Test Day Prep
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
1
2 hours before test
Wake up and take a warm shower to feel alert
2
1.5 hours before
Eat a balanced breakfast: protein, complex carbs, and fruit
3
1 hour before
Do a quick 5-minute review of your key formula sheet
4
45 minutes before
Leave for the test center — arrive early for check-in
5
15 minutes before
Use the restroom, get settled, and take a few deep breaths
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