Final Checklist for the SAT

With less than a week to go before the May 2026 SAT, now is the time to get organized so that nothing avoidable stands in your way on test day.

Use this checklist to walk in ready, calm, and confident — and maybe even a little inevitable. 😉

THE WEEK BEFORE THE TEST…

Go into Bluebook and complete the short exam setup. You must complete this step 1 to 5 days before your exam. This cannot be done on test day. The app will generate your admission ticket.
Take a challenging SAT practice test (Bluebook or Prepped) and do a final review of missed concepts.
Reach out to me if you have any last-minute questions.

Don’t solve any more tests. Best to keep any prep to light review:
- Review rules/strategies/formulas, but only until about 8 p.m., then relax and go to sleep early.
- Do a mental run-through of the test. Be ready for predictable stressors such as test room noise, tough Module 2 questions, and the 5-minute timer warning, and they won’t bother you so much when they occur.
Prepare things you will bring in the morning:
- Your device with Bluebook installed (charge it the night before)
- Charger and extension cord (just in case)
- Admission ticket (downloaded & printed out from Bluebook, just to be safe)
- Several pens or pencils for scratch work (paper will be provided)
- An approved calculator with fresh batteries (if you prefer not to use Desmos on Bluebook)
- A snack and water (chocolate, energy bar, banana, and nuts are all good choices)
- The clothes you will wear tomorrow (consider dressing in layers in case it gets too hot or cold)
- Acceptable photo identification (passport is best, as it must have your name in English)
Go to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep in.

Wake up early, do some stretches to get your blood flowing, and a couple leftover practice qs just to warm up.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Protein (brain food) and carbs (for energy) are ideal.
Leave early, and plan to be at the site by 7:30 am. Look over your strategy/formulas/rules on your way there. Check-in time is 7:45, and doors close promptly at 8 am.

You are prepared, and this doesn’t have to be the last time you take the test. So don’t worry and just do your best.
Your overall job is to simply read without rushing, then solve by careful elimination.
Use your scrap paper for tough R&W questions as well as for the math section. Make sure the proctor provides the paper you are entitled to for R&W — you may need to request it.
If you feel any distractions, close your eyes and take a couple deep breaths, then get back to solving.
If you’re taking too long, pick the Letter of the Day and confidently move on. Strategically skipping a few of the toughest questions maximizes scores.
Afterward, celebrate a job well done, satisfied that you did your best! 😊

Good luck everyone! I’ll be beaming you positive thoughts on Saturday morning! You got this! You’re prepped!👍

-Robert