What to Bring to SAT Test Day: The Ultimate Checklist for a Stress-Free Exam Experience
Preparing for the SAT can be nerve-wracking, but knowing exactly what to bring on test day can ease a lot of that stress. Walking into the test center fully prepared helps you focus on the exam itself rather than worrying if you forgot something important.
In this blog, we’ll cover a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to bring, from required documents to helpful extras, so you can walk into the SAT test day with confidence and calm.
Why Is It Important to Bring the Right Items on SAT Test Day?
The SAT is a high-stakes test that can impact your college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Arriving at the test center unprepared can cause unnecessary stress or even prevent you from testing.
Missing critical items like your admission ticket or acceptable ID could mean you are not allowed to test. Therefore, having a checklist is essential to avoid surprises.
Essential Items to Bring on SAT Test Day
- Admission Ticket (Print Your Admission Ticket): Your SAT admission ticket is your entry pass to the test center. You must print this from your College Board account before test day. It includes your test center address, reporting time, and test instructions.
- Valid Photo ID: You must present an acceptable, valid photo ID that matches the name on your admission ticket. Commonly accepted IDs include:
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Passport (especially for international students)
- School-issued photo ID
Make sure your ID is not expired, and check the College Board’s official list of acceptable IDs to avoid issues.
- Approved Calculator: For the math sections where calculators are allowed, bring an approved calculator. The College Board allows graphing calculators, scientific calculators, and four-function calculators, but not calculators with a QWERTY keyboard, built-in computer algebra system (CAS), or internet capabilities.
Tip: Bring fresh batteries or a backup calculator if possible.
- Number 2 Pencils and Erasers: Even though some parts of the SAT are now digital, you will still need to fill in multiple-choice answer sheets with pencils. Bring several sharpened #2 pencils and a good eraser.
- Watch (Optional, No Smartwatches): Bring a simple analog or digital watch to help you keep track of time. Smartwatches or devices that connect to the internet are prohibited in the test room.
- Snack and Water (Optional): While you cannot eat or drink during the test sections, you are allowed breaks. Bring a small snack and water bottle to recharge during breaks. Check with your test center about their policy on food and drink.
Items You Should NOT Bring to the SAT Test Center
- Smartphones or Other Electronics: All phones must be turned off and stored away during testing.
- Notes, Books, or Study Materials: No study aids are allowed in the testing room.
- Personal Items: Avoid bringing valuables or items that aren’t necessary.
- Earbuds or Headphones: These are not permitted unless required for accommodations.
Tips for a Smooth Test Day
- Check Your Test Center Location Ahead of Time: Plan how you will get there and aim to arrive 30 minutes early.
- Prepare Your Materials the Night Before: Pack your bag with everything to avoid last-minute panic.
- Dress Comfortably and in Layers: Testing rooms may vary in temperature.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Being well-rested improves concentration.
For Students with Accommodations
If you have approved testing accommodations, bring any necessary documentation and arrive early to check in with your test center coordinator.
Knowing exactly what to bring to SAT test day removes one big source of stress and lets you focus on what matters most—doing your best on the exam. Use this checklist to prepare, and you’ll walk into the testing room confident, calm, and ready.
Good luck on your SAT! If you want more tips on SAT preparation, check out our blog on SAT study plans and practice tests.