Once you’ve registered and studied up for the ACT, what should you bring to the ACT test? Like a knight on a quest, ensure you are armed to the hilt for your long journey ahead (the ACT may not be much of a grand adventure, but it sure does take endurance and you are most certainly on a quest to achieve your highest score possible!).
After all that practice and studying, don’t let something silly and avoidable be the reason you aren’t allowed to test or get your test scored.
You deserve better than that.
Let’s dive into what to bring to the ACT (and what not to bring). This article will help you avoid being caught off-guard by the little things you need to know.
The Friday night before your Saturday test, make sure you go to bed early so you get enough sleep and are able to get up early enough for a good breakfast.
But before you do, set out what you’ll be bringing in the morning so you can grab it quickly and head out the door with confidence on Saturday.
You’ve done the prep work, now conquer the day!
Here’s The List Of What To Bring To The ACT:
- Your Personal ACT admission ticket (you’ll need to print it in advance)
- An official photo ID
- (3) pre-sharpened, No. 2 pencils
- A good eraser
- A mask (check out the latest CDC guidelines if you have questions, as these are what the test administrators will continue to follow – at the moment, masks are required for entry into any testing site)
- A bottle of water
- Some healthy snacks
- It can be something you like, something that will give you a boost. Keep in mind that dark chocolate has spectacular health benefits, and not just if you’re Harry Potter… Have a skeptical parent you need to convince? Look it up on WebMD or share this article from Healthline on the 7 proven health benefits of chocolate!
- BUT don’t only bring a sugary snack. You definitely don’t want your sugar level to drop before the test is up. Approach the ACT like the marathon that it is and nosh on veggies or protein-heavy treats too.
- A calculator
- An extra set of batteries for your calculator so you aren’t left in the lurch with a machine that runs out of juice
- A watch (see guidelines below)
What Calculators Are Allowed On The ACT?
Check in advance that the model you want to use is on ACT, Inc.’s list of approved calculators.
*BONUS TIP: Be sure to practice in advance with the calculator you want to use so you’re not wasting valuable testing time on the day of, trying to figure out how to use it or where the major buttons are.
What NOT To Bring To The ACT
First and foremost, a negative attitude won’t get you anywhere in life or in the ACT! Take a deep breath. Believe in yourself. Leave any insecurities at home along with:
- Books
- Highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils, or any non-No. 2 pencils, crayons, markers, etc.
- Scratch paper (but you can use your test booklet as scratch paper!).
- Phones or smartwatches or tablets (anything with the internet).
IMPORTANT NOTE: EVEN DURING BREAKS electronic devices aren’t allowed.
If a proctor sees any electronic devices, they can be taken away and they will certainly invalidate your test.
What NOT To Do At The ACT
You can’t expect any potential colleges to take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously. Start now. This isn’t the time or the place to goof off.
But that’s not to say that you should give yourself too much pressure either.
If you haven’t done a ton of studying, don’t stress yourself out by trying to cram the night before. Better to get a good night’s sleep and use your best logic and guessing abilities to reflect whether you are in your education and college admissions process.
You got this.
Don’t freak yourself out and don’t:
- Be late. You won’t be let in.
- Use the calculator for any section that isn’t the math portion.
- Keep writing after time is called. They are very very strict on this.
Ready To Learn How To Study For The ACT?
Do what you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for these intense standardized college entrance exams.
Whether you’re preparing for the ACT or the SAT, Higher Scores Test Prep has got your back- along with all the resources you need to achieve delightfully brag-worthy scores.
If you want to get your highest possible score, we can get you there. Even in as few as four hours.
If you’re eager for more info, head on over to this article that covers everything else you need to know about the ACTs.
If you have any questions, don’t wait until the last minute to ask the experts. Contact us now and let us help!
