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Writer's pictureMinarets Press Staff

Don't Sob over the SAT

Updated: May 24, 2020


The SAT is quickly approaching as it is on March 9th. Tests can be stressful, below you can find information and tips on your upcoming test.

What should I bring to the test?

When taking the SAT make sure to bring your admission ticket, a tolerable photo ID of yourself (you can use your Minarets passes you receive at the start of the school year), Number 2 pencils with full erasers, an approved calculator which include most graphing calculators, all scientific calculators, and four-function calculators but are not recommended. Epinephrine injectors are allowed as long as they are kept in a clear bag and stored under the students’ desk while testing session is present.


It is not required nor unacceptable to bring, a watch, a bag or backpack including drinks and snacks, and extra batteries for your calculator if needed.

You are not permitted to have an iPod, MP3 player, iPad, laptop, any device you can text on, or any other tablet in your possession during testing hours. Cameras or any equipment used for photography are not allowed. Other products not allowed during SAT testing are protractors compasses, rulers, highlighters, colored pens or pencils, any separate timer, self owned paper, dictionaries. Food and drink is prohibited however approved for consumption during “breaks”.

If you bring a device and it makes noise or is seen in your hand, being used you will immediately dismissed from the perimeter. Your scores to the test can be canceled and the device will be inspected to see its contents.

Please Silence your Cellphones

You must turn off all devices you have brought the the test. Devices can be kept in your backpack, under your desk, on silent and or must be turned off.

What to expect

The Day of the Test


Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. and the doors will close at 8:00 a.m. unless your admission ticket instructs otherwise. Once the test has started and the doors close, you will not be allowed into the test. If you are late on your test day you can reschedule for a later date. It is recommended you reschedule rather than re-register, it will cost less.

Your test will start between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. You will receive assigned seating, choosing your seat is not allowed.

The coordinator of the test will read all the instructions and answer questions about the procedure of the test. After each section time has come to a stop, the coordinator will advise you when breaks will be made, how long they will last, they will also tell you when you’re starting the next section. Once a test section has finished, you may not go back to review the pages. If you have finished a section before time is up, review the pages and your answers a second time, you may not go ahead to the next section of the test until your coordinator instructs you to. Once the test has come to an end the coordinator(s) will collect the test books and materials from every student and dismiss you from the room.

Every test will provide students a 10 minute break and a 5 minute break. During this time you can eat, drink, or use the restroom. Remember to keep your ID with you at all times, as you re-enter the building your ID will be checked. Your sheet of answers, test book, and calculator should be left on the table during breaks.

If you are taking the SAT along with the essay portion, you will most likely finish testing around 1 p.m. If you take the test without the essay, you will finish around noon.

For more information on what to expect when “taking the tests”, visit:

Test Sections


There are five general subject areas within the SAT including English, History, Languages, Math, and Science. “Each subject test is an hour long.”

For more information on test sections, visit:

Score Ranges

Your total score can range from 400 - 1600. The reading and writing portion score ranges from 200 - 800 as well as the math portion. The SAT essay score ranges from 2 - 8.

Test scores are typically accessible to you two weeks after the test. If you test in June, expect to receive your scores six weeks after the test date.

You use your score and practice on Khan Academy and College Board. Links provided below.

For more information on scores, visit:

Test Retakes

If it is your first time, don’t worry. There are several chances to take the test again. Students tend to do better on the test their second time around.

For information on how to register, visit:

Test Dates

The upcoming test dates are listed below. It is suggested you take the test two or more times. You can use the highest test score on all the tests you’ve taken when applying for college.

March 9, 2019

May 4, 2019

June 1, 2019

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