Test day is stressful enough without unexpected surprises, but even the most prepared students can encounter technical glitches, timing issues, or test-day disruptions on the SAT or ACT. The good news? Most problems are preventable—and when they’re not, students who are prepared know exactly how to respond.
🎙️Listen to this conversation on How and Why to Manage Your Proctor on Test Day on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
Here’s your guide to helping your student stay calm, confident, and in control.
⚠️ Common Test Day Issues Students May Face
Even well-run testing environments aren’t perfect. Students may encounter:
💻 Digital SAT (Bluebook) Issues
- App won’t load or crashes mid-test
- Login/password problems
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Device battery failure
📝 ACT (Paper or Digital) Issues
- Mis-timed sections or unclear instructions
- Bubbling errors on answer sheets
- Calculator malfunctions
- Test booklet confusion
🧠 Human Factors
- Anxiety or panic during the test
- Losing focus after a disruption
- Misreading directions due to stress
✅ How to Prevent Problems Before Test Day
Preparation goes beyond content—it’s also about logistics.
✔️ Tech Check (SAT Students)
- Complete a full Bluebook practice test on the exact device
- Make sure to update Bluebook by the day before the test
- Bring a fully charged device + charger
- Pack an approved backup device if possible
- Know your College Board login info
✔️ Materials Check (ACT Students)
- Bring multiple sharpened pencils + erasers
- Approved calculator with fresh batteries
- Printed admission ticket + photo ID
✔️ Night Before Checklist
- Set out everything needed (don’t rush in the morning!)
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep
- Eat a balanced breakfast plan
- Give yourself plenty of time in the morning
🧭 What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
This is where preparation really pays off.
🛑 Step 1: Don’t Panic
Remind your student:
“This is happening to others too—you’re not alone.”
✋ Step 2: Raise Your Hand Immediately
- Proctors are trained to handle issues
- Students should never try to fix problems quietly on their own
🗣️ Step 3: Advocate Clearly
Encourage your student to say:
- “My test froze.”
- “I lost time due to a disruption.”
- “I need assistance with my device.”
⏱️ Step 4: Request Time Adjustment (if needed)
- Students may be eligible for recovered time
- Always speak up—this is critical!
🧠 Mental Game: Staying Focused After a Disruption
Even small issues can throw students off. Teach them to reset:
- Take a deep breath (in for 4, out for 4)
- Refocus on the next question only
- Don’t dwell—momentum matters more than perfection
📌 After the Test: What If Something Major Happened?
If a serious issue impacted performance:
SAT Students
- Report issues through the College Board website immediately using this form.
ACT Students
- Submit a report to ACT as soon as possible using this form.
👉 In some cases, students may qualify for:
- A free retest
- Score review or cancellation options
🎯 How We Help Students Prepare for the Unexpected
At Seeley Test Pros / LEAP, we don’t just teach content—we prepare students for the entire testing experience.
✔️ Full-length, realistic practice tests
✔️ Digital SAT (Bluebook) simulation
✔️ Test-day strategy coaching
✔️ “What if” scenario training (so nothing feels unfamiliar)
💬 Final Thought for Parents
The students who perform best on test day aren’t the ones who avoid problems—they’re the ones who know how to handle them calmly and confidently.
With the right preparation, even a glitch won’t derail your student’s success. Contact Seeley Test Pros / LEAP today to schedule a diagnostic test or strategy session.
Reach out anytime to discuss next steps for your student’s test journey!
📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240
📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com