The SAT has been a prominent college admissions test for many years. However, recently, the College Board has introduced a new format for taking the exam; the Digital SAT. This digital version has transformed the way students take the SAT and has provided more accessibility, flexibility, and opportunity to students across the globe.
The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant,” said Priscilla Rodriguez, vice president of College Readiness Assessments at the College Board. “We’re not simply putting the current SAT on a digital platform — we’re taking full advantage of what delivering an assessment digitally makes possible. With input from educators and students, we are adapting to ensure we continue to meet their evolving needs.
Can I take Digital SAT at home?
No, the digital SAT is administered on a computer at a testing center. The questions are presented on a computer screen, and students answer using a mouse and keyboard.
Scores will be reported faster
The SAT Digital allows for faster score release. Students used to wait for weeks or even months to get their test results. However, with the digital format, scores are available within three to five business days after the test date. This quick turnaround time has helped students plan their college applications better and reduce the stress of waiting for test scores.
The Digital SAT will be more secure
Another advantage of the SAT Digital is that it reduces the chances of cheating. In the paper-based format, students were susceptible to cheating since they were all taking the test at the same time in the same room. However, with the digital format, each student takes the test individually on their computer. The test questions are randomized, and the order in which they appear is different for each test-taker. The chances of students sharing or copying answers are significantly reduced in this format, ensuring a fair assessment of each student’s abilities.
Calculators are allowed throughout the Math section
Candidates will be provided with an onscreen calculator which can be used for all math questions.
More time, on average, to answer each question
Compared to the past, the new version of SAT now provide test takers with an increased amount of time to answer each question. As a result, these tests primarily evaluate students’ proficiency and understanding, as opposed to their ability to complete the test within a limited time frame.
Digital SAT with Disabilities Support
It also provides increased accessibility for students with disabilities. The College Board has ensured that the digital version is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, which means students with disabilities have access to necessary accommodations during the test. Test-takers with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or physical disabilities find it easier to take the test through the SAT Digital.
Digital Proctoring
Another exciting feature of this new SAT is the digital proctoring. The coordinators and proctors will use Test Day Toolkit (web application for test center management) to administer the test.
Digital SAT Suite section breakdown and timing
It comprises of two sections, Reading & Writing and Math, with each assessment consisting of two equally-timed sections of question sets. Each Reading and Writing module lasts 32 minutes, while each Math module lasts 35 minutes. Students are provided with 64 minutes for the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section. The students can freely navigate between the questions until the time for the specific module runs out.
After completing Reading and Writing section, a 10-minute break is given before proceeding to the Math section. There are a limited number of non-scoring items included in each section to assist with the development of the test. The complete testing duration for each assessment in the digital SAT Suite – which includes SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 – is 2 hours and 14 minutes.
The digital version is undoubtedly a significant step forward for the SAT. It has proved to be beneficial for countless students worldwide.