The Digital SAT: What to Bring on Test Day
With the introduction of the new digital SAT there are some notable changes on what you should bring with you on test day. Before test day, it’s important to review the list of items that you should bring, as well as the list of items you should leave at home.
What are the Essentials?
The most essential item to bring with you on test day is a fully-charged testing device, such as a laptop, tablet, or school-managed Chromebook, with the Bluebook application installed. There are device requirements, so be sure to confirm that your device is compatible before exam day. Test Innovators recommends that when practicing, you use the same device you plan to use for test day so that you can get familiar with your device and avoid surprises during test day!
If you do not have access to your own testing device you are able to request a device from College Board when registering for your exam.
Other essentials include:
- A face covering.
- A copy of your up-to-date admission ticket.
- A valid photo ID.
- Pencils/pens for scratch work.
- An acceptable calculator for the Math Section. (Note: A calculator will be embedded with Bluebook for your use.) Please see our post about acceptable calculators: Which Calculator Can I Use on the Digital SAT?
- Epinephrine auto-injections (Epi-Pens) if needed. These do not require prior accommodations and should be placed in a clear bag and stored under your desk during testing.
- Pre-approved medication and medical devices. Approval can be obtained through Services for Students with Disabilities.
What are some other items that could be useful?
- A charging cable and extension cord, especially if your device cannot hold charge for three hours. It is important to check the battery life of your device prior to test day, as there may not be enough outlets for all test takes to use at the same time!
- A watch without an audible alarm. (Note: The Bluebook application comes equipped with a timer that will alert you to how much time you have left.)
- A drink and/or snacks for your break. A helpful tip is to test out different types of snacks and drinks prior to test day so you know what keeps you full and energized!
- A backpack/ bag to hold your items.
What shouldn’t you bring?
There are some items that you should not bring with you to testing center, including:
- Mobile phones (Note: you can use your phone to present your admission ticket but it must be stored away after.)
- Smartwatches, fitness trackers or any wearable technology.
- Audio players, ipads, bluetooth devices, earbuds, headphones or any other personal computing devices.
- Camera or photographic equipment.
- Highlighters or colored pencils.
- Compasses, Rulers, Protractors.
- Paper of any kind including scratch paper.
- Earplugs.
- Unapproved calculators.
- Books or references of any kind, except for pre-approved English language learner support.
Start preparing for the digital SAT today!
Danielle Sheikholeslami
Danielle has been tutoring for the last eight years. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis, a Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences fom Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, and is currently pursing a medical degree. In her free time, Danielle enjoys baking, rock climbing, and playing with her German Shepard puppy.
