What Counts as Cheating on the SAT?

Maintaining academic integrity is paramount during the SAT. Cheating encompasses a wide range of actions that violate the College Board’s policies and jeopardize the fairness of the exam. This guide details the behaviors considered to be cheating, outlines the potential consequences, and provides official resources for further review.

Common Forms of Cheating

The following actions are recognized as cheating on the SAT:

1. Using Unauthorized Devices or Materials

• Prohibited Devices:
  • Bringing or accessing cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, audio players, or any other devices capable of recording, transmitting, or receiving information during the exam.
• Unauthorized Reference Materials:
  • Possessing notes, books, or any study materials that are not permitted.
  • These items are strictly banned to prevent any unfair advantage.

2. Unauthorized Communication

• During the Exam:
  • Verbal or written communication with other test-takers, including speaking, whispering, or passing notes.
• Using Electronic Devices:
  • Employing electronic gadgets to communicate during the test or breaks is not allowed.

3. Impersonation

• Substitution:
  • Having another individual take the test on your behalf.
• False Identification:
  • Using fake IDs to gain entry into the test center or to bypass security measures.

4. Sharing Test Content

• Distribution of Information:
  • Discussing, posting, or otherwise sharing any test questions or answers before, during, or after the exam.
• Memorization for Sharing:
  • Memorizing test content to relay to others is also considered a violation.

5. Tampering with Testing Software

• Interference with Security Measures:
  • Attempting to disable or bypass the security features of the Bluebook testing application.
• Unauthorized Tools:
  • Using any software or tools that are not approved during the digital exam.

Consequences of Cheating

Any form of cheating on the SAT carries severe implications, designed to protect the fairness of the examination process:

• Score Cancellation:

  • Test scores may be invalidated, and no refund of the exam fee will be issued.

• Dismissal from the Test Center:

  • Students caught cheating may be immediately removed from the examination site.

• Ban from Future Testing:

  • Depending on the severity, the student may be prohibited from taking future College Board exams including the SAT, AP, and CLEP tests.

• Notification to Institutions:

  • Violations may be reported to high schools, prospective colleges, and guardians, potentially affecting future academic opportunities.

• Legal Action:

  • In cases of severe misconduct such as impersonation or the theft of test content, legal proceedings may be initiated.

For additional details regarding these measures, consult the official SAT Terms and ConditionsSAT Terms and Conditions and Test Security and Fairness policiesTest Security and Fairness policies.

Additional Resources

For further information on what constitutes cheating and the policies surrounding it, please refer to the following official resources:

Resource Description	Link
Prohibited Devices	College Board: Prohibited DevicesCollege Board: Prohibited Devices
Test Security and Fairness	College Board: Test Security and FairnessCollege Board: Test Security and Fairness
SAT Terms and Conditions	College Board: SAT Terms and ConditionsCollege Board: SAT Terms and Conditions

Conclusion

Understanding what counts as cheating on the SAT is crucial for preserving the integrity and fairness of the exam. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this resource, students can ensure that they are taking the exam under the proper conditions and avoid severe consequences that may affect their academic future. Always consult the official College Board resources for the most up-to-date and detailed information.