Things to know about the upcoming SAT

Diya Thomas

Earlier this year, Conant seniors were asked to register for the in-school SAT in either October or April. As the first set of testing approaches, Conant principal Julie Nowak shares some things that all students and teachers should know about the testing process. 

There are two testing dates in October.

Seniors who registered to take the SAT in October are taking the test either on the 14 or 27. Nowak stated, “We needed to look at two dates to follow social distancing guidelines.” Scores for both tests will be produced at the same time because they are in the same testing window. Students should contact their counselors to confirm their testing date.

The in-school SAT is a graduation requirement.

Even if students have taken the SAT at another location, they must take the SAT provided by the school, as it remains a state graduation requirement. The free test administration is valuable to students, as it gives many an opportunity to take the SAT. This test is used as a state measure for growth. Nowak encourages students to “see it as another opportunity to improve their scores.”

The SAT administration will impact elements of the school calendar

On Oct. 14, students will still be in remote learning and are required to attend class if they’re not taking the SAT. Academic support will be canceled this week to allow teachers to practice hybrid learning protocols. Hybrid learning will start as early as Oct. 26, yet all students will attend classes remotely on Oct. 27 due to the SAT. Athletics and after-school activities will be unaffected by this test but it has not been decided whether academic support will run on this day. On both test days, seniors not taking the SAT must attend classes as they normally would.

Safety guidelines will be implemented during the test.

Students will be assigned to large-spaced rooms with no more than 50 people, including the testing proctor. Social distancing guidelines will be followed, as students will be facing the same direction and required to wear masks. Guidance counselors and teachers will be playing a role as proctors. Nowak said, “It will still look like normal, large testing like the PSAT, for example.”

Student Services Director Bridget Cain will send more information regarding the testing procedures to students through their D211 email.

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