When you head off to take the ACT, don’t let forgetfulness or inattention surprise you with something unexpected and affect your test-taking abilities. Here are some true stories of unexpected events reported by ACT.

A student bought a new calculator the night before the test and used it the first time while taking the test. Unfortunately, he found the calculator didn’t work.

Another student failed to look at the list of calculators that are allowed during the test and arrived with one that had been banned. She had to take the test without a calculator.

One student didn’t look at her admission ticket until the day before the test. She was surprised to learn that she had registered for a site one hour away, not her high school. At the last minute, she had to factor in driving time for her pre-test preparations.

A student arrived at the test site without a photo ID. Fortunately, he was able to run home and get it before the test started.

Recently, one of ACT’s student bloggers took the test. When Emily sat down, she discovered her desk wobbled. Knowing that this would bother her throughout the test, she asked to be re-seated. Emily had planned ahead to arrive early and make sure she was comfortable, which left her enough time to request a new seat.

Plan ahead to make sure little things won’t distract you from doing your best on test day. Double-check your admission ticket. Is it for the right date? The right location? Make sure your calculator is allowed, that it has fresh batteries and that it works. Bring a photo ID and be comfortable.

Obviously, unexpected events do happen. Read your testing information from ACT early and visit www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/testday.html to get familiar with test-day procedures and what is allowed in the testing room.

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