What To Bring to the ACT: 8 Essentials for a Smooth Test Day

Getting ready for the ACT can feel like preparing for a big adventure. Our guide, "What To Bring to the ACT: 8 Essentials for a Smooth Test Day," is your ticket to a successful test day. From what you’ll need to get into the test center to what to bring and not bring, whether you're taking the paper or online version, this guide will help you prepare, stay calm, and ace your test with confidence.

So, you’ve got your ACT test date circled on the calendar, and the big day is fast approaching. Whether you’re taking the pencil and paper version or the newer online format, being prepared can make all the difference.

Think of it like packing for a big adventure or an important trip — you wouldn’t want to forget anything crucial, like your toothbrush, map and compass, or passport!

In this post we’ll list everything you need to bring to the ACT, give you tips for getting there rested and stress free, and make sure you know what to expect, so you can feel confident, knowing you’ll arrive on time, with all you need for the best outcome and smooth sailing.

What To Bring and NOT Bring on Test Day — Overview

What To Bring: Your 8 Essentials for ACT Test Day

All the items below qualify as essential. But, 1. and 2. are absolutely mandatory. Without them you won't be allowed to even take the test! With that in mind, let's check off what to bring to the ACT test — your eight test-day must-brings.

1. Admission Ticket & Launch Code

Your admission ticket is your golden ticket into the test center. Make sure you print a copy from MyACT after you’ve uploaded your photo. This ticket has important registration details and, for online testers, your launch code. Without it, you won’t be allowed in. Think of it like a concert ticket — you wouldn’t get in without it!

2. Photo Identification OR Student Identification Form

Your ID is your way of proving you are who you say you are. This is a must-bring!

Make sure it's acceptable too! Here are the requirements:

• an official, photo ID, such as a driver’s license or school ID
• current (not expired)
• must be a hard plastic card (not a paper or electronic version)
• ID needs to match the name you used to register for the test
• photo should clearly be you

If you don't have an acceptable form of photo ID, then you MUST present the prescribed ACT Student Identification Form — something you'll need to have prepared in advance, including certification by a school official or a notary.

REMEMBER: No ID. No entry.

3. No. 2 Pencils [for paper test]

For those taking the paper version, bring a few sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Imagine going camping without any matches — just not practical. Mechanical pencils and ink pens are a no-go.

4. Calculator

The ACT allows specific calculators, for use on the math section only. It’s wise to bring one you’re comfortable using.

Check ACT’s calculator policy to make sure yours is allowed.

If you’re taking the online test, there’s a calculator in the test platform, but you can bring your own too. It’s like having your personal instrument to perform on when you're on stage — familiar and comforting.

5. A Watch (restrictions apply)

A watch can help you pace yourself during the test. Just make sure it doesn’t have an alarm, or you could get kicked out. Your watch will also need to be visible on your desk at all times.

Bringing a watch is NOT essential, but you could find it’s convenient to help you track the time as the ACT moves at a brisk pace.

Remember though, this needs to be a simple old-fashioned kind of watch — cell phones and smartwatches are strictly prohibited and must be left at home or kept turned off and out of sight during the entire test session.

Also prohibited are any watches that are internet enabled, blue-tooth enabled, or have any kind of alarm. Again, these must be left home or remain turned off and out of sight!

If you’re taking the computer-based ACT,  it has an onscreen timer to help you pace yourself.

If you do need/want a watch and only have a cell phone or a smartwatch then what?... Check with grandpa, he may have one of the old-style watches in the attic!

6. Snacks and Water

Pack a snack to eat during the break. A little fuel can keep you going strong. Just remember, you can’t eat in the test room.

What to know:

• snack breaks happen outside
• water is also a good idea to stay hydrated
• no chewing or eating in the testing room

7. Comfortable Clothing (in layers)

Dress in comfortable clothing. Consider dressing in layers too, so it's easy to stay comfortable if the climate controls are not what you expected!

Think of it like scouting or other outdoor recreational activities: you want to be prepared (even for the unexpected, or especially for the unexpected) before you head off into the great outdoors.

Why is it important to be prepared? It can be hard to predict what testing conditions will be like, especially if you’re not familiar with the testing location. Not being able to adjust to conditions, with clothing in layers, can mean you're too uncomfortable to concentrate, dealing with a distraction you could otherwise avoid.

Why is it so cold in this gym?... Oh, they don’t turn the heat on on Saturdays?...So glad I brought my ski cap and parka!

8. Your Reading Glasses/Contact Lenses (if needed)

If you need reading glasses or contacts to perform at your best level, to avoid unnecessary eye strain or testing fatigue, then of course you'll bring your glasses or contacts. Just don't absently-minded leave them behind amid all the bundle-of-nerves excitement when it's time to head off to the test center!

What NOT To Bring: Your 8 ACT No-Go's

When it comes to test day DOs and DON’Ts, there are about as many prohibited items as there are essential ones.

For example, the electronic devices you’re used to taking everywhere… like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches… that’s a big-time NO-GO for the ACT. If anything so much as buzzes or vibrates inside the test room, you could be dismissed.

Any such devices are best left at home. If you do bring them, keep them TURNED OFF and OUT OF SIGHT for the entire test session, including breaks.

Now here's you checklist of items to leave at home or fully out of sight at all times.

ACT Test Day: 8 Prohibited Items

1. NO electronic devices
2. NO textbooks, notes, and scratch paper: all off-limits
3. NO highlighters, colored pens/pencils, correction fluid/tape (stick to your no. 2 pencils)
4. NO unauthorized watches, stopwatches, or calculators
5. NO “connected” devices
6. NO reading material (save the novels for after the test)
7. NO earplugs, audio headphones, or headsets; NO noise-canceling headphones
8. NO tobacco (Tobacco? To the ACT? Is that a thing??) NO gum, eating, or chewing inside the test room (snacks + water only are ok, during breaks only, outside the test room)

Getting Yourself There: On Time, Cool, Calm, Collected

Getting to your test center on time is crucial. Here are some tips to make sure you arrive on time and stress-free:

Plan Your Route

• Do a Practice Run: A few days before the test, do a practice run to the test center. This will help you get familiar with the route and know exactly how long it takes to get there. It’s like a dress rehearsal for a play — practice makes perfect!
• Check Traffic Conditions: On the morning of the test, check the traffic conditions. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to see if there are any delays or road closures. Plan to leave earlier than you think you need to, just in case.
• Know Your Parking Options: If you’re driving, make sure you know where you can park. Some test centers have specific parking areas, while others might have limited spaces. It’s a good idea to find out ahead of time to avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Have a Backup Plan

• Alternative Transportation: If you rely on public transportation, check the schedules and have a backup plan in case of delays. Know the routes for buses or trains that can get you there if your primary option falls through.
• Carpool With a Friend: If you have a friend taking the test at the same location, consider carpooling. It can be more fun and less stressful, plus you can double-check that you both have everything you need before heading in.

Prepare the Night Before

• Pack Your Bag: Make sure you have everything you need packed and ready to go the night before. Admission ticket, ID, pencils, calculator, snacks — double-check your list so you’re not scrambling in the morning.
• Set Multiple Alarms: Set more than one alarm to make sure you wake up on time. Place one across the room if you’re a heavy sleeper — it’ll force you to get out of bed to turn it off.

On the Morning of the Test

• Give Yourself Extra Time: Aim to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early. This will give you time to find parking, check in, and get settled without feeling rushed.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Keep calm and stay positive. Listen to your favorite music or a motivational podcast on the way to keep your nerves in check.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you arrive at your test center on time and ready to tackle the ACT. A little preparation can go a long way in making your test day as smooth and stress-free as possible. Good luck — you’ve got this!

Some Personal Reminders

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A good night’s sleep is your best friend before test day. It helps you stay sharp and focused. Think of it like the eve of a big game — you want to be at your best.

Be Comfortable and Leave Lots of Time

Dress comfortably, in layers, so you can adjust if it’s too hot or cold. Arrive by 8:00 am sharp (plan to arrive twenty minutes early for good measure). Do a practice run to the test center beforehand if you’re unsure of the location. Better safe than sorry!

Breaks During the Test

You’ll get a 15-minute break after the math test. Use this time to eat a snack and stretch outside the testing room. Remember, no electronic devices during breaks. If you’re taking the ACT with writing, there’s another short break before the writing test. Do your best to do whatever little bit of self-care you can during any breaks!

Learn More About the ACT With These Resources:

What Is the ACT? Key Insights for College Admissions

Take the ACT? 6 Important Reasons Why You Should

What Is a Good ACT Score for Top Universities in 2024?

How Many Times Can You Take the ACT? Tips for Retakes, Score Reporting, Scheduling, and More

Free Online Mini-ACT Practice Test

Online ACT Tutoring

Special Considerations for the Online ACT

If you're taking the online ACT, it must be taken on a test center-managed device at the test center you selected when registering for the test.

Also, students taking the ACT outside the US, including Canada, the online format is your only option.

Digital Format Specifics

If you’re taking the test online, know that the content and scoring are the same as the paper test. You’ll have access to a digital calculator, but bringing your own is still a good idea.

Scratch Paper? Highlighters?

Students who take the pencil and paper ACT can't have scratch paper, but are allowed to use the blank pages on the inside of their ACT test booklet as scratch paper, and they can underline or make notations anywhere in the test booklet.

So what about online test takers?

One potential downside of the digital ACT, is you'll have no test booklet to write on!

However, ACT.org says you can use scratch paper, and it is supposed to be provided to you. (Remember, using your own scratch paper is prohibited according to ACT.)

As for annotating test items, the computer-based test has some digital highlighting and annotation tools accessible to test takers. (However, the highlights can disappear: if you use your highlighter on a passage and then move on to a subsequent question attached to the same passage, your highlights are erased.)

Other digital tools...

There's also an answer eliminator tool, to help you with your "process of elimination" test taking strategy, and an answer masking tool you can use to hide answer choices you believe to be distractors.

Individualized Testing Accommodations & English Learner Supports

If you think you qualify for individualized testing accommodations, ACT says it's committed to providing them, when appropriate.

If this might be you, you can't simply request the accommodation on test day. ACT must approve the accommodation(s) you're requesting ahead of time.

Confirm you need accommodations when prompted during the registration process (or reach out to ACT to update your registration if needed).

According to ACT.org, ACT will work with officials at your school to gather input. This means you also need to provide ACT with a completed Consent to Release Information to ACT (PDF) form.

For complete information about accommodations and English Learner Supports, check out ACT TEST ACCOMMODATIONS.

If your accommodations are approved and testing day is approaching, be sure to print your admission ticket ahead of time; check to confirm it shows your accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for the ACT is like gearing up for a big adventure. Make sure you’ve got everything you need, double-check your list, and head into test day with confidence.

Remember, this is just one step in your journey. You’re prepared, you’re ready, and you’re going to do great.

And, while you're all on your own on test day, it doesn't have to be that way for the rest of your college journey! With the support of a team of strategists, mentors, and Former Admissions Officers on your side, who knows just how far you can reach. In fact, students in the Crimson network are up to 7x more likely to reach their top-choice school, on average.

Ready to find out why?

Want to get in on the action?

Sign up for a free feedback session with a friendly US or UK strategist, find out how your application profile and strategy stack up and what makes our personalized approach so effective.