I once had a student, let’s call him Sam, who decided he had everything covered for his digital SAT test. He had studied hard, practiced his math problems, and knew his reading passages inside out. But on test day, Sam forgot one small but essential thing: to charge his laptop.
So, there he was, feeling confident as he started getting settled in. He turns on his laptop only to see the dreaded low battery sign. Cue panic. In a scramble, Sam reached for his charger, only to realize he’d left it at home. The good news? His family lived extremely close by. Luckily, he was able to contact his mom who begrudgingly drove to campus to throw his charger over the fence line so he could make it back in time for the beginning of the test. After getting his charger from his mom and taking a few deep breaths (and some much-needed box breathing), Sam got back on track.
The lesson? Even the most prepared students can overlook something small—like charging their device. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for the digital format. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential items to bring, what to expect, and how to stay calm so you can perform your best on test day.
Even though you’ll be taking the SAT digitally, there are still some key items you need to bring to ensure you’re ready for the exam.
Admission Ticket:
You’ll need a digital or printed copy of your SAT admission ticket. Make sure you access it through your College Board account and have it available before arriving at the test center.
Photo ID:
Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, school ID, or passport. Double-check the ID requirements to make sure it’s an accepted form of identification.
Fully Charged Device:
The digital SAT requires you to bring your own device. Ensure your laptop or tablet is fully charged before the test day. It’s also a good idea to bring a charger just in case you need to recharge during breaks. Be sure that your device meets the College Board’s requirements for the digital SAT.
Approved Calculator:
While the DESMOS graphing calculator will be integrated into the digital test software, you’re allowed to bring your own College Board-approved calculator if you prefer. If you do, make sure it’s charged and ready to go.
Headphones (if required):
Some test centers may allow or require headphones for audio portions or proctor instructions. Check the requirements in advance to see if you need them.
Snack and Water:
Bring a healthy, light snack and water to refuel during breaks. Stick to snacks that provide sustained energy, like nuts, fruit, or granola bars.
Watch (without alarms):
Even though the digital SAT interface provides timing for each section, having a watch (without an alarm) can be useful to manage time during breaks.
Extra Layers of Clothing:
Testing centers can vary in temperature. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing to stay comfortable throughout the test.
Knowing what to expect during the digital SAT test day can help ease any anxiety and ensure you’re ready for anything.
Arrival Time:
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This will give you enough time to check in, get settled, and address any technical issues with your device.
Check-In Procedures:
When you arrive, you’ll show your admission ticket and ID, just like with the paper SAT. You’ll then be directed to a seating area and may need to complete a quick device check to ensure your laptop or tablet is functioning properly for the digital exam.
Test Structure:
The digital SAT is broken into two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. The interface will guide you through each section, providing timers, question navigation, and a built-in DESMOS graphing calculator for math sections.
Proctor Instructions:
The proctor will give instructions at the beginning of the test, so listen carefully. They will also handle any technical issues that arise during the test. If you encounter any device issues, raise your hand and notify the proctor immediately.
Managing the Digital Interface:
Make sure you’re familiar with how the SAT digital interface works before test day. During the test, you’ll be able to highlight text, use the graphing calculator, and easily move between questions. Familiarity with these features can help you feel more in control.
What You Can Do:
Breaks during the digital SAT are similar to the paper version. You can stretch, use the restroom, and have a snack. Just remember to keep your device on the desk and follow proctor instructions regarding breaks.
Staying Relaxed:
Don’t dwell on the last section during your break. Take this time to reset, do some deep breathing, and prepare mentally for the next part of the test.
Nerves are normal, especially on SAT test day, but here are some strategies to help you stay calm and focused, even when things feel overwhelming.
Preparation is Key:
Knowing you’ve prepared thoroughly will help reduce anxiety. If you’ve practiced using the digital interface, gone through the College Board’s digital practice tests, and attended any Inlighten Tutoring walkthroughs, you’re ready. Go into the test confident in your abilities.
Positive Visualization:
Visualize yourself doing well. Imagine yourself calmly moving through the test, answering questions, and navigating the digital interface with ease. This mindset can help you feel empowered.
Morning Routine:
Start your day with a brain-boosting breakfast, such as whole grains, fruits, and foods rich in omega-3s. Avoid last-minute cramming. Instead, use the blurting technique—brain dump the key concepts you remember to refresh your memory.
Box Breathing:
If you feel overwhelmed during the test, try box breathing to calm your nerves: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. This helps slow your breathing and refocus your mind.
Focus on One Question at a Time:
Don’t worry about how much of the test is left or what’s coming next. Focus on each question as it comes, and don’t let tough questions shake your confidence. Use the digital interface to flag any difficult questions you want to return to later.
Time Management:
The digital SAT provides a built-in timer for each section. Pay attention to it, but don’t let it stress you out. If you’re stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later. Every question counts, so it’s better to answer them all, even if you have to make an educated guess.
Recognize the Signs:
Test anxiety often shows up as physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweaty palms. Recognizing these signs early lets you address them before they escalate.
Grounding Techniques:
During breaks, practice grounding techniques like standing up and stretching, feeling your feet on the ground, or taking a few deep breaths. These simple actions help reset your mind for the next section.
Final Check:
At the end of each section, use any remaining time to review your answers, especially math questions. The digital interface allows you to quickly navigate back to flagged questions, so take advantage of this to catch any last-minute mistakes.
Guessing When Necessary:
There’s no penalty for guessing, so be sure to answer every question before the section ends. It’s better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank.
Collecting Your Items:
Once the test is over, you’ll be directed to gather your belongings and leave the testing center. Don’t forget to log out of your device properly before packing up.
Expecting Results:
SAT scores are typically released within a few weeks. You’ll be able to access them through your College Board account. Use this time to reflect on the test experience and think about how you can improve for future tests, if necessary.
Being prepared for the digital SAT involves more than just studying—it’s about knowing what to expect and how to manage the day itself. From bringing the right tools to staying calm under pressure, this guide will help you walk into the test center feeling ready to succeed. At Inlighten Tutoring, we emphasize preparation, strategy, and mindfulness as key components to success. You’ve done the hard work—now it’s time to show what you can do. Good luck!
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