Test Day Tips: What to Bring & How to Prepare
Your preparation does not stop when you finish studying. How you handle test day — from what you pack to how you manage your time during the test — can make a real difference in your score.
Test Day Checklist
What to Bring
- Admission ticket (printed or on your phone depending on test)
- Valid photo ID (school ID, driver's license, or passport)
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers (for ACT paper; SAT is digital)
- Approved calculator with fresh batteries
- A watch (no smartwatch) to track time
- Water bottle (clear, label removed)
- A healthy snack for the break (granola bar, fruit, nuts)
- A light jacket or sweater (testing rooms vary in temperature)
What NOT to Bring
- Cell phone (must be turned off and stored away)
- Smartwatch or fitness tracker
- Scratch paper (it will be provided)
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Highlighters or colored pens
- Food or drinks for during the test (only for breaks)
- Headphones or earbuds
- Timer that makes noise
Before Test Day
One Week Before
- Confirm your test center location and map your route
- Check what form of ID is accepted
- Verify your admission ticket or registration
- Do a light review of key formulas and strategies
- Take one final practice section (not a full test)
Night Before
- Pack everything you need (checklist above)
- Set two alarms to ensure you wake up on time
- Lay out comfortable clothes
- Avoid heavy studying — relax and trust your preparation
- Go to bed early — aim for 8 hours of sleep
Test Day Morning Routine
Breakfast tip: Eat something you normally eat. Test day is not the time to try new foods. Good options include eggs with toast, oatmeal with fruit, or a peanut butter banana sandwich.
During the Test
Time Management
- -Wear a watch and check it every 10-15 questions
- -Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any single question
- -If stuck, mark it and move on — come back if time allows
- -Pace yourself to finish each section with 2-3 minutes to review
Answering Strategy
- -Read each question carefully before looking at answers
- -Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- -Never leave a question blank — there is no guessing penalty
- -For reading passages, read the questions before the passage
Mental Game
- -If you feel anxious, pause and take three slow breaths
- -Do not dwell on a section that felt difficult — move forward
- -Stay focused on the current question, not your overall score
- -Use breaks to stretch, eat your snack, and reset mentally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Do not change answers unless you have a clear reason
- -Do not rush through easy questions to save time for hard ones
- -Do not panic if you encounter unfamiliar question types
- -Do not compare your progress with other test-takers
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to the SAT or ACT?
The essentials are your admission ticket, a valid photo ID (school ID, driver's license, or passport), an approved calculator with fresh batteries, a watch (not a smartwatch), and a clear water bottle with the label removed. For the paper-based ACT, bring two No. 2 pencils with erasers — the Digital SAT does not need pencils. A light jacket and a small snack for the break are also smart.
What is not allowed at the test center?
Cell phones must be turned off and stored away the entire time. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, headphones, scratch paper (provided to you), study materials, highlighters, and any timer that makes noise are all prohibited. You also cannot eat or drink during the test itself — only during scheduled breaks.
What should I do the night before the test?
Pack everything you need using a checklist, set two alarms, lay out comfortable clothes, and go to bed early — aim for eight hours of sleep. Avoid heavy studying. Last-minute cramming tends to add anxiety without adding meaningful score. Trust the preparation you have already done and prioritize being rested and calm.
What should I eat on test day morning?
Eat a balanced breakfast about 90 minutes before the test: protein (eggs, yogurt, or peanut butter), complex carbs (oatmeal, whole-grain toast), and a piece of fruit. Avoid sugar-heavy foods that cause an energy crash and avoid trying anything new — test day is not the time to experiment with a new breakfast.
How do I handle test anxiety during the exam?
If you feel anxious mid-section, pause for three slow breaths before continuing. Stay focused on the current question rather than thinking about overall score or how the previous section went. Skip questions that are taking too long — mark them and come back. Use scheduled breaks to stretch, eat your snack, and reset mentally rather than reviewing what just happened.
Is there a guessing penalty on the SAT or ACT?
No. Neither the SAT nor the ACT has a guessing penalty — incorrect answers count the same as blanks. Always fill in an answer for every question, even if you have to guess randomly at the end. Eliminate any answer choices you can rule out first to improve your odds, but never leave a question blank.