What to bring on SAT test day

The day of your SAT is finally here. You’ve studied hard and prepared thoroughly; now it’s time to show what you know. But before you head out the door, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth and successful testing experience is crucial.

This blog post will serve as your comprehensive checklist for what to bring on SAT day. It covers mandatory and optional items to ensure you’re fully prepared.

The Must-Haves Essential Items

There are a few essential items you must bring with you to the test centre. Without these, you won’t be allowed to take the test, so double-check you have them ready to go:

SAT Admission Ticket

You must print your admission ticket before arriving at the test centre. Digital copies or screenshots are not accepted. The ticket contains essential information, such as your test centre location and reporting time. Don’t leave home without it.

Valid Photo ID

For example, when boarding a plane or entering certain secure buildings, you must present a valid photo ID. The College Board provides a specific list of approved forms of identification, so it’s crucial to check their website well in advance to ensure your ID meets their requirements.

Common acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, or school ID. Make sure the name on your ID exactly matches the name on your admission ticket.

Two No. 2 Pencils with Erasers

You must use No. 2 pencils to fill in the answer bubbles on your answer sheet. Mechanical pencils and pens are not permitted. Bringing two pencils is good if one breaks or the lead wears down. And, of course, make sure they have erasers for those inevitable moments when you need to change an answer.

Approved Calculator and Batteries

A calculator is permitted for the Math with Calculator section and is not strictly required for every section, but it can be a helpful tool. Here’s what you need to know:

Approved Calculator

The College Board has a specific list of approved calculators. You should always check this list on their website to see if your calculator is okay. Don’t assume your favourite calculator is good enough; take the time to double-check.

Extra Batteries

There’s nothing worse than having your calculator die in the middle of the Math section. Bringing extra batteries ensures you won’t be caught off guard and can maintain your focus throughout the test.

Optional Items for Comfort

While the following items aren’t mandatory, they can make your test day experience much more comfortable and help you stay focused:

A bag or backpack can carry all your materials, including your admission ticket, ID, pencils, calculator, and other personal belongings. It keeps everything organized and prevents you from losing essential items.

No phones or smartwatches are allowed in the testing room. But a simple analogue watch can be used to know time during the test, especially if you’re trying to pace yourself within a section. Just not a watch with any innovative features.

You’ll typically have a short break during the SAT, and having a drink and a snack can help you refuel and maintain your energy levels. Choose something easy to eat and won’t make a mess. Water is always a good choice for a drink.

A Final Check

It’s a good idea to gather all your materials the night before so that there is no last-minute stress on test day. This way, you can recheck everything and make sure you haven’t forgotten any important things.