This article will be discussing the March 8th digital SAT glitch which affected students globally. For more information on the event go to https://thevikingpresstvs.com/5516/focus/college-boards-digital-sat-mishap/.
On March 14th, 2025, following the March 8th digital SAT mishap, The College Board sent a message addressing the affected students. Although they provided students with options and various courses of action, many students were left feeling disheartened and robbed by the ordeal.
The email started with a short apology which, to many, seemed superficial. Rather than apologizing for the glitch, the apology was targeted toward “causing frustration.” They then followed up with a preview of the students’ scores. Next, students were provided with three options:
1: Keeping the score from the test and forfeiting the ability to do a makeup exam.
2: Taking a makeup exam on March 22nd, 2025, and canceling the score from the initial exam. However, that option would only be available if the testing center where the student took the exam decided to have a retest on that date.
3: Canceling the score from the test and not taking a re-test.
One of many things the affected students mentioned that frustrated them was the feeling that they had no control over the situation. Because the College Board left the decision of whether there would be a retest up to the testing center, many students were left with only two options: accept the score or not. This also greatly impacted the students from low-income households because some did not receive the option for a refund of the testing fee. Both students and parents feel as though the College Board could have handled this situation better.
In addition to this, some students who were taking the test a second time had to make a complicated decision. If they had a higher English score but a worse math score, they were forced to decide whether they should risk taking it again or not. Making this decision had proven to be quite stressful for many students; some even mentioned how frustrating it was that they had to decide in the first place. Even though the College Board had the glitch, the responsibility and blame ultimately fell upon the testing centers and students. Not only did students have to make sacrifices, but the testing centers had to decide whether or not they would host a retake, which brings us to the next area of frustration.
Some students were not provided the option to retake the SAT because their testing center did not offer it. This means that they were left with two options: accept their hindered score or cancel their scores entirely. They were not offered any refund or any compensation for the mishap. This also greatly impacted test takers who are relying on their scores for scholarship money. Students who were potentially eligible for academic merit on the exam in this area were shorthanded. In addition to this, students who have financial struggles not only had to pay for the initial test but also had to pay to take another test. This will likely impact their decision on what their next steps are.
Overall, the College Board addressed the March 8th SAT glitch but did not provide options with consideration for all of the test takers. This ordeal has ultimately left students and parents in the weeds and feeling completely unaccounted for.
