ICOE Opens SAT Test Center, Expanding College Testing Access in Imperial County

-Editorial

The Imperial County Office of Education has opened a new SAT Test Center in El Centro, giving students local access to a nationally recognized college entrance exam and eliminating the need for many families to travel long distances for testing.

Many colleges and universities use the SAT, a standardized college admissions test, as part of the admissions process and may also be considered for scholarships and college course placement.

Before the new center opened, students often traveled at least 140 miles round trip to testing sites in San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside or Yuma, Arizona, resulting in additional travel expenses and, for some families, overnight hotel stays.

Imperial County Superintendent of Schools Todd Finnell said the project was inspired by student feedback after Southwest High School student Alexis addressed the Imperial County Board of Education about the lack of an SAT testing site in the county.

“This exists now because of student voice,” Finnell said. “According to the College Board, this is one of the fastest projects they’ve seen from concept to implementation. There was an urgency because every year students need to take the test, and it needs to be accessible here in our county.”

Finnell said the county office stepped in after local testing opportunities disappeared as the University of California and California State University systems stopped requiring SAT scores for admission. While those systems no longer require the exam, he said many private and out-of-state colleges continue to require or consider SAT scores.

“Whether one student registers or 100 students register, we’re going to offer the SAT here in Imperial County,” Finnell said.

Kimberly Macias, coordinator with ICOE’s Adult Education and Learning Department, said the new testing center removes a significant barrier for local students.

“Students previously had to travel more than 140 miles to find a testing center,” Macias said. “Now they can stay close to home, be with their families, get a good night’s rest and simply come to the county office to take the exam.”

The first SAT administration is scheduled for Aug. 22, with additional testing dates planned throughout the year. ICOE upgraded its technology and internet infrastructure to meet College Board requirements for the digital exam, which lasts slightly more than two hours and includes approximately 90 questions covering reading, writing and mathematics.

The Imperial County Office of Education’s SAT Test Center will offer multiple testing dates during the 2026-2027 academic year. Scheduled SAT administrations include Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct. 3 and Nov. 7, 2026, as well as March 6, May 1 and June 5, 2027. Students must complete registration by the designated deadlines for each test date, with late registration available for a limited period after the initial deadline.

The SAT registration fee is $68 for U.S. test takers. Fee waivers are available to eligible high school students in California.