As SAT test day gets closer, many parents ask the same question:
“What does my child actually need to bring?”
The good news is that the list is fairly short. In fact, bringing too much can actually create unnecessary stress.
Here’s a simple checklist to help your student walk into the testing room feeling prepared and confident.
The Essentials
There are just a few items your child should absolutely have on test day.
A Fully Charged Testing Device
The digital SAT is taken on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook testing app.
If your child is bringing their own device, make sure:
- Bluebook is already installed.
- They have completed the required exam setup before test day.
- The battery is fully charged.
A dead battery is one of the easiest test-day problems to avoid. Charge the device the night before!
A Charger or Portable Battery
Although many testing sites have electrical outlets, they are not guaranteed.
Bringing a charging cable or portable battery is a smart backup.
A Pen or Pencil
Students should bring a pen or pencil for scratch work.
Don’t worry about bringing scratch paper.
The testing center provides scratch paper for every student. Personal scratch paper is not allowed.
A Calculator (Optional!)
Here’s something many parents don’t realize.
Every student already has access to a calculator during the Math section.
The digital SAT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator inside Bluebook that students can use throughout the Math section.
That means students do not have to bring their own calculator.
However…
If your child already has a calculator they know well, they are welcome to bring it—as long as it meets College Board’s calculator policy.
Should My Child Use the Built-In Calculator or Their Own?
There’s no one “correct” answer.
Some students love the built-in Desmos calculator because:
- It’s already part of the testing app.
- It can graph equations quickly.
- Everyone has access to it.
Other students feel faster using the calculator they’ve practiced with all year.
The best calculator is usually the one your child has practiced using.
The important thing is to become comfortable with whichever calculator they’ll use before test day.
What Calculators Are Allowed?
Most graphing calculators and many scientific calculators are allowed.
However, calculators that have features such as:
- internet access
- wireless communication
- keyboards
- cameras
- computer-style functions
are generally not permitted.
If your child plans to bring their own calculator, it’s a good idea to verify that it’s on College Board’s list of approved calculators before test day.
Other Helpful Things to Bring
These items aren’t required, but they can make the day a little easier.
- A backpack
- A water bottle or drink (for the break)
- A small snack
- A watch without alarms or smart features
- Extra calculator batteries (if using a personal calculator)
Students are not allowed to access extra batteries during the test without permission, so fresh batteries before test day are a good idea.
Will My Child Need an ID?
Most students testing at their own high school do not need to bring a photo ID.
However, students who are homeschooled or who are testing at a school they do not normally attend will need an approved photo ID.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking your child’s testing instructions ahead of time.
What Should Stay at Home?
Parents are sometimes surprised by how many things are not allowed during testing.
Students should leave behind:
- Phones
- Smartwatches
- Smart glasses
- Fitness trackers
- Bluetooth devices
- Personal scratch paper
- Notes
- Books
- Highlighters
- Electronic pens or styluses
Even during breaks, students generally may not access prohibited electronic devices.
A Simple Test-Day Checklist
The night before the SAT, have your child check this list:
✓ Fully charged testing device
✓ Bluebook installed and exam setup completed
✓ Charger or portable battery
✓ Pen or pencil
✓ Calculator (optional)
✓ Water and snack for the break
✓ Photo ID (if required)
Final Thoughts
Test day doesn’t have to be stressful.
In fact, simply packing everything the night before can help students feel much calmer walking into the testing center.
Preparation isn’t just about studying—it also means being ready for test day itself.
If your child struggles with test anxiety or SAT anxiety, taking care of these small details ahead of time can help them focus on what really matters: showing what they know.
For more parent-friendly SAT advice, digital SAT tips, and strategies for reducing test anxiety and SAT anxiety, be sure to check back regularly at The Anxiety Free SAT.