For most juniors, seniors, and some sophomores, taking the SAT plays an important role in college admissions. There is never a thought of an error screen popping up after typing in the test code or of their scores not submitting after completing the test, until it happens.

On Aug. 22, Gibbons students taking the SAT in Wake County were met with an abrupt error that read something like “Invalid VPN or Proxy” and to try again. 

For other Gibbons students taking the SAT, their scores would not submit after completing the entire test. 

This was a frustrating day for the SAT takers, but the issues varied by test location. 

Students who took the test at Enloe High School were met with the error screen and were sent home by test proctors.

Students at Athens Drive were given loaner computers to take their test on which was smooth sailing until it was time to submit their scores and their answers did not submit.

At Fuquay-Varina, students were met with the error screen, but were able to take their tests on loaners with no issues.

“It’s very bad timing for seniors because college applications for early decision and early action are due soon, as early as October, and if you’re trying to get your score up and you get sent away because of your computer, it’s very frustrating,” said senior Carter Tupis. Tupis was among the students at Enloe who were sent home.

This is a Wake County-only issue as students who took the test in surrounding counties did not report any issues with the SAT functionality.

“I took the SAT at Chapel Hill and I didn’t have any issues taking it on my school computer, so I was surprised to hear about all of the issues for other students in Wake County,” said senior Anthony Frankovich.

Enloe filed an irregularity report with College Board, which began an investigation into the issue and will provide steps for reimbursement or makeup dates. 

Cardinal Gibbons has credited affected students’ FACTS account with  $68 to take the September SAT. 

Cardinal Gibbons has recommended for students to use their personal devices on their next test. If students do not have access to a personal device, the school will provide loaner laptops that will work at Wake County schools.

Earlier this week, the school’s technology team worked with Wake County to figure out and resolve the issue. Wake County’s technology team figured out a solution in the network to allow Cardinal Gibbons devices to connect. While testing the new connection, the devices connected successfully making way for smooth sailing for upcoming SAT dates.

Although the connection has proved to be successful, administration still recommends bringing a backup device just in case.

Test coordinators have been contacted to not send away any students as it may be a network issue at the testing center.

Students who used their personal devices were not affected by these issues.

According to administration, they are in communication with Wake County’s tech team to find solutions and prevent these technological difficulties from recurring.