STARS: How SAT proctors control academic scandals

These college admissions scandals have been a hot button topic this week. For me, the SAT scores have been more suspect than anything. I have served as an SAT and LSAT proctor on the side for 5 years now.

I'm sure new training will be released to deal with the ongoing scandal and bad press but our current security measures makes it very difficult to falsify your identity or results.

First of all, students's IDs are checked at the entrance to the testing center and when they enter their classrooms. They must have valid photo identification(school IDs count and of course passports, anything issued by the DMV, etc). The pictures must also match the person and the admission ticket that the College Board issues to them. The student must have these tools in place before they are allowed to take the test and they must have them in a timely matter. Failure to do so results in them not being able to take the exam.

Also, once inside, any electronics other than an acceptable calculator are confiscated until the end of the test. Bathroom breaks can be taken during the test but they must not talk to anyone and have to have their admissions ticket and ID with them at all times. They aren't even allowed food nor beverage except during their administered breaks. 

Parents and no one else is permitted inside the testing center once testing begins. I have had to gatekeep against several parents who show up at noon to pick up their child, but they may not finish until 1pm.

The tests are sealed and packaged until the day of testing and each student has a different test. Same sections, but different tests. Proctors are also trained to watch subtle and creative signs of cheating.

Therefore, throughout my 5 years, if the center is at fault, it is a rogue center and one with zero integrity. I'm blessed to say my center has a zero tolerance policy regarding cheating and falsifying test scores.

This will be a saga and a scenario watched more closely in the future. Few will still slip through the cracks, but it is on the testing center and administrators to ensure that the students are receiving the fairest treatment and scores.