I think that the child has to sit until he leaves for good, but it's probably best to contact someone at College Board, get the real answer, and write it down with that person's name (LOL)
I think my son was permitted to bring a novel to read and relax during breaks...but I can't remember. I say, practice sitting for 3 hours at home, and go for it as soon as that's fine.
The essay portion does have some multiple choice parts factored in, so no matter how weak the essay, the score won't be dismal.
And it's fun to see the CR portion rise over the years.
To qualify for SET only the Math portion has to be over the cut off. I encourage you to try it if your child knows that the test is designed to be 'hard' and is willing. My son quite enjoyed it at age 12 - he said it was like being inside a video game.
Smiles,
Grinity
Grinity
