Quick ACT testing question - Oct 23rd test

<p>My son is taking the ACT tomorrow at a school we have never been to (but it is only a 15 minute drive from here). The Admission's ticket has a list of do and don't bring to the test items. It says NOT to bring a cell phone or any snacks or beverages. Really really?
Can my son bring his cell and keep it off under the desk in a backpack so he can call me for pick up after the test? Why can't he have snacks and water during the breaks? Will the test center/proctors object to his having them under the desk in a backpack (so he can have them during the breaks?) What is a good (permitted) calculator for this test? I know you cannot have T-89 but what CAN or should you have?</p>

<p>Do the guys usually bring a backpack for thier stuff (pencils, calculator, snack) or do they just wear shorts that have pockets? My son is partial to the pocketless basketball shorts so I was wondering if he needed to wear his cargo shorts just for the pockets?</p>

<p>We don't know that much about this test and I already went through the ACT threads...with no answers, so I would appreciate any information that my fellow parents could enlighten us with.</p>

<p>My daughter did indeed take her cell phone and a (discreet) snack (like a granola bar) with her to the ACT test.</p>

<p>Everything fit into her pencil case.</p>

<p>Just make SURE the phone is turned off during the test, as I can imagine a student would removed from the room if the phone rang.</p>

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<p>What type of pencil case? That is a good idea.</p>

<p>My kids always had their supplies in a ziploc bag one can easily see through.
During the test it sits on the floor.
Backpacks were not permitted. </p>

<p>As far as calculator, mine used Ti-Nspire non CAS.</p>

<p>I would keep those things in a backpack so he has them during the breaks. Keep the cell phone shut off.</p>

<p>seiclan, pencil cases can be hard to find.</p>

<p>There are the type that are flat, oblong and have holes along the side so that they can be snapped into a binder. Something like that would work.</p>

<p>[ACT</a> FAQ : What should I take to the test center?](<a href=“http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/bring.html]ACT”>http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/bring.html)
has a list of aceptable and not acceptable calculators.</p>

<p>As far as the food and water, this regulation has tightened in recent years. Be sure your child eats a good breakfast with protein, such as 2 or 3 eggs. These will last longer than carbs.</p>

<p>At our test center kids could only eat/drink from the vending machines so send $$ just in case. </p>

<p>I had the kids turn off their cell phones in front of me before they got out of the car. We never used backpacks, only light jackets with zippered pockets. Which reminds me…it can be very cold in those rooms so send along a light jacket/hoodie.</p>

<p>Agree with the large gallon-size ziploc bag - my son had his ID, admission ticket, pencils, calculator, granola bar, etc. in the bag. He did bring a bottle of water. They get a break between 2 sections and most proctors will allow them to have a drink/snack at that time. My advice is to bring a snack. He did not bring his cell phone - that is one item they may want to take away. I felt he did not need it since I knew when the test would be over anyway.</p>

<p>My son brought a clear zip lock bag with a protein bar, apple and red bull. Ate it during the break and was grateful for it. Cell phone stayed in his car.</p>

<p>My kids school is a testing center and the kids deposit coats, backpacks, ziplocks with food, car keys, cell phones and whatever else they bring against the wall behind the proctor not to be touched (except to take out the pencils and calculator which they show to the proctor) until the test is over. They don’t allow water bottles at our high school to sit on the desk. They can put money in their pocket for the vending machines at break.</p>

<p>You can use a TI-84 calc. Agree with the protein b’fast.</p>

<p>Allow plenty of time to get to the testing center! When S took the test last March, we were headed to our high school, less than a mile from our home. There was a road race that morning that blocked access to the school at exactly the time most kids were arriving UGHHHH! Kids got out of cars and were running the last 2 blocks to get there - nothing like a burst of adreneline to help you concentrate ;)</p>