The Best Place to Take the SAT

It may seem arbitrary or out of your hands, but the location in which you take the test can actually make a difference. Here, we'll run through the major aspects of a testing location that you should keep in mind.

• Distance and travel. This one is pretty intuitive, especially because the tests are administered in the early morning. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to wake up, eat breakfast, and drive to the testing center (while also keeping in mind delay factors such as traffic or construction). To optimize your time, then, it'd be wise to choose a location that is most convenient to get to. 

• Border boundaries. If you live close to the border of another state and are deciding in which state you want to take the test, this is an important one. The laws in regards to mandating score-reporting differ from state to state, so make sure you're aware of each state's regulations before choosing one.

• Lay of the land. Being familiar with your surroundings decreases the amount of stress you'll feel on test day. If you already know how to get there and what to expect, there's one less thing for you to worry about and more of your energy can be focused towards taking the test. Even for the smaller things, like breaks in between the different sections of the test, you'll know where the bathrooms and drinking fountains are (so you won't get lost in the hallways or spend too much time looking for the right door). These things might seem minute, but in the long run you'll be grateful that you took the time to figure it out beforehand. 

• Pick the people. If you're planning on taking the test at the high school you attend, chances are you'll run into more than a few people you know. Individuals handle this in different ways, so you'll have to decide which route is best for you.

  • If you're a people person, you'll probably be relieved to see some familiar faces. Pick a location near you or communicate with friends to find out where people you know will be on test day. If you choose a local test center, it's more probable that you'll see people you know. 

  • If being around people you know feels intimidating, it's probably best that you find a testing location other than your high school. The last thing you need on test day is the added stress of seeing or talking to people you know, so we recommend taking the time to find a place where you'll be comfortable. Search for a test center (you can do so by zip code or city name) that is relatively close by, but less populated with people you know. 

• The even smaller things. We've covered some pretty specific details that probably seem like overkill, but the little things add up! So, we have a few more for you to keep in mind. That being said, another perk of taking the test at your high school is that you know these details already. We've described a few of them here:

  • Is it hot or cold inside the building? Or, is the thermostat unpredictable?

  • Are there windows that allow the room to feel spacious enough, or do you usually feel cramped inside the classroom?

  • Can you hear children playing loudly outside or is there construction right outside the door? Are there other noises that could potentially distract you from the test-taking process?

  • Are there funny smells that you just won't be able to tolerate for the duration of the test?

  • Is the room properly lit, or does the dim light make you sleepy?

Okay, so you've chosen a testing location. What now?

If you're taking the test at your high school or another familiar building, that's great. If you've never been to the test center before, we strongly recommend following the steps below. There are a few things we'd advise you do before test day:

• Check your email, mail, and College Board portal for cancellation notifications (these are the primary ways in which you'll be notified of any changes). Your test can be cancelled for a number of reasons, including too few students registering to weather hazards that make it dangerous to travel.

• Especially if you've never been to the building you're taking your test in, try to find time for a quick drive-by of the place before test day. This will show you how much time it actually takes to travel to the location and will give you an idea of what to expect of your surroundings on test day.

• If your commute to the test center is greater than 30 minutes, you'll most likely be anxiously thinking about the test the whole way there. Instead, pack yourself breakfast for the ride (this also gives you more time to sleep), calming music (or music that makes you feel confident), and a few study notes to wake up your brain.

Looking for a study plan for your SAT? Set up at time to chat with one of our test-prep experts.