The SATs: What to Bring the Day of the Test

Need a quick rundown of what to bring with you to the SAT? Here’s a quick reminder of what you should plan on bringing – and what you should leave at home.

Checklist of What to Bring

SAT Admissions Ticket: You can print your SAT ticket out at home. Just visit the collegeboard online.

• Photo ID: You must bring a photo ID with you to the test. If you have any questions about what kind of IDs are accepted, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/testday/id.htmlto see the list of acceptable IDs.
• Acceptable Calculator, Batteries: Basically “acceptable” calculators include graphing calculators and scientific calculators. You can also bring four-function calculators, although College Board doesn’t recommend these. If you are worried that your calculator might be unacceptable, check out the list of unacceptable calculators here: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/testday/calc.html. You may also want to bring back up batteries for your calculator.
• Pencils and Erasers: Bring plenty of #2 pencils and erasers that you know will work. By the way, pens or mechanical pencils are permitted. Many people think they have to write the essay in pen, but this is a myth. All of your SAT test must be completed with a #2 pencil or it won’t scan.
• Watch: You may not be able to see a clock from where you’re sitting in the testing room. Also, you can’t use your cell phone. So, your best bet is to bring a watch.
• Healthy Snack and Drink: It’s a long test. Fortunately, you’ll get several breaks that you can utilize to refuel. Healthy snacks are recommended over sugary snacks because too much sugar can leave you feeling spacey. The last thing you want is to have trouble concentrating.
• A Bag for Your Stuff: While College Board recommends bringing snacks, they also suggest that you have a bag to stow your stuff when you don’t need it. Anything you aren’t actively using for the test should be neatly stored out of sight.

Checklist of What Not to Bring

• Cell Phone, iPod, Electronic Devices: The College Board website states specifically that if your cell phone, iPod, etc. goes off, you will be dismissed from the test. Also, if you use any of these devices at any time, even on breaks, you will be dismissed. Your best bet is to leave these devices at home, but if you must bring them, turn them off.
• Alarms: Don’t annoy your neighbors with audible alarms. Bringing a watch if fine, but turn any sounds off.
• Scratch paper: Any figuring you do will be done on the test.
• Highlighters: If you want to highlight features, you’ll need to circle or underline them using your #2 pencil.
• Reference Materials: Leave your notes, dictionaries, etc. at home. There’s no need to lug all that stuff around since you won’t be allowed to use it anyway.

For more information, check out the College Board website.

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