Start with the school's required apps and test software, then choose a keyboard-first laptop for long typing or a tablet when touch and pen input fit the coursework. College Board currently lists Windows and Mac devices, iPads and school-managed Chromebooks for Bluebook; personal Chromebooks are unsupported. The device should hold a charge for 3 to 4 hours. Check current requirements before purchase.
The school’s required software matters more than a grade-level label. Ask which apps, testing tools and device-management settings a student needs, then compare keyboard, touch, storage, battery and accessibility support.
Start with the school’s software and device rules
Ask the school or course provider for the exact apps, web services and testing software the student will use. Check whether the device must be managed by the school, whether assignments need a physical keyboard, and whether the software works in a browser or requires an app. A school-issued device can also reduce setup and compatibility questions.
College Board’s current Bluebook approved-device guide lists Windows and Mac devices, iPads and school-managed Chromebooks. Personal Chromebooks and phones cannot run Bluebook. For a Bluebook testing day, College Board says a device should hold a charge for 3 to 4 hours; its device guidance also lists the current operating-system and storage requirements. Check the list for the exam year and the exact device before buying.
| Device setup | Buyer checks |
|---|---|
| Windows or Mac laptop | Fits extended typing, browser research, file management or desktop software. Check school app and operating-system support, keyboard, camera, microphone and repair options. |
| Chromebook | Fits schools using browser-based tools. Check whether the model is school-managed, required apps work on it and it can run the needed exam software. |
| iPad or another tablet | Fits reading, handwriting, drawing or touch-first apps. Check software support, keyboard needs, file exchange and the testing rules for each exam. |
Choose how the student will work
A built-in laptop keyboard is ready for longer writing and file-heavy assignments. A tablet can make reading, handwriting and drawing convenient, but an add-on keyboard changes how it packs, charges and sits on a desk. Try the setup with the student’s school apps rather than comparing screen size alone.
For College Board’s fully digital AP exams, Bluebook requires an external keyboard with an iPad; for SAT and PSAT assessments, an external keyboard is permitted. A school-managed Chromebook has separate rules, so do not treat every tablet or Chromebook as interchangeable. The exact app and test requirements decide whether a device works.
Compare daily-use details before buying
- Check whether the student can sign in to school accounts and open the required files.
- Compare the keyboard, trackpad or mouse setup the student will use for essays and research.
- Confirm battery life for the school day and required testing session; bring the needed charger.
- Test built-in accessibility features with the course and exam apps the student uses.
- Consider device management, repair access, storage and replacement accessories over the planned ownership period.
For exam calculator rules, see graphing calculators for the SAT, ACT and AP and AP exam prep resources. Compare flashcard and spaced-repetition apps for the study tools a student may use on the device. Browse study tools and classroom guides.
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Common questions
Which laptop should a student buy for school?
Start with the apps required by the school or course. A laptop gives a built-in keyboard for longer writing; a tablet may fit touch and stylus work if the required apps and testing software run on it.
Can students use a Chromebook for the SAT?
College Board allows Bluebook only on a school-managed Chromebook; a personal Chromebook cannot run the app. Check with school IT that the device is managed and prepared for testing.
Can an iPad run Bluebook for AP exams?
College Board lists iPad as supported. An external keyboard is required for fully digital AP exams and permitted for SAT and PSAT assessments.
How long should a test device hold a charge?
College Board says a Bluebook device should hold a charge for 3 to 4 hours. It recommends bringing a power cord or portable charger when practical.