On March 9, 2024, students across the country sat down to take the new Digital SAT, a shorter test of math and verbal skills that is administered entirely on a computer. This isn’t the first time the SAT has changed: new versions of the SAT were previously launched as recently as 2005 and 2016. Evolution isn’t always easy, but so far the transition to the Digital SAT has mostly been a success, with only a few surprises and hiccups along the way. Get to know the Digital SAT and discover what’s new, what were the takeaways from the first two test dates in March and May, and what resources are available to help you maximize your score!
Digital SAT Explained
What makes the Digital SAT different from the old paper SAT and the current ACT® comes down to its format, content, scoring, tools, and timing.
- Format: There are two verbal modules and two math modules on the Digital SAT; they are all multiple choice except for some student-produced responses in the math section. Since the Digital SAT is adaptive, the first of both the verbal and math modules contain questions of varying difficulty, and a student’s performance on those first modules determines whether they get sorted into the easier or harder versions of the second modules.
- Content: Verbal modules use short passages from literature (prose, poetry), natural and social sciences, and humanities texts to test students skills with reading comprehension, vocabulary, text structure, rhetoric, and grammar, while math modules test students with problems in algebra, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Scoring: Scores for the Digital SAT are the same as the paper SAT with 1600 as the maximum score a student can earn (800 verbal, 800 math). Scores are determined based on a student’s performance on the modules as well as the difficulty level of questions. Students who do well enough in the first modules to proceed to the harder modules are rewarded, as more difficult questions are weighted more heavily. Score reports for the Digital SAT are not as detailed as they used to be.
- Tools: Test takers can take the test on laptops and tablets using the College Board’s Bluebook app and take advantage of a range of tools across all four of the modules, including tools to keep track of time, mark questions for review, cross answers out, and annotate. Students are also able to use a built-in DESMOS calculator on the math section.
- Timing: The Digital SAT is a shorter test compared to the old SAT and the ACT®, clocking in at two hours and twenty-four minutes, including the ten minute break between the verbal and math sections. The verbal section includes two 32-minute modules, while the math modules are 35 minutes each.
It’s also worth noting that, unlike the old SAT and the ACT®, the Digital SAT does not offer a Question and Answer Service (QAS) following the administration of exams, so you cannot review the questions after a test is taken. The ACT® does offer it, however, which may be advantageous for those who want more insight into their performance.
For more information about the differences between the Digital SAT and the ACT®, check out this detailed infographic!
Expectations vs. Reality
Another way to learn about what the Digital SAT is like comes from an excellent source: experience. Students have been taking the new digital test since March 2024, allowing us to compare what was expected with the reality of taking the test.
Typically switching to digital comes with some glitches, and so people were braced for potentially significant issues with the Digital SAT’s launch. Fortunately, there were no significant problems reported. That said, some who have taken the test have said that iPads lag somewhat when using the DESMOS calculator. When time is critical, those extra seconds can mean a lot, so consider opting for a laptop over a tablet
Surprising some was the difficulty level of some parts of the test. It’s suspected that the initial preparation materials, including the College Board’s Bluebook app practice tests, may not have matched the ultimate difficulty of the actual test. Therefore, broadening your practice to other sources that provide challenging questions will be key.
Ways to Support Students
While practice has always been a vital component of SAT test prep, it is more important than ever. Many students have reported that questions in the second verbal and math modules were more difficult than expected, so taking practice tests and completing practice questions that are closer to the difficulty level of the actual test is the best way to avoid surprises and build confidence. At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, students have access to six practice tests from ScoreSmart that include detailed score reports and personalized online practice through MentoMind.
Tutors are a valuable resource, too! Since the College Board does not provide detailed score reports or the same Question-and-Answer Service offered for older tests, tutors can explain answers and suggest the most effective test-taking strategies. For example, tutors can walk students through how to use the test’s digital tools, especially the DESMOS calculator.
Beyond practice and tutoring, students can always prepare for the SAT simply by getting a head start reviewing the skills and content they are likely to see on the test. Younger students, in particular, should consider adding independent reading (at least 15 minutes a day) to build vocabulary for the Reading and Writing modules. Students may also want to check out free resources like Khan Academy to review each content area of the new Digital SAT.
How A+ Can Help
Whether you’re interested in taking the Digital SAT for the first time this summer or fall or if you’ve already taken the test and want to try again for a better score, A+ Test Prep and Tutoring is here for you! Not only do we offer free proctored practice tests along with a consultation to help you decide your best approach to test prep, we also have SAT prep tutoring programs with experienced and knowledgeable tutors that are tailored to each student’s needs, including our regular Pro program and our Starter program. College admissions is becoming more and more competitive, making impressive test scores still one of the best ways to set yourself apart from other applicants. Now that you know more about the Digital SAT and ways to master it, you are ready to take your next steps.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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