College Board announced on January 25, 2022 that it would soon administer the SAT digitally. The new digital SAT format has kept much of the test the same but also ushers in new changes to the test, including different timing and the use of adaptive questions, meaning that what material you see is dependent on the material you saw right before. Ace the easy questions, and the hard stuff–and better scores–are coming your way, but missing easy questions means you’re stuck and can only go so high.
. The digital test was administered internationally in 2023 and in the US in 2024, and the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 was administered digitally in 2023 and the PSAT 10 2024.
College Board piloted the digital SAT test in fall 2021. 80% of students said the digital test was less stressful and 100% of educators reported a positive experience.
The digital SAT is still be scored on a scale of 1600 and will continue to be administered at schools or testing centers – not at home. Students can use a school-issued or a personal device. The test will also continue to test content learned in high school and deemed most relevant for a college education.
What’s Changing on the Digital SAT
Shorter Test
But with the new digital platform come a few changes: the digital SAT will be shorter, just two hours instead of three, with more time per question. Each section (Math and Reading and Writing) will be split into two modules. The first module gauges a students abilities on the topics presented. The questions that appear in the second module depend on how the student does in the first module.
Shorter Reading Passages, Calculators on Entire Math Section
The digital SAT will have shorter reading passages on the Reading section with just one question for each passage. The passages will also reflect a wider range of topics to reflect what students read in college.
Additionally, calculators will be allowed on the entire Math section, as they are on the ACT test. The SAT now comes with powerful graphing calculator Desmos built right in, so getting familiar with it is one of the best ways to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the Digital SAT.
Digital SAT Means Faster, More Secure Testing and Results
Because of the digital platform, students can expect scores back in days instead of weeks (or months). The digital test also provides greater test security and protection against cheating. Each student’s test form is different, making it difficult to leak test questions.
Is There Still a Paper SAT?
Once the SAT went digital, College Board didn’t not looking back. For international students, digital SAT testing began in March 2023 and paper tests were no longer be available. For US students, starting in fall 2023 all PSAT related tests are digital. All US SAT tests are permanently digital as of March, 2024. However, College Board will continue to allow paper tests for those with accommodations.
