“No seats available.”
These seem to be the only words flashing on the screen when trying to find a test center in the Bay Area to take the infamous Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
According to an annual report by the College Board, the organization responsible for administering the SAT, approximately 122,000 students took the test last year in California — a number that continues to rise. This marks an increase of over 5,000 students compared to the report in 2022.
Yet, when searching for available test centers within a 50-mile radius of Belmont, students will find only 10 to 15 locations offering the SAT, and only a handful still have seats available. This is nowhere near enough to accommodate the growing number of Bay Area students who want to take the exam.
Even when booking months in advance, many students rarely get their preferred test location and are forced to travel hundreds of miles just to take a test that is becoming increasingly relevant in the college admissions process.
What should be a standardized and accessible test has instead become an equity issue.
Not all families have the time or financial flexibility to travel long distances just to take a two-hour test. This reality disproportionately affects students from lower-income families, who already face numerous barriers in the college application process.
One reason for the shortage of test centers is that proctors are paid only slightly above minimum wage. From their arrival at 7:30 a.m., until testing concludes at 1:30 p.m., they earn just $125 to $133 for the entire session, which equates to approximately $20 to $22 per hour.
Even if it is not required for a student to submit their test score, submitting one anyway can only strengthen an application. Because the SAT is standardized, it can help colleges compare applicants and highlight a student’s strengths and readiness for college-level work.
For students in Northern California, the shortage of test centers puts them at a significant disadvantage, especially when compared to people in other regions.
Although the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems became test-blind in the fall of 2021, many California students still apply to out-of-state schools that require an SAT score. And while many colleges went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, more institutions, including Ivy League and other selective schools, are reinstating SAT requirements.
Some Bay Area school districts, like San Francisco Unified and Dublin Unified, offer “SAT School Day,” where students can take the test during the school day without the hassle of traveling. This makes the process more accessible and convenient for students.
If one of the most populated regions in the country struggles to provide enough test centers, it’s clear that more high schools should adopt “SAT School Day” or similar initiatives. This would ensure that all students, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have equal access to opportunities that can shape their future success.
*This editorial reflects the views of the Editorial Board and was written by Jessica Li. The Editorial Board voted 13 in agreement, 1 somewhat in agreement, and 1 refrained from voting.
