Everything You Need to Bring to and Do Before the Test
- The last thing you want to do is forget something crucial on Test Day. Avoid that nightmare with our handy checklist.
- Being ready to take the test means getting ready the night before.
- Make sure that you eat a good breakfast and use your breaks to recharge!
- Read more articles like this one on Socratic Summer Academy’s blog.
What Do I Need to Bring to the SATⓇ Exam?
You've been studying for the SATⓇ exam for hours, maybe weeks or months. Now test day is finally here. The worst thing would be to spend hours studying and then forget something crucial the day of the test. Make sure you’re as prepared as you can be with this list of what to bring and do on your SATⓇ test day.
What to bring to the test
Make sure you bring all of these items with you on the day of the test. Being prepared helps reduce test anxiety and set you up for getting your goal score. The worst situation is to put in hours studying and then realize you forgot something crucial the day of the test - avoid that with our handy checklist.
1. Printed admission ticket
Get your admission ticket from your College Board account.
Make sure you print it out - your test center WILL NOT accept it on your phone.
2. Digital watch
If you’ve been preparing for the test, you’ve probably been timing yourself. Don’t count on your test center having a clock; bring your own easy-to-read watch so you can stick to your time plan.
Make sure that your watch doesn’t make any noise or you might get kicked out of your test.
3. Water bottle
Bring a full bottle of water. Research shows that even minor dehydration can impact focus, so drink water throughout the test to stay hydrated.
4. Non-mechanical #2 pencils
Bring multiple non-mechanical #2 pencils. You may also want to bring a small manual pencil sharpener, if you have one.
5. Photo ID
Make sure your ID follows the College Board photo ID requirements or you may not get admitted to your test center.
6. Calculator
You don’t need a graphing calculator to take the exam, but do make sure your calculator follows the College Board calculator policy and you have extra batteries.
7. Snacks high in protein and low in sugar
You should snack during the breaks to keep up your energy. Snacks that are high in protein and low in sugar, like raw nuts or hard-boiled eggs, are a great option for a portable quick burst of energy.
Get ready the night before the test
Get ready the night before your test, so you don’t have to worry about it the morning of when you are trying to run out the door.
Pack your backpack
Make sure you have everything on our checklist above.
Know the location of your test center
Make sure you know where the test center is and what time you are supposed to get there. Plan to get there at least 15 minutes early in case you can’t find your room.
Use Google Maps to figure out how long it will take and leave time for traffic.
Go to sleep early
Get a good night’s sleep before the test to set yourself up for success!
Day of the test
Eat breakfast
Don’t skip breakfast - it’s crucial for fueling yourself during a long test.
We recommend a high-protein, low-sugar breakfast — like eggs and fruit — that will keep you full for a long period of time but not lead to a sugar crash. We don’t recommend trying new foods the morning of a test if you aren’t sure how you’ll react to them.
Dress in layers
Dress in comfortable clothes and wear layers. Test centers can have unpredictable temperatures.
Use your breaks wisely
There will be a break between sections 1 and 2 and between sections 3 and 4. Use these to stand up, walk around, and get your blood flowing. Both times, eat a snack and use the bathroom, even if you don't think you need to — the sections are long and it's better to be safe than sorry!
Finally, remember that you’ve done all the studying and preparation for the test. Now it’s the time to show what you’ve learned. You have everything you need to succeed!
