Knowing what to expect on test day can greatly boost your confidence and help you focus on doing your best. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of SAT test center procedures—from arrival and check-in to what to bring, what is prohibited, test-day structure, and post-test steps.
🕖 Arrival and Check-In
Arrival Time
- Test Center Opens: 7:45 a.m.
- Doors Close: 8:00 a.m.
- Important: Late arrivals may be denied entry, so aim to arrive early to complete all necessary check-in procedures.
Check-In Process
- Presentation of Materials:
- Admission Ticket: Bring your printed or digital admission ticket.
- Photo ID: Provide an acceptable form of identification; your ID must match the details on your admission ticket.
- Seating Assignment:
- A proctor will assign you a seat once you arrive.
- Device Setup:
- Log into the test center's Wi-Fi.
- Open the Bluebook™ application on your fully charged testing device.
- Start Code:
- The proctor will provide a start code to launch your test.
🧳 What to Bring
Required Items
- Testing Device:
A fully charged device with the Bluebook™ app installed.
- Admission Ticket:
Either printed or digital.
- Acceptable Photo ID:
Must exactly match the information on your admission ticket.
- Pen or Pencil:
For scratch work, even though answers are entered digitally.
Optional Items
- Calculator:
Use an approved calculator or rely on the built-in Desmos graphing calculator available within the Bluebook app.
- Power Accessories:
A power cord or portable charger to keep your device powered throughout the test.
- External Peripherals:
An external mouse or keyboard may be used (for tablets) if it helps you work more comfortably.
- Snacks and Drinks:
Bring items that can be consumed during scheduled breaks only. They should not be used during testing sessions.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Electronic Devices
- Not Permitted:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, and any other unauthorized electronic devices.
- These items must be turned off and stored away as instructed by the test center staff.
Study Materials
- Disallowed Items:
- Books, notes, dictionaries, highlighters, colored pencils, or any other personal study aids.
Other Items
- Unauthorized Aids:
- Weapons, firearms, or any testing aids not approved by the College Board.
🧑💻 During the Test
Test Structure
- Sections:
- The test is divided into two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.
- Each section is organized into two modules, and the test is adaptive – the difficulty of the later module is based on your performance in the initial one.
- Testing Time:
Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes of total test time (excluding any optional essay if applicable).
Breaks and Conduct
- Scheduled Break:
- A 10-minute break is scheduled between test sections.
- Additional Breaks:
- Unscheduled breaks may be taken in case of an emergency; however, doing so might result in lost testing time.
- Device Management During Breaks:
- Keep your testing device on and accessible. Do not turn it off or close any applications.
- If you brought a calculator, it must remain on your desk during breaks.
- ID Retention:
- Keep your photo ID with you at all times. It may be checked each time you re-enter the testing room.
- Behavior:
- Maintain silence and focus during the test. Communication with other test-takers is not allowed and could lead to disciplinary action.
📤 After the Test
Submission of Answers
- Automatic Submission:
Your responses are submitted automatically through the Bluebook™ app at the end of the test.
- Handling Technical Issues:
- If the automatic submission fails, your answers remain saved on your device.
- In this event, you must reconnect to the internet and manually submit your answers by 11:59 p.m. local time the following day.
Dismissal Process
- Collection of Materials:
After the test, the proctor will collect your scratch paper and return any personal belongings.
- Quiet Dismissal:
You will be dismissed silently to avoid disrupting remaining test-takers.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information and updates on test day procedures, consult the official College Board resources:
Familiarizing yourself with these procedures and guidelines will help ensure you are prepared and confident on test day, allowing you to focus on performing your best.
