SAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

Though there aren’t any major eligibility criteria for taking up the SAT exam, candidates who are appearing for the exam should abide by the following minor criteria for a seamless process.

Age

As per the College Board guidelines, there is no minimum or maximum age for taking the SAT Exam. Based on the data from preceding years, candidates between the ages of 16 and 20 had taken the SAT exam in large numbers. Students under the age of 13 can take the test; however, they are not permitted to create a College Board account.

Number of Attempts in the SAT

Since there are no restrictions from the College Board, candidates can take the SAT exam as many times as they require until they attain the desired score. 

Academic Eligibility

The SAT exam is suitable for students who are in high school and preparing to enrol on an undergraduate course at an American university. 

ID Proof

To take up the SAT exam in certain countries outside of the USA, candidates must submit proof of a passport containing their name, photograph and signature.

Device Eligibility

Since the SAT has become a completely digital test, students planning to participate in the test must ensure that the device with which they wish to take the SAT exam meets the specified criteria, i.e.:

1. Candidates must use a laptop powered by Windows or Mac, or a tablet (Windows or iPad) with the ability to run the Bluebook app.
2. All test-takers are required to download and install the Bluebook app on their testing device before the test day. They must run an eligibility check through the Blueook app to confirm they can use the device.
3. Candidates cannot take the SAT exam via mobile phone.

Guidelines for Taking the SAT Exam

There are certain guidelines that all prospective test-takers must adhere to if they wish to attempt the test this year. From the photograph specifications to ensuring you bring the right equipment and documents, here are some of the general guidelines for the SAT exam.

General Guidelines

Guideline 1 - Photo Requirements for Registration

Candidates must provide an acceptable photograph while registering or requesting waitlist status.

Guideline 2 - Admission to the SAT Exam Centre

Candidates must bring their printed admission ticket & ID proof to be admitted to the respective SAT exam centre. Invigilators will cross-check the admission ID and photograph to ensure there are no discrepancies.

Guideline 3 - Must-have and Prohibited Items at the SAT Exam Centre.

Basic checklist:

• Printed SAT admission ticket.
• Photo ID proof.
• A couple of pencils with attached erasers (preferable).
• Calculator for the Math section.
• Earphones are allowed if the candidate is approved for pre-recorded audio accommodations.

Prohibited things checklist:

• Smartwatches, Mobile phones, and fitness trackers.
• Tablets, recorders, notebooks, laptops, Bluetooth devices and earbuds.
• Timers or stopwatch.
• Cameras.
• Highlighters, pens and coloured pencils.
• Compasses, protractors, and cutting devices
• Scratch papers
• Calculators with QWERTY keyboards

Facilities Available for Candidates with Disabilities

Candidates with disabilities are eligible to appear for the SAT exam with additional facilities. To qualify for the extra facilities, candidates must have received SSD’s (Services for Students with Disabilities) approval. These additional facilities are available for both SAT Subject and SAT General tests.

List of facilities:

1. Braille (a tactile writing system for visually impaired candidates)
2. Additional time for completing the exam.
3. Computers are allowed during essay writing.
4. Additional breaks during the exam. 

In case you fail to bring the required equipment or documents, or bring prohibited items, entry to the SAT exam centres will be denied. Therefore, candidates are advised to thoroughly read through the test-day requirements, as specified by the College Board for SAT, and adhere to the rules and regulations to gain access to the test centre and take the test without hassles.

Connect with AECC Counsellors today to get expert guidance on preparing for SAT exams this year.