SAT Tip of the Week Calculator Use on the New SAT

At Veritas Prep, our instructors are asked a variety of questions about the new SAT. Some students want to know about the difficulty of the test, while others wonder about the types of questions that will be in each section. One of the most common questions we get is, â€Å"What calculators are allowed on the SAT?† Students know that they’ll encounter 58 questions on the Math Section of the new SAT and want be prepared for all of them. Learn the answer to the above question and find out whether students really need to bring a calculator on test day: Can You Use a Calculator on the SAT? Yes, students can use one of the acceptable calculators for some SAT math questions. Students must, however, keep in mind that there are portions of the math section where they are allowed to use a calculator as well as portions where they are not allowed to use one. In addition, a student isn’t required to use a calculator on any part of the test it’s up to the individual as to whether they need a calculator to answer the questions. What Calculators Are Allowed on the SAT? There are certain types of calculators allowed on SAT math questions. Students should be familiar with the guidelines for approved calculators if they plan to take one along on test day. Though calculators are allowed on some SAT math questions, they can sometimes be a hindrance when solving certain types of problems. For example, if a student uses a calculator to answer a question for reassurance rather than trusting their knowledge, they may lose valuable test time. Some questions can be answered more quickly without the help of a calculator. Part of the challenge of the math section on the new SAT is deciding whether or not to use a calculator on any given question. Types of Calculators to Leave at Home Some students get really excited when they hear that they will be able to use a calculator on some math problems of the new SAT. Unfortunately, in their excitement, they may forget that they can only bring SAT-approved calculators with them. For instance, it’s likely that a student has a basic calculator on their smartphone, but these devices aren’t allowed into the testing room, so students who show up on test day expecting to use the calculator on their smartphone for the exam will be disappointed. There are also other devices that are not on the list of SAT-acceptable calculators. A student should not bring a calculator that needs to be plugged into a wall socket, a calculator with a paper tape in it, or one that makes noises when its buttons are pushed. All of these would interfere with the concentration of others in the testing room, so they will not be allowed in. In addition, students should never bring a new calculator that they’re unfamiliar with students should be concentrating on submitting their best performance on the test, not trying to figure out how to perform functions on a new calculator. Do Students Need a Calculator to Succeed on the SAT? It’s up to each individual, though it is recommended that students taking the new SAT bring along an appropriate calculator just in case. But for some students   especially students who rarely use a calculator in their math courses, regardless of what type of math they’re working on a calculator can get in the way of their thinking. If a student feels at ease answering questions without a calculator, then they should go with what is comfortable. At Veritas Prep, our knowledgeable instructors teach tips and strategies that can guide students to success. We can advise students on when to incorporate a calculator into their work and when to put their calculator aside. Along with expert instruction, our professional instructors  provide students with the encouragement and support they need to feel at ease on the Math Section as well as every other section of the new SAT. Contact Veritas Prep and give us the opportunity to study with you for the new SAT! Still need to take the SAT? Check out our variety of free SAT resources to help you study successfully. And be sure to find us on Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Twitter!