While the transition to digital testing for the SAT brings many advantages, it's natural to have concerns about potential disruptions, like losing internet connectivity or your device battery running low. Fortunately, Bluebook, the application used to take the SAT, is designed with built-in features to address these issues and keep your test on track. Here's everything you need to know about how to manage digital testing disruptions, so you can stay calm and continue your exam with minimal stress.
1. What Happens If the Internet Connection Drops?
An internet connection is required to start the test, but once the exam begins, Bluebook will continue running even if your connection drops momentarily. If your Wi-Fi or internet connection is interrupted during the test, you don’t have to panic.
- Connection Drops: As long as the internet drops briefly, Bluebook will still keep track of your progress, and once your connection is restored, the test will continue seamlessly.
- What to Do: If the internet drops for a longer period, make sure your connection is restored as quickly as possible. When your connection is back, the app will sync automatically.
Remember: your work is saved in real-time, so there is no risk of losing your answers during brief interruptions.
2. Battery Running Low? No Problem!
One of the most common concerns about digital testing is the risk of your device’s battery running out. The good news is that if your device runs low on battery, Bluebook has systems in place to help you get back on track without losing time or progress.
- If Your Device Dies: If your device battery runs down, all you need to do is plug it back in and restart your device.
- Resuming Testing: Once you restart, you can pick up exactly where you left off—your answers will be saved, and your testing time won’t be lost.
It's recommended that you bring a charger or portable charger to avoid this situation, but even if your device does run out of battery, you’ll be able to quickly resume without any penalty.
3. Failed Answer Submission? Here’s What to Do
At the end of the test, if you're still offline and your answer submission fails, don't worry! You won’t be locked out from submitting your answers.
- Extended Submission Time: If your submission fails, you’ll have until 11:59 p.m. local time the next day to get back online and submit your answers.
- For Borrowed Devices: If you're using a device loaned from College Board and you encounter a failed submission, don’t leave the test center until your answers have successfully been submitted. You or your test coordinator can reach out to Customer Service for assistance if needed.
This flexibility ensures that you won't be penalized if the submission process is delayed due to connection issues.
4. What Happens If the App Crashes?
While rare, there’s always a chance that the Bluebook app may crash during your exam. If this happens, don’t panic—it’s designed to be easy to recover from.
- How to Recover: Simply relaunch Bluebook, and you will be prompted to hit Resume Testing.
- Resuming Your Exam: Your proctor will approve your re-entry into the test, and you'll be returned to the question you were working on before the app crashed. Additionally, the testing timer will be paused while you’re out of the app, so you won’t lose any valuable time during the disruption.
5. General Tips for Minimizing Disruptions
While the system is designed to handle interruptions, there are a few things you can do to minimize the likelihood of issues on test day:
- Check Your Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure that your Wi-Fi is stable and that your device can connect before starting the test.
- Charge Your Device Fully: Fully charge your device the night before the test to avoid running into low battery issues. Bring a portable charger to be extra safe.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Before starting the test, make sure all unnecessary apps and programs are closed to ensure your device runs smoothly.
- Familiarize Yourself with Bluebook: Test out Bluebook before the exam to ensure you're familiar with the app and its features, so any issues that come up during the test are easier to handle.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Confident
Disruptions during digital testing are rare, but knowing what to do if something unexpected happens can help you stay calm and confident. Whether it’s a temporary loss of connection, a drained battery, or a technical glitch, Bluebook is designed to ensure that you can easily recover without losing time or progress.
If anything goes wrong during your SAT, remember:
- Your answers are saved automatically.
- Re-entry into the test is quick and easy if the app crashes.
- You have extra time to submit your answers if there’s an issue with internet connectivity.
By being prepared and understanding how the system works, you can focus on the test and perform at your best—no matter what challenges come your way.