The Digital SAT: Everything You Need to Know

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and assessment, standardized testing has undergone a significant transformation with the advent of digital technology. The SAT, a cornerstone of college admissions in the United States, has embraced this shift by introducing a digital version of the exam. As students prepare to embark on their academic journeys, it's crucial to understand the differences between the traditional paper-and-pencil SAT and its digital counterpart.

WHAT'S NEW?
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Time
While the paper SAT used to take around 3 hours, the new digital format takes only 2 hours and 14 minutes. The additional essay section still takes an additional 50 minutes, though that is only necessary in certain states. 
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Flow of questions
The sequence of questions on the digital SAT will undergo a notable change compared to its paper counterpart. Unlike the written exam, where students progress through questions in the order presented in the test booklet, the digital version will employ adaptive testing. This means that questions will adjust based on the student's responses. As students answer questions correctly, they will encounter increasingly challenging questions. Conversely, if a student begins to struggle with difficult questions, the system will adapt, presenting easier questions. In essence, students testing simultaneously may not necessarily be tackling the same set of questions.
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Points
While the overall score of the exam will still be the same, not every question will be worth the same number of points. As questions become harder, they will be worth more points. Wrong answers will still not count against you, which is why you should answer every question!
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Sections
The new digital format of the SAT is broken down in a much simpler format than before. The whole test will contain only 98 questions, as opposed to 154, and will be broken down as follows in the chart below. 

Calculators
​A significant update to the SAT is that students can now use a calculator on the whole math section. The SAT previously only let students use a calculator on a specific portion of the math exam. However, just because students can now use a calculator on the whole math test does not mean that every question will become easier as not all questions will be able to be plugged into a calculator easily.

Preparation
In navigating the changes brought about by the digital SAT, students are seeking effective strategies to prepare for success. As the testing landscape evolves, personalized support becomes increasingly valuable. Tutoring services tailored to SAT preparation offer students the opportunity to hone their skills, navigate the nuances of the digital format, and develop effective test-taking strategies. Whether it's mastering content knowledge or acclimating to adaptive testing, tutoring provides a tailored approach to help students reach their full potential on the SAT and beyond. With the right guidance and support, students can confidently face the challenges of the digital SAT and embark on their path to academic achievement.