SAT test day checklist: what to bring, what to expect, and how to use Bluebook’s tools
A calm test day starts the night before. Use this checklist for what to pack and what to leave home, and learn the Bluebook tools that can save time once the clock starts.
The short version
What you'll take away
- Bring a fully charged device with Bluebook set up, your admission ticket, an acceptable physical photo ID, and a pen or pencil.
- Phones are collected during testing, and headphones or earbuds are not allowed.
- Practice with Bluebook’s tools beforehand: mark for review, the option eliminator, the timer, annotation, the reference sheet, and the built-in calculator.
In this article
Test day in four numbers
See the skill
Plan around these
- battery life
- 3–4 hrs
- College Board advises that outlets are not guaranteed.
- testing time
- 2h 14m
- Four timed modules, two per section.
- break
- 10 min
- Between Reading and Writing and Math.
- physical photo ID
- 1
- Digital IDs are not accepted. Check the accepted list.
Pack the night before
- Bring: your testing device with Bluebook installed and exam setup completed, fully charged.
- Bring: your admission ticket (a printed copy is preferred) and an acceptable physical photo ID.
- Bring: a pen or pencil for scratch work. Scratch paper is provided, so do not bring your own.
- Optional: an acceptable calculator, a charger, a watch without an alarm, and a drink or snack for the break.
- Leave out of the room: headphones or earbuds of any kind. Your phone will be collected before testing.
Know the Bluebook tools
See the skill
Tools worth practicing
Mark for review
Flag and return
Flag a question and jump back to it from the question menu before the module ends.
Option eliminator
Cross out choices
Strike through answers you have ruled out. You can undo it.
Timer
Hide or show
Hide the countdown if it distracts you. It reappears for the last five minutes.
Calculator and reference sheet
Built into Math
The Desmos graphing calculator and a formula sheet are available on every Math question.
Move through the day
See the skill
From the night before to the last module
Night before
Charge your device, confirm Bluebook setup, pack your bag, and sleep. No new material.
Morning
Eat breakfast, leave early, and bring your snack for the break.
Check-in
Show your ID and admission ticket, turn in your phone, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
Each module
Answer every question, mark the ones to revisit, and return to them before time runs out.
Break
Stand up, drink water, eat your snack, and reset. Do not dwell on the first section.
Your turn
Quick practice
Which statement about SAT test day is accurate, according to College Board guidance?
Hint: Which choice describes something the test center provides?
Sources & further reading
One step from here
Put the idea to work.
SAT Practice helps you turn questions into useful feedback, so each session has a next step.
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