College-Board SAT Exam (SAT ( Scholastic Aptitude Test )) Detailed Information
Policies and Requirements
A calculator and a No. 2 pencil aren’t the only things you need to bring with you on test day. You’ll also need your Admission Ticket and a photo ID. Make sure they meet requirements or you could be turned away.
Important:
International Students
You may have to meet additional requirements to register for or take the
SAT if you are taking it outside of the United States. See policies listed by country.
Getting Into the Test Center on Test Day
Your name, other identifying info, and photo will be on your Admission Ticket. To make sure you are who you say you are, test center staff will compare it to your photo ID. You won’t be allowed to take the test if any of these things are true:
The first and last names — or any other information — on your Admission Ticket don’t match the information on your photo ID.
The photo does not meet photo requirements.
You submitted registration changes after the deadline.
You canceled your test registration before test day.
See the full list of identification requirements and policies.
Who Can’t Register Online
The quickest and easiest way to register is online, but some students have to mail in a completed paper registration form. This could mean you if:
You want to test closer to home or on a Sunday (for religious reasons).
You’re younger than 13, paying by check or money order, or can’t upload a digital photo.
Learn how to register by mail.
More About Names
You must supply your full, legal name when you register online or on paper. The name you supply will be displayed on your Admission Ticket and added to the student roster.
You are responsible for ensuring that the name you use to register exactly matches the name on the ID document(s) you will present at the test center. You won’t be admitted to the test center if any of the information doesn’t match. If you need to make a change to your name after registering, please contact Customer Service at least 30 days prior to your intended test date.
Middle names and initials are optional on your documents; however, if provided, the middle initial must exactly match the first letter of your middle name on your ID.
This might seem like a lot of talk about names, but you’d be surprised by how many questions we get about this very subject.
SAT Practice Tests
Take a practice
SAT on paper to simulate the test day experience. After you've finished, score your test using your phone and the free mobile app, Daily Practice for the New
SAT, or print the resources that come with each test to score them by hand.
Before You Start
You’ll need a printer, pencil, calculator, and timer to take the tests. Here are some tips:
Mark your answers in the correct row of circles on the answer sheet. Be especially careful if you skip questions.
It’s okay to guess. You won’t lose any points if you’re wrong.
Learn how to enter your answers on math grid-ins.
If you’re using a screen reader or other assistive technology, we recommend the Microsoft Word practice tests optimized for you. If you prefer, you can also practice using the MP3 audio format.
Scan and Score
After you’ve finished a practice test, get instant feedback and question-by-question results from your phone. Just open the free app, Daily Practice for the New
SAT, and snap a picture of your answer sheet. If you prefer, print out the guide that comes with the test and score by hand.
Inside the Test
Test day is here, and you’ve got everything you need: photo ID, pencils, calculator, snack — and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect.
You’re On Your Way
One of our biggest goals in changing the
SAT was to make sure it’s highly relevant to your future success. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:
What you learn in high school
What you need to succeed in college
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.
The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the
SAT. The best way to prepare for the test is to:
Take challenging courses.
Do your homework.
Prepare for tests and quizzes.
Ask and answer lots of questions.
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.
