If you are planning to take the SAT after December 2023, throw away your Number 2 pencils. Starting in spring 2024, the College Board will only offer the SAT in a digital format, meaning that you will have to take it on a computer or a tablet instead of on paper. This is a big shift from the current system of filling in bubbles on a piece of paper. In this blog post, we will explain what this change means for you and how you can prepare for it.
Why is the College Board switching to a digital SAT?
Probably a better question: why did they take so long?! There are many benefits:
– The digital SAT will be more accessible and flexible for students with disabilities, who will be able to use assistive technology and accommodations more easily on a computer or a tablet.
– The new format will be more secure and fair, as it will reduce the risk of cheating, test theft and score tampering. The College Board will also be able to monitor the testing environment more closely and detect any irregularities or disruptions.
– The digital SAT will be more efficient and convenient, as it will eliminate the need for printing, shipping and scanning paper tests. The College Board will also be able to deliver scores faster and more reliably to students and colleges.
What will the digital SAT look like?
Many things about the SAT will not change. The assessments will continue to be administered in a school or in a test center with a proctor present—not at home. The types of questions and multiple-choice format will stay the same. And there will still be a maximum score of 1600, supposedly equivalent to the paper test. In other words a student who gets 1200 on the current format would be expected to get about 1200 on the new one.
But there are some major changes. There will be 98 questions not 154 and the length of the test is cut by almost an hour to 2 hours 14 minutes. There are now just two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. You’ll have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section (54 questions) and 70 minutes to complete the Math section (44 questions).
Getting more granular, each section has two modules: Reading and Writing Module 1, Reading and Writing Module 2, Math Module 1, and Math Module 2. Reading and Writing Module 1 contains easy, medium, and hard prompts. At the end of the first module, the test will do an instant analysis and decide whether you’ll continue to an easier or more difficult version of Reading and Writing Module 2. The same with the Math section: you’ll get an easier or harder version of Math Module 2 based on how well you did on the first module. This so-called Adaptive Testing allows for a shorter test; your score won’t be just based on the number of questions you get right, but also how difficult they are.
BYOD if you have one
You are encouraged to bring your own Windows laptop or tablet, Mac laptop or iPad, or school-managed Chromebook. This is obviously best because you’ll be comfortable with your own device. But if you do not have your own, the testing center may be equipped with computers or your school will provide one. Students can also request a loaner directly from the College Board at the time of registration.
How can you prepare for the digital SAT?
Setting aside the obvious answer (hire a tutor from In-Home Tutors), a good way to prepare for the digital SAT is to practice with official SAT practice tests and questions on Khan Academy. This is free and a wonderful resource.
In addition, the College Board has a free Bluebook app which will let you try out some sample questions and get used to the digital interface. Start here: Digital SAT Practice and Preparation – SAT Suite | College Board. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific features and tools of the digital SAT, such as:
– How to use the mouse or touch screen to select answers and move between questions.
– How to use the on-screen calculator effectively and efficiently.
– How to manage your time with the on-screen timer.
– How to use the on-screen scratch pad, highlighter, eraser and keyboard.
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for taking the test on a computer or a tablet.
If you’re upset to see the bubble sheet fade into history, say the sentences below out loud (and believe them!)
– the digital SAT is not harder or easier than the paper SAT, just different.
– you’re good at adapting to new situations and challenges
Be comfortable and relaxed in your testing environment. Choose a device that works well for you, wear headphones if needed, adjust your screen brightness and volume, etc. You’re going to ace the new digital SAT!
Joking aside, this is a big change that will affect millions of students who count on a good SAT score to get them into the college of their choice. Do take time to familiarize yourself with the format. Take some practice tests. And, maybe, ask your parent to get you a tutor.
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