Everything You Need To Know About The New Digital SAT

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) entrance exam has been a critical component of college admissions at four year schools in the United States for many decades. Since COVID the SAT has become less important, with the college sport governing bodies making it no loner a requirement to be eligible to play however many schools still require it as part of admissions, therefore we would still recommend taking it if you have aspirations of attending a four year school as a freshman. Our signed student-athletes also have access to practice sat exams, helpful videos and tuition if required rom a trusted partner.

In recent years, the College Board, the organisation responsible for administering the SAT, has introduced a new digital version of the exam. The digital SAT offers several advantages over the traditional paper-based version, including faster results, more testing dates, and online tools. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the new digital SAT exam and whether it is something you should look to take as part of your American university admissions.

What is the Format of the New Digital SAT Exam?

The new digital SAT exam has the same content and structure as the paper-based version. However, the format of the exam is different, as the digital SAT is taken on a computer. The digital version includes the following sections:

1. Reading – The reading section consists of 52 multiple-choice questions that test your ability to understand and analyse written passages.
2. Writing and Language – The writing and language section consists of 44 multiple-choice questions that test your ability to revise and edit written passages.
3. Math – The math section consists of 58 questions that test your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
4. Essay – The optional essay section gives you 50 minutes to write an essay analysing an argument presented in a passage.

What are 5 Advantages of the Digital SAT Exam?

The digital SAT offers several advantages over the traditional paper-based version of the exam. Some of the key benefits of the digital SAT include:

1. Faster Results – One of the most significant advantages of the digital SAT is that you will receive your scores within two weeks of taking the test. In contrast, it can take several weeks to receive scores for the paper-based exam. This faster turnaround time can be particularly helpful if you are applying to colleges with early application deadlines.
2. More Testing Dates – The digital SAT is offered on more dates than the paper-based exam, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your test. This can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or need to retake the exam.
3. Online Tools – The digital SAT includes several online tools that can help you answer questions more efficiently. These tools include a calculator, highlighting, and note-taking functions. The calculator can be particularly useful for the math section, as it allows you to easily perform complex calculations.
4. No Pencils Needed – Unlike the paper-based version of the exam, you do not need to bring pencils or erasers to the digital SAT. This can be more convenient and can help reduce the risk of errors caused by smudging or erasing.
5. Accessibility Features – The digital SAT includes several accessibility features that can make the exam more accessible to students with disabilities. These features include enlarged text, a magnifying glass, and a high-contrast mode. These features can help ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on the exam.

How to Prepare for the Digital SAT Exam?

Preparing for the digital SAT exam is similar to preparing for the paper-based exam. However, there are some additional considerations you should keep in mind when preparing for the digital version of the exam. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Take Practice Tests – The College Board offers free digital practice tests that you can take to get familiar with the format of the digital SAT. Taking practice tests can help you identify areas where you need to improve and get used to answering questions on a computer.
2. Practice with Online Tools – Make sure to practice using the online tools provided on the digital SAT, such as the calculator, highlighting, and note-taking functions. These tools can help you answer questions more efficiently, but it’s important to get familiar with how they work before the actual exam.
3. Time Management – The digital SAT is timed, so make sure to practice managing your time effectively.
4. Get Comfortable with the Computer – Make sure you are comfortable using a computer to take a test. Practice typing and navigating the test interface.
5. Bring Necessary Items – Although you don’t need pencils or erasers, you will need to bring an acceptable form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
   

   Conclusion

   The new digital SAT exam offers several advantages over the paper-based exam, including faster results, more testing dates, and online tools. However, preparing for the digital SAT requires some additional considerations, such as practicing with online tools and becoming comfortable with taking a computer-based test. By following the tips provided in this article, you can prepare effectively and confidently take the digital SAT exam. Our signed student-athletes also have access to practice sat exams, helpful videos and tuition if required rom a trusted partner.