I’m taking the sat next week, and judging by the math part of the practice test, theres some basic graphing questions. I know how to use one, i just dont know if I should invest in one before next week. Do you guys use graphing calcs or scientific? And if you think i should get one, will the TI-84 suffice?
Don’t get a new calculator for next week. It takes some time to understand how to use a new calculator well.
Is there a calculator in your math class that you use in class? If so, that would probably be your best option since you are used to it.
@mom2twogirls yes we use the ti 84 plus but i use a scientific at home.
If you think the graphing calculator will help you with speed and/or accuracy on the SAT (based on practice tests, I would think you have an idea) then I could see getting exactly the same model that you are used to using at school. You shouldn’t need time to figure out how to use a new calculator if you do that.
Another consideration - do you know which graphing calculators are being used in seniors’ math classes? If TI-Nspire, then don’t buy TI-84 - it may prove of little value to you next year.
As @mom2wogirls suggested, make your decision based on how much of an edge you would get on the SAT if using TI-84. My hunch - not much.
SAT Subject Math Level 2 is a totally different story (even though after every test somebody chimes in that they clinched 800 with a simple scientific calculator).
@Plotinus @mom2twogirls @gcf101 i ended up buying the graphing calc and it surprisingly helped me in so many ways on today’s sat. There was about 7-8 questions i needed the graphing functions for which I would’ve gotten wrong if I didn’t have the calculator, so I’m very grateful I ended up getting one. Thanks so much for your input guys! 
@premednyy
Thanks for the calculator report and good luck with your scores!
Assuming the real SAT is similar to the official Practice Tests and the PSAT’s, I would still recommend a CAS calculator for students who have the time to learn how to use it properly. Most (not all) questions that can be solved by graphing can be solved more quickly by CAS.
I’m glad you found something that helped you feel more confident.