As I write this, we’re about a month into the new academic year and testing season. Perhaps you’ve already taken a first stab at the SAT, Digital SAT, or ACT this semester but aren’t satisfied with your score, or maybe you’re looking ahead to your very first test date later this autumn. Either way, I’m sure you’ve been hitting the books! But your mind isn’t the only thing that needs to be ready for action when you enter the testing room.
I’m going to tell you what I tell each and every one of my private SAT and ACT tutoring clients in order to get the score of your dreams: you’ve got to make sure your backpack and body go into the test fully prepared, too.
Hence this handy guide to the eight items that must be in YOUR bag before you leave the house to take the SAT (paper OR Digital) or the ACT!
What to Pack for the Digital SAT, ACT, and SAT
1. Your admission ticket!
One can’t just show up to take the SAT or ACT on a whim. You have to register well in advance, and on test day the Powers That Be working the front door are going to want to see proof that you’ve done that. Your admission confirmation should have your photo on it and other necessary information so the testing administrators don’t accidentally let a 60-year-old housewife take the test that was meant for 18-yr-old Josh. It’d be pretty embarrassing if the College Board or ACT let that happen.
2. Photo identification issued by your school or government.
This is the second piece of evidence showing you’re really you and not that previously-mentioned senior housewife.
3. Your calculator.
If you’re taking the ACT or the classic, paper SAT:
The best option here is a graphing calculator that you’ve got experience using. There are several from Texas Instruments: the TI 83, TI 86, etc. Your calculator can be scientific and graphing, but it cannot connect to the Internet, be attached to a laptop or phone, or have a QWERTY keyboard. AND, it’s not enough to just bring your calculator—beforehand, make sure to check the battery life! You do NOT wanting your calculator giving out halfway through the math section.
If you’re taking the new, Digital SAT:
A calculator is allowed, but not required, since you’re already provided an in-app calculator during the Math sections of the test. That said, if you prefer to use your own hand-held calculator, make sure to charge it or put in fresh batteries and bring it with you!
4. Lots of pencils.
At least three. And another thing to check (along with your calculator’s battery life): make sure the eraser actually effectively erases before you head out the door.
If you’re taking the ACT or the classic, paper SAT:
As for what kind of pencil you bring, the only acceptable option for paper tests is the good ol’ Number Two pencil. The testing center will not permit mechanical or colored pencils on the SAT or the ACT.
If you’re taking the new, Digital SAT:
Even though this is a computer-based test, I still recommend you bring a pen or pencil for scratch work...but for the Digital SAT, it doesn't have to be a No. 2 pencil specifically, since you're not actually bubbling in answers!
5. Layers of clothing.
It doesn’t matter if it’s 15 degrees outside on the morning of the exam: you never know which testing center (i.e. high school) is going to be too cheap to use the heat, or so overzealous with the heat as to boil you alive. The same concern applies when it’s sweltering out: some places will freeze you with AC to overcompensate, while others try to save on their AC bill and hope your sweating and panting doesn’t force you to bubble outside the cute little circles. The best remedy? Dress in layers that you can remove or add on as needed. A comfy hoodie is a great option to have on-hand.
6. Water!
The SAT and ACT are about three hours long, while the Digital SAT is over two. Either can feel like a marathon when you’re concentrating hard the whole time. (Indeed, some people can run an actual marathon in three hours!) Much like a 26.2-mile run, you really need to make sure you don’t get dehydrated when you’re taking the most crucial test of your life thus far. Because do you know what happens when you get dehydrated, dear reader? That’s right: you get tired. Or else you start getting thirsty on a conscious level, in which case you’ll be plagued by intrusive thoughts of “I’m thirsty! When is this section over?!” Which means you’re going to have to read that “fighting scientists” passage three times in a row because you can’t hold your focus. Don’t let that be you!
7. Snacks.
What’s the only thing worse than getting thirsty or deciding you need to use the bathroom the moment the math section starts? Getting hungry rumblings in your tummy. Not only is it embarrassing when your stomach starts making noise in a crowded, silent room, but the moment you notice you’re hungry, it’s too late! You’re already day-dreaming about a big slice of pie instead of SOHCAHTOA.
Avoid shooting yourself in the foot like this. Bring something nourishing and easy to eat, like a Cliff bar or an apple, and eat a little bit during each of your breaks to keep your blood sugar and energy (and thus, your focus) at a good level.
8. (Digital SAT Only): Your Eligible Testing Device.
The College Board defines this as a "personal or school-managed Windows laptop or tablet, personal or school-managed Mac laptop, personal or school-managed iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook." Make sure the Bluebook app has already been downloaded onto it BEFORE test day.
9. (Digital SAT Only): Power Cord or Charger.
When you’re taking a test this important and fast-paced, you don’t have spare thoughts to spend worrying about your laptop or tablet dying in the middle of the test. Grant yourself peace of mind by bringing a portable charger or power cord for your eligible testing device.
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With these tips in your pocket, you’re now ready to rise to your full potential with the Digital SAT, SAT, or ACT! And if you’ve still got a few months—or years—to go before you sit in that plastic test-day chair, but want to make sure you’re 110% ready to rock when you do….reach out to me to learn more about my tutoring services.
