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Course: Digital SAT Math > Unit 1
Lesson 2: Preparing for the SATWhat to expect on test day
Learn what to expect on test day and how to prepare in the days leading up to your digital SAT
You’ve studied for weeks, taken your practice tests, and now testing day is finally here. In a few short hours, you’ll be past this—the end is in sight! To help make sure you’re ready for anything, let’s talk about your Test Day plan, starting with the night before.
The night before:
- Make sure you know where you’ll be testing and how to get there. The digital SAT is given at testing centers all over the place. Make sure you know which one you’re going to—you don't want to be late on the big day!
- Get a good night's sleep. You might be tempted to stay up late cramming, but it's better to be well-rested. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep.
- Pack everything you’ll need to bring to the testing center. Check out the next section to find out what you’ll need!
What to bring to the testing center:
- Your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook™ application installed (see detailed device requirements)
- Face covering (if required at your test center)
- Your up-to-date admission ticket
- Acceptable photo ID (see ID requirements)
- Pencils or pens for scratch work
- An acceptable calculator for use on the Math section of the test (learn more here)
- A watch without an audible alarm (not necessary, but may be helpful for breaks)
- A charging cable—even if your device can hold a charge for three hours, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- A bag or backpack (optional)
- A drink and snacks (for your break)
- An epi-pen, if needed (contact Services for Students with Disabilities for other accommodations)
The morning of:
- Eat a good breakfast. You'll need plenty of energy to tackle those tricky questions. Go for something healthy and filling, like oatmeal or eggs.
- Double check that you have everything you need for the test. You don’t want to be sent home because you forgot your computer!
- Check for any testing center closings.
- Arrive at the testing center early — at least 30 minutes before the test starts. This will give you time to find your seat, use the restroom, and get settled in.
- Make sure you know all your testing center’s policies. These are described below.
Testing center policies:
- Don’t come in if you feel sick. Instead, contact customer service by the end of the day for a refund.
- Doors open at 7:45 a.m., and testing starts between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. Doors close at 8 a.m., so make sure you’re on time!
- Your mobile phone will be collected by staff. If possible, it’s best not to bring it at all, because if it makes any noise, you’ll be dismissed without a refund.
During the test:
- Be aware of your time. There are two modules for each part of the test (two for Reading and Writing, and two for Math). You can toggle back and forth between questions within a module, but once you’ve submitted that module, you can’t go back to it. You’ll likely be done before noon.
- Once the test begins, it's all about staying focused and calm. Remember, you've been preparing for this moment for a long time. Trust yourself and your knowledge.
- If you come across a question that stumps you, don't panic. Take a deep breath, and try your best to work through it. If you're still unsure, make your best guess and move on. You can always come back to it later if you have time.
- Use your break to recharge and refocus. During the test, you'll get a 10-minute break to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and have a snack. Remember to stay positive and remind yourself that you're doing your best.
Finally, when the test is over, take a moment to congratulate yourself. You did it! The SAT is hard work, and you should be proud of yourself for taking it on. Now, go celebrate your accomplishment!
Want to join the conversation?
- Is it good that I do all the SAT prep stuff on here when I'm going into my Freshman year?
Also, when do you take the SAT in high school?
By the way, what's the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship stuff and ya-da-ya-da?(20 votes)- (I'm a Junior)
I think that starting to practice before freshman year will only significantly help you if you consistently practice and you don't just stop practicing for a year.
SAT is usually taken by Juniors and sometimes Sophomores take it, however, the only reason you usually take it Junior year is because you generally should be 'smarter' as a Junior than Sophomre. The only time requirement is doing the SAT before Senior year unless you want to take some sort of gap year. This is because you apply to colleges from around the end of Junior year to a little bit into Senior year. This means that you want to have your scores by then so that you can use them when applying for colleges.(8 votes)
- I will be testing at a center in Nigeria, do I have to there with my laptop and also how do I access my admission ticket(12 votes)
- You have to first download Bluebook app in your laptop, from college board website. Then log in with your college board account. After that, go to recent test/exams, and complete the exam setup. You will get ticket after completing it.
And yes you have to bring your laptop at the center, if you have registered to bring your own device.(8 votes)
- ngl if i fail the SAT ill just become a dominican monk lol(13 votes)
- Hi everyone
Can anyone please tell me whether the digital SAT has registered test centers that students should take the test there ( like the TOEFL English test) or it depends upon us where we choose to take the test? If we need to go to a test center registered by College Board, then how can I find the test center in my city.(6 votes)- Yes you need to take the digital sat in the registered test centers like the regular SAT. You can find the test centers in the Collegeboard SatSuite[https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search](4 votes)
- Do we get rough sheets for English test too?(6 votes)
- Yes, I believe so. You will receive scratch paper in the test room.(2 votes)
- Can I take the sat from home(2 votes)
- No. It has to be in the nearest testing center.(5 votes)
- Can I bring a notebook to test day to solve the Math calculations?(3 votes)
- No, you'll be given a scratch paper by them only.(4 votes)
- What grade do you have to be to take SAT?(3 votes)
- There's no limit, but given that the SAT results are valid for five years, you might begin taking it as early as eighth grade.(3 votes)
- Does this course help with the PSAT/NMSQT? Since I'm in 8th Grade I have to take the PSAT/NMSQT to determine my classes in high school?(2 votes)
- Yea, even though it's more advanced, it will introduce you to things in a different way and will help you get a higher score if you have time to practice.(3 votes)
- Is it good that I do all the SAT prep stuff on here when I'm going into my Freshman year?(3 votes)