The SAT is Going Digital!
Dec 22, 2022
The College Board has recently announced significant changes to the SAT which will impact students both in the United States and overseas. US students (sophomores and younger) will be the first students to take the digital test in late 2023. International students have already started using the digital platform.
For US students, starting in the Fall of 2023, a Digital SAT will be offered on a continuous basis, allowing students to take the exam at any time throughout the year at a test center or from the comfort of their own home. This will provide greater flexibility and convenience for students, particularly those who may be facing challenges related to COVID-19 or other unforeseen circumstances.
In addition, the Digital SAT will now be available in a total of six languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Korean), making it more accessible for students who are not native English speakers. This is a significant change that will benefit many students who may have previously struggled with the language barrier on the traditional SAT.
The Digital SAT will be similar to the current SAT but also has some significant differences. Here I how the two tests compare:
| 2016 SAT (Paper-Based) | New Digital SAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Paper and Pencil | Fully Computer-Based |
| Test Duration | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 2 hours |
| Time per Question | Limited time per question | More generous time per question |
| Calculator Use | Limited use in Math section | On-screen calculator for all Math |
| Reading Passages | Lengthy passages with multiple questions | Shorter passages with one question each, wider topic range |
| Score Reporting | Scores received in weeks | Scores delivered within days |
| Question Formats | Traditional text-based questions | Incorporation of multimedia elements, interactivity, and annotation tools |
| Test Administration | In-person proctored testing | In-person proctored testing |
| Rollout | Phased out December 2022 | Phased implementation with flexibility (2024 for U.S. students, 2023 for international students) |
| Purpose | College admissions assessment | College admissions assessment |
| Changes | Some format revisions but primarily paper-based | Comprehensive shift to a digital, interactive format |
| Adaptiveness | Non-adaptive | Computer adaptive by section |
| Reasoning | Transition to digital technology, stress reduction, enhanced equity | Aligning with modern test-taking standards, improved test-taking experience |
As these changes are implemented, it's more important than ever for students to properly prepare for the Digital SAT. While TPAPT is not a tutoring company, we do offer a range of self-study programs that can help students build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed on the exam. In addition, we can connect families with top-quality tutoring companies to provide personalized, one-on-one instruction.
We encourage all students to take advantage of these new opportunities and to start preparing for the Digital SAT as soon as possible. Don't miss out on this chance to set yourself up for success – contact us today to learn more about our test prep options and how we can support your college admissions journey.
References
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital
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