The New Digital SAT
The move from paper-and-pencil SAT to a digital, more adaptive version is one of the biggest changes in SAT history. Starting in March 2023 for international students (and those taking the test outside of the United States or its territories), bubble sheets will be a thing of the past.
The new digital format will affect millions of students in both the content and how the test is administered to better fit the needs of students and educators. While the transition from paper to digital will bring about many student-friendly changes, many features of the SAT will remain the same. The digital SAT will continue to measure the knowledge and skills that matter most for college readiness.
Which version of the SAT will I take?
The transition to digital has already begun for students outside of the United States and its territories. However, for those in the United States, the digital SAT is set to launch in the spring of 2024. For more information on when SAT is offered in 2024, visit the College Board website here.
What is different between the digital and the paper-and-pencil version?
To reduce overall test time and ensure that the test still accurately measures specific knowledge and skills, the digital version will be stage adaptive. There will be two stages for both sections. The first stage is not adaptive. However, the test will choose one of two modules, one will be on average easier than the other, as stage 2 depending on students’ performance in stage 1.
Changes have also been made to both sections of the SAT in the digital version. These changes are outlined below.
Digital SAT Reading & Writing
One section for reading and writing. There is no longer a writing section.
Shorter passages. Instead of going back-and-forth between the passage and questions, reading passages (or passage pairs) will be followed by a single multiple-choice question.
New question types. The reading and writing section questions fall into four categories:
Information and Ideas - Use, locate, interpret, and evaluate information from various texts and infographics.
Craft and Structure - Determine the meaning of high-utility academic words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make supportable connection between multiple related texts.
Expression of Ideas - Use revision skills and knowledge to improve the effectiveness of written expression in order to accomplish specified rhetorical goals.
Standard English Conventions - Use editing skills an knowledge to take texts conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
Digital SAT Math
Calculator Use. Unlike the previous version, calculators are allowed throughout the entire math section. A graphing calculator is included in the digital test experience so all students have equal access.
Question word count. The average length of word problems has been reduced.
Questions come in either multiple-choice or free text, and cover four types of questions:
Algebra - Analyze, solve, and create linear equations and inequalities, as well as solve systems of equations.
Advanced Math - Demonstrate attainment of skills and knowledge central for successful progression to more advanced math courses, including analyzing, solving, interpreting, and creating a variety of equation types.
Problem-solving and Data Analysis - Apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply units and rates; and analyze and interpret one and two-variable data.
Geometry and Trigonometry - Solve problems that focus on perimeter, area, and volume; ages, triangles, and trigonometry; and circles.
What is the best way to prepare for test day?
The best way to prepare for the test is to develop a plan and practice, practice, practice. There should be two components to your practice plan:
Full-length practice tests - Taking full-length practice tests will give you an accurate idea of what test day will be like. You can use this to familiarize yourself with the testing platform and format. Take full-length practice tests at set intervals will allow you to see areas where you need more practice and gauge your progress. Download College Board’s Bluebook app to get started.
Skill practice - This involves exploring and practicing different types of SAT questions as well as learning strategies for answer those questions. The best way is to practice by individual skill in bulk. Make use of Khan Academy’s Official Digital SAT Prep to get really good at answering different types of SAT questions. Work from top to bottom and take unit tests as you go.
Get familiar with graphing calculators - Many international students are used to doing calculations in their heads, so it is critical to spend time and get familiar with using graphic calculators for more complex questions.
How many times should I take the SAT?
Technically, students can take the SAT as many times as they want. There are seven test dates throughout the year. If I had to put a number to it, I’d recommend students take it at least twice, but not more than three times.
The upside of taking the SAT more than one is the fact that students’ are more likely to score better the second time around. On the other hand, the downside of taking the SAT too many times is the psychological impact. When students retake the same test over and over again, it creates unnecessary pressure when students could be spending time participating in meaningful community service, clubs, sports, or whichever extracurricular that aligns with students’ interests.
To learn more about how to select extracurricular activities, read “Choosing the Right Extracurricular Activities.”