Hanoi: SAT test-takers were taking the SAT when the system crashed on the morning of March 8th.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - This morning, many SAT test-takers in Hanoi taking the computer-based test were unexpectedly notified that their exams were automatically submitted.

Around 12 PM today (March 8th), Nguyen Thuy Van (Thanh Xuan, Hanoi) was halfway through her SAT exam at the Banking Academy exam center when she was suddenly logged out of the system. The screen displayed a message saying her exam had been submitted. Van panicked and reported it to the invigilator, but quickly realized that many other candidates had also had their exams automatically submitted like hers.

SAT scores at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Photo: Dong Hanh Group).

At that time, Van had about 13 minutes left in her exam.

Vân was instructed by the invigilator to wait in the exam room while the organizing unit resolved the error, but after 30 minutes, all candidates were allowed to leave and wait for a resolution notification from the College Board via email.

On a forum for parents, many people reported that exam centers at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, National Economics University, University of Natural Resources and Environment, and exam center number 20 Thuy Khue all experienced system errors.

Even candidates taking the exam at the Hanoi University of Technology exam center were disconnected from the exam 24 minutes before the submission deadline.

Parents discuss system errors during the SAT exam session on the morning of March 8th (Screenshot).

Representatives from the IIG Education Organization confirmed the incident this morning and stated that it was a global system error. The College Board is reporting on the matter and is seeking solutions to ensure the rights of affected test-takers are protected.

The College Board is the organization that administers and oversees the SAT and AP international standardized tests globally.

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an internationally standardized test that assesses mathematical ability, science knowledge, and social studies. Before Covid-19, it was a mandatory test for American and international students wishing to apply to universities in the United States.

The SAT exam is administered globally. The skills tested in the SAT include reading comprehension (52 questions, 65 minutes), language (44 questions, 35 minutes), and mathematics (58 questions, 80 minutes).

The SAT exam fee in Vietnam is $111 USD, equivalent to 2.8 million VND.

Additionally, candidates will incur extra fees for personal needs such as: a cancellation or rescheduling fee of 29 USD (733,000 VND); and a fee of 31 USD (783,000 VND) for expedited results notification if scores are needed early.

Data from the College Board shows that the number of Vietnamese test-takers taking the SAT has increased significantly in the last two years.

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of SAT test-takers increased by approximately 6-17% each year. However, by 2023, this number had risen to 74.4%. The College Board estimates that the increase in 2024 compared to 2023 will be around 63%.

The surge in SAT test-takers is related to the increasing number of universities in Vietnam using the results of this standardized test in their admissions process.

Approximately 20 universities in Vietnam use SAT test results for admissions. The vast majority are universities in the fields of technology and engineering, economics and commerce, and military.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/ha-noi-thi-sinh-dang-thi-sat-thi-sap-he-thong-sang-83-20250308135632509.htm