SAT test day

By now your head must be full of facts, figures and formulas. Taking your stuffed brain with you on test day is, well, no small stuff. You will be going to the test site to show what you know. However, to be fully prepared for this experience, you'll have to load up on a couple of other items.

Here are some tips to remember on your test day:

• Breathe easy: Now that study time is over, take a deep breath and clear your crammed mind. Relax and take it easy!

• Admission Ticket: Don’t think you can get into the exam hall without your ticket. You will receive your ticket in the mail a week or two prior to the test. If you haven't received your ticket one week before the test or if you happen to lose your ticket, call the College Board.

• Calculator: Students are allowed almost any four-function, graphing, or scientific calculator. Studies show that students who use calculators perform slightly better on the exam than those who do not. However, the College Board does disallow certain types of calculators. You can find that list at SAT I Calculator Policy.

• Testing aids: Please note, only pencils are permitted, not highlighters, compasses, rulers, protractors, personal stereos or headphones. If you’re religious, leave the rosary in your car.

• Clear directions: Don't add more stress to an already hectic day. So, take a test drive a couple days before the final day. Pay attention to how much time it takes to get you there and check out the parking situation at the test center. On the day of the exam, add a few minutes as a safety measure for bad weather or traffic snags.

• Clothes: Wear comfort clothes for all kinds of classroom weather. Best layer on a sweater or sweatshirt over a shirt that stays away from a tight fit. Test centers either feel like saunas or deep freezes, so you have to be adaptable.

• Pencils: Carry several freshly sharpened Number 2 pencils and a few good erasers. You can even carry a small pencil sharpener, if you wish.

• Photo ID: You should have in hand the latest, recognizable picture of yourself. Snapshots don't count; neither do library cards, social security cards, birth certificates, or credit cards. You’ll either have to produce a driver's license, passport, or your school ID.

• Watch: A reliable wristwatch will help you keep track of time. However, leave watches with beepers or alarms at home, with your cell phone. These things generally end up as the property of the proctor for the course of the exam.

• Scratch paper: Although you aren’t allowed to carry in blank sheets, the exam booklet has plenty of extra space for you to figure, jot, diagram, scrawl, or scratch upon.

All the best!