You’ve spent weeks, maybe even months, preparing for the SAT. Your sat registration is complete, you’ve practiced hard, and your test day is circled on the calendar. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s crucial to have everything you need—and nothing you don’t.
This simple checklist will guide you through exactly what to pack for the Digital SAT and what to leave behind to avoid any last-minute stress.
The Absolute Must-Haves (You Can’t Test Without These!)
These items are non-negotiable. Double-check that you have them before you leave the house.
- Your Printed Admission Ticket: After you complete your sat registration, you must print your admission ticket from your College Board account. You will not be allowed into the test center without it.
- An Acceptable Photo ID: This must be a valid (not expired), government-issued or school-issued photo ID. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your admission ticket.
- Your Fully Charged Testing Device: You must bring an approved device (a laptop or tablet) with the Bluebook application already installed and your exam setup completed. Make sure it is fully charged!
For more info about The College Board’s definitive list of what to bring and what is prohibited click Here.
Highly Recommended and Allowed Items
These items aren’t required, but they can make your test day much more comfortable.
- A Power Cord or Portable Charger: While your device should be fully charged, bringing a power cord is a great backup plan in case the test runs long or your battery drains faster than expected.
- An Approved Calculator: Although a graphing calculator (Desmos) is built into the Bluebook app, you are allowed to bring your own approved external calculator if you are more comfortable with it.
- A Pen or Pencil for Scratch Paper: The test center will provide you with scratch paper, but you’ll need your own pen or pencil to use it.
- A Water Bottle and Snacks: You can’t have these on your desk during the test, but you can access them during the break. Staying hydrated and energized is key to maintaining focus.
- A Watch (with no audible alarm): A simple watch can help you manage your time, but smartwatches are not allowed.
What to Leave at Home (Prohibited Items)
Bringing any of these items into the testing room could lead to your scores being canceled. It’s best to leave them at home or in your car.
- Your Cell Phone: Your phone must be powered off and stored away at all times. It cannot be on your desk.
- Smartwatches or any wearable technology (other than a simple watch).
- Any separate timers with an alarm.
- Headphones or earbuds.
- Cameras or any recording devices.
- Highlighters, colored pens, or correction fluid.
- Books, dictionaries, or notes of any kind.
Packing your bag the night before is a great way to reduce test day anxiety. Go through this checklist, get your things ready, and then get a good night’s sleep. You’ve prepared for the content; now you’re prepared for the logistics. Good luck!
Feeling prepared? Test your knowledge one last time with our free section-based SAT practice tests.
