What You Should and Should Not Bring to the SAT
Now that you’ve practiced hard for the SAT, you’ll want to make sure to bring the right items to the test and keep other items at home. Here is the breakdown.
1. What you Need to Bring to the SAT
To recap, these four items are what you need to bring to the SAT: your admission ticket, Photo ID, #2 pencils, and your calculator.
2. Other Items that Might Be Useful
3. What You Should Not Bring
CollegeBoard takes security very seriously, and many measures are taken to ensure that cheating does not occur.
4. Pack Your Items the Day Before the SAT
You don’t want to be in a rush packing things the day of the test, so make sure everything you need to bring is packed the day before. Here are some more tips on what you should do the day before the SAT.
1. What you Need to Bring to the SAT
- Your Admission Ticket. You won’t be admitted into the SAT without a paper copy of your ticket. It won’t work to show it on your cell phone or some other device. The ticket can be printed by logging into your CollegeBoard account.
- Your Photo ID. Your photo ID needs to resemble the picture that was uploaded to CollegeBoard when you you registered. It should not be expired and needs to be a government issued ID or a current school ID card. Acceptable government issued IDs include your driver’s license, passport, and military or national ID, among others. Unacceptable IDs include expired or damaged IDs, or those that do not match your CollegeBoard picture. Other unacceptable IDs are credit or debit cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates, employee ID cards, and other temporary ID cards. Here is more information about acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID from CollegeBoard.
- At Least Two #2 Pencils and an Eraser. Other writing utensils are not allowed, such as pens and highlighters, so make sure to bring #2 pencils.
- An Acceptable Calculator. Most graphing calculators and all scientific calculators are permitted for the SAT. Four-function calculators are also acceptable, but not recommended due to their lack of functions. Calculators are not allowed to be shared, so make sure to bring your own. You’ll also want to use a calculator that you are familiar with, so it’s recommended to use the same one during practice as for the SAT itself. Find out more about CollegeBoard’s calculator policy.
To recap, these four items are what you need to bring to the SAT: your admission ticket, Photo ID, #2 pencils, and your calculator.
2. Other Items that Might Be Useful
- Extra #2 Pencils and a Handheld Pencil Sharpener. Since timing is a big factor for the test, these would be handy just in case your pencils break or wear down.
- Extra Batteries for Your Calculator. Batteries can run out, so having an extra set along would be a good decision. We advise checking batteries or recharging your calculator the night before, however, to make sure you don’t need to waste any time having to change the batteries during the test.
- A Snack and Drink. You probably won’t be able to consume these in the testing room, but they will help keep you hydrated and give you energy during your breaks.
- A Watch. If it’s helpful for you to keep a close eye on the time, having a watch (that doesn’t make any noises) might be beneficial. If you find it distracting, don’t bring it with you.
3. What You Should Not Bring
CollegeBoard takes security very seriously, and many measures are taken to ensure that cheating does not occur.
- Leave other technological device at home besides your calculator. In other words, don’t bring your cell phone, iPods, iPads, cameras, audio recorders, laptops, etc.
- In case you need to bring your cell phone, turn it off long before your test starts. If it makes any noise during the test, your test will be immediately confiscated.
- Leave notes, study guides, dictionaries, etc., at home.
4. Pack Your Items the Day Before the SAT
You don’t want to be in a rush packing things the day of the test, so make sure everything you need to bring is packed the day before. Here are some more tips on what you should do the day before the SAT.