Not Every Graphing Calculator is Approved For State Exams

The latest graphing calculator technology is certainly innovative and designed with math and science students in mind. In fact, with such a wide choice of high quality graphing calculators now available, it can be difficult to decide on the right one to buy.

However, before you hasten to buy the latest innovative design in graphing calculators, there's one important issue which must be addressed. The organisations that administer tests and exams such as PSAT, AP and SAT, have strict guidelines about the type of calculators permitted for use in their exams.

Therefore math and science students purchasing a graphing calculator for use in SAT or other standardized exams must take each test's calculator policy into consideration. If you front up for your exam with a calculator which is not "approved" for that test, you will not be allowed to use it in your exam.

Some organizations have very specific calculator policies which outline the permitted calculators by brand name and model, whilst others define the calculator functions which are acceptable and those which are unacceptable.

The following are common features that are not allowed and will force a graphing calculator off the "approved" list for use in many standardised exams:

• Electronic writing pad with input devices such as a touch screen or stylus
• Audible sounds and voice announcements
• Bluetooth and wireless capability with internet access
• Typewriter keypad (QWERTY) in hardware or software
• Paper tape
• Camera, scanning, audio/video recording capabilities

Some maths and science based exams already provide an online calculator, so hand-held calculators are not usually permitted with these exams.

Memory is usually allowed on graphing calculators by the organizations administering standardized tests. However, students with memory-enabled calculators are not allowed to bring stored examples into the exam, or take out the exam questions afterwards. This means that the memory must be cleared both before and after the exam.

Calculator Tips for Exams:

* Bring your calculator, even if you may not need it, they are not usually available at test centres.
* Practice using your calculator on sample SAT mathematics questions before the test.
* Don't buy an expensive, sophisticated calculator just to take the test - the problems simply do not require it.
* Don't try to use a calculator on every question. First, decide how to solve the problem, and then decide whether to use the calculator. The calculator is meant to help, not get in the way.
* It may help to do scratch work in the test book. Get your thoughts on paper before using your calculator.
* Make sure your calculator is in good working order with fresh batteries. If your calculator fails during your test, you will have to complete the exam without it.

Graphing calculators are not an inexpensive purchase. It therefore seems ridiculous to spend a lot of time practicing SAT math questions, only to find that you can't use your calculator in the exam and will need to buy a different one.

The answer is simple. Before undertaking a standardised test, make sure you are become familiar with its calculator policy. Most of the named graphing calculator brands such as Texas Instruments, have comprehensive information on their websites, which make it easy to check. You'll be glad you did!