAT are classrooms of high schools, and specific dates are  provided for students to sign up in advance. The test is typically given in a three to four hour period depending on how long breaks are in between the three sections (math, reading and writing). Students are given a room number and take the test with a classroom full of others also there to take it. 

While the test length and time given to take it stays the same, many of the normal regulations have been adjusted due to COVID-19. Solon High School (SHS) senior Xenya Rai gives insight on what to expect when taking the test.

“Everyone had to wear a mask,” Rai said. “In my classroom, I think there were only five other kids, and we were all spread apart by three desks.” 

Maintaining social distance when taking part in a test distributed across the country seems like it would be challenging while concentrating but having gone through with these regulations in place herself, Rai says it wasn’t as difficult as one would expect.

“Having less kids in the room was actually better, because [I] could focus more,” she said. “I don’t think the masks made a difference for me.”

Similarly, SHS senior Aman Daga, who took the SAT this year on Sept. 26th, says wearing masks and having fewer students in the room had little impact on his experience but understands how it could affect others taking the test.

“Something that could have affected a [student] is if they can’t focus,” Daga said. “They could start sweating and not be able to breathe as well with a mask on.”

Daga says the test he took recently at SHS, besides the new regulations, was similar to that of a typical testing experience from before the pandemic. 

“It was kind of more like a normal testing experience,” he said.“Breaks were the same, and you could still eat in the room I was in.”

Not only did he feel that the testing experience wasn’t much different from the testing before the virus, Daga believes testing is effectively regulated when students are in the room.

“There was more testing security because there was one proctor for every six to seven students in the room,” he said.

According to the SAT website, more protocols for students during the administered tests include confirming a series of statements before entering the test center to make sure everyone has not been in contact with or has the virus. If students are to violate the regulations or are unable to confirm the statements asked, they are dismissed from the test and will not receive a refund. 

With the virus still spreading all around the country, these types of regulations may become the norm with testing and other events with many people involved. Until it is safe to partake in events without the risk of spreading COVID-19, test-takers are going to experience their upcoming SAT exams in a new fashion.