Your Complete Test Day Checklist: Last Minute Prep & What to Bring Test Day
Ever finish a practice test and think, That didn’t go how I expected? Maybe you ran out of time, lost focus halfway through, or made mistakes you usually catch. That’s not just about studying harder—it’s about how you prepare to take the test.
If you want your SAT, ACT, or even PSAT or AP practice test to give you real insights (and real results), you have to treat it like the real thing. Here’s how to set yourself up for success—mentally, physically, and logistically.
Practice Like You Play
The point of a practice test isn’t just to “see how you do.” It’s to rehearse how you want to perform on test day. So treat your setup seriously.
Sit at a desk or table—not your bed or couch.
Follow real test timing without pauses or resets.
Take your break, then jump back in.
Test in a public space if you can—libraries and co-working spots mimic the slight unpredictability of a real test center.
The more your practice environment mirrors the real thing, the more useful your results will be.
Habits That Build Focus
Good test habits aren’t about big changes—they’re about repeatable actions.
Here’s what I tell my students:
If you tend to rush, underline key words in the question to slow down.
If you lose points on small math errors, write out every step—even when it feels unnecessary.
Before your test starts, jot a note to yourself: “Take my time” or “Read twice before answering.” That small cue keeps your brain anchored.
The Night Before: Game Day Prep Starts Now
You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: the night before matters. You wouldn’t roll into a big game without warming up, and the same goes for a practice test. This is the time to streamline your brain and protect your energy—not overload yourself.
Instead of doing a pile of practice problems, focus on light review:
Glance through your math formulas.
Skim grammar or punctuation rules you tend to forget.
Revisit recent mistakes—not to beat yourself up, but to keep your awareness sharp.
And don’t wait until Friday night to rest. Try to catch up on sleep starting Thursday, so you’re not running on fumes by Saturday.
Pack your bag, charge your device or calculator, print your admission ticket, and lay out layers in case your testing room runs cold. You want everything ready so you can walk out the door without thinking twice.
What to Bring on Practice Test Day
One of the most common questions I get from students is, "What do I do the last few days before the test to prepare, and what I shouldn't do leading up to the test?"
The biggest thing I do not recommend doing in the days leading up to the test is cramming. It's really tempting to spend your last few days cramming and practicing. Actually, I don't recommend doing that. I find that most students either psych themselves out or get overconfident by doing too much practice ahead of time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You may have a 5th, experimental section on your ACT exam. if you're taking a paper SAT or a paper ACT. This section does not count toward your score. It is simply a test section where College Board and the ACT are testing out questions.
What to Bring on Practice Test Day
Your test format—digital or paper, online or in-person—determines what you’ll need to bring. Here’s how to get it right:
For In-Person Digital SAT or Online ACT
A fully charged device (laptop or tablet) with the Bluebook app installed (for SAT or APs) – SAT Device Requirements | ACT Device Requirements
Admission ticket:
For SAT: Generated in Bluebook after exam set-up
For ACT: Printed from my ACT
A valid photo ID that matches your test registration info
Scratch materials: pens or pencils for notes and math work
Your College Board login (you may need to sign in again) – SAT/AP Only
A calculator—either the built-in one in Bluebook (ACT Coming Soon) or your own approved model (SAT Calculator Policy | ACT Calculator Policy)
Optional items: charger, snack, water, backup device, silent watch, layers (in case the test center is cold)
Remember: You must complete exam setup in Bluebook 1–5 days before your test to get your ticket. Take a screenshot, print it, or email it to yourself so it’s ready when you arrive.
For In-Person Paper ACT
A printed copy of your ACT admission ticket (you can access this after uploading your photo)
A current, acceptable photo ID (school or government-issued, not expired)
Sharpened #2 pencils (no pens or mechanical pencils allowed)
A calculator (ACT Calculator Policy)
OPTIONAL: A basic wristwatch or timer to keep an eye on pacing (must be silent and visible)
OPTIONAL: A water bottle or small snack for breaks
Make sure all devices—including phones and smartwatches—are turned off and stored away. Even touching them during the test or breaks can result in your scores being canceled.
Set everything up the night before—charging your device, printing your ticket, and packing your bag—to make your morning routine smoother and keep your focus on performance.
After the Test: Reflect to Improve
When the last section ends, don’t just toss your pencil and move on. Take a few minutes to reflect:
Where did your pacing feel strong?
When did your focus drop off?
What worked? What didn’t?
This reflection is where your real learning happens. It helps you shift from reacting to rehearsing—so next time, you come in stronger.
Want a One-Page Checklist You Can Use Again and Again?
If you’re prepping for your next SAT, ACT, or AP practice test and want a quick, go-to guide for what to do, what to bring, and how to keep your head in the game—download my Test Day Checklist.
It covers:
What not to do (like cramming)
What to review and when
The exact materials to pack
Simple strategies to stay focused and calm
