Get your mind moving.
#3: Show Up Early
Leave time for traffic.
#4: Take ID
A driver’s license,
a passport, or a
school photo ID will do.
- The only outside materials you are allowed to use on the test are No. 2 pencils (wooden, NOT
mechanical), a wristwatch (an absolute necessity), and a calculator. The latest rule is that
mechanical pencils are not allowed. We’re not sure why, but you should take lots of sharpened
wooden pencils just to be safe. Digital watches are best, but if it has a beeper, make sure you
turn it off. Proctors will confiscate pocket dictionaries, word lists, portable computers, and the
like. Proctors have occasionally also confiscated stopwatches and travel clocks. Technically,
you should be permitted to use these, but you can never tell with some proctors. Take a watch
and avoid the hassles.
#5: Take Equipment
A few sharpened
No. 2 pencils, a watch,
and a calculator.
- Some proctors allow students to bring food into the test room; others don’t. Take some fruit
(especially bananas) with you. Save them until your break and eat outside the test room.
#6: Take Fruit or
Other Energy Food
Grapes or oranges can
give you an energy boost
if you need it.
- You are going to be sitting in the same place for more than three hours, so make sure your desk
isn’t broken or unusually uncomfortable. If you are left-handed, ask for a left-handed desk. (The
center may not have one, but it won’t hurt to ask.) If the sun is in your eyes, ask to move. If the
room is too dark, ask someone to turn on the lights. Don’t hesitate to speak up.
#7: Your Desk...
should be comfortable
and suited to your needs.
- Make sure your booklet is printed legibly. Booklets sometimes contain printing errors that make
some pages impossible to read. One year more than 10,000 students had to retake the SAT
because of a printing error in their booklets. Also, check your answer sheet to make sure it isn’t
flawed.
#8: Your Test...
should be printed
legibly in your booklet.
- Make sure you darken all your responses before the test is over. At the same time, erase any
