the traditional paper-and-pencil test to a digital platform starting in spring 2023. This change will apply to both domestic and international test-takers.
The primary objective behind this transformation is to make the SAT more equitable and accessible for a diverse range of students. The digital SAT will feature a shorter test duration to alleviate some of the stress of lengthy examinations. Additionally, the allowance of calculators throughout the Math section is intended to make the test more manageable.
The digital SAT also aims to be more engaging, focusing on skills and knowledge directly relevant to college and career paths. The test will employ an adaptive format, adjusting the level of difficulty based on the student's performance. This ensures that each student is appropriately challenged, allowing for a more accurate assessment of various skills and competencies.
Succinctly put, the digital SAT represents a modernized approach to standardized testing. It seeks to be more inclusive and fair, offering a more precise and meaningful evaluation of student abilities. In the following blog post, we will delve into the key differences between the digital and paper versions of the SAT, explore the advantages of the digital format, and offer guidance on preparing effectively for the test. We will also address common questions about the digital SAT and provide valuable resources for students and parents.
Top New vs Old SAT Questions Worth Asking
Why is the College Board switching to the digital SAT?
The College Board has stated that it is switching to the digital SAT for several reasons:
- To make the test more fair and accessible to all students.
- To reduce the environmental impact of the test.
- To improve the security of the test.
- To make the test more engaging and reflective of the skills and knowledge that students need for college and career success.
Who will be affected by the switch to the digital SAT?
All students who take the SAT in the spring of 2023 or later will be affected by the switch to the digital SAT. This includes both international and domestic students.
What are the key differences between the digital SAT and the paper SAT?
The key differences between the digital SAT and the paper SAT are as follows:
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Test length: The digital SAT is shorter than the paper SAT, taking 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete, compared to 3 hours for the paper SAT. It also has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, instead of three sections (Reading, Writing and Language, and Math).
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Sections: The digital SAT has two areas, Reading and Writing and Math, instead of three sections (Reading, Writing and Language, and Math).
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Calculator use: Students can use calculators throughout the entire Math section of the digital SAT, while on the paper SAT, calculators were only allowed for one section of Math.
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Question types: The digital SAT includes a broader variety of questions than the paper SAT, including more interactive and engaging questions. For example, students may be asked to drag and drop objects, complete tables, or graph data.
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Scoring: The digital SAT is scored on the same scale as the paper SAT, with a total score range of 400-1600.
Other Key differences:
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The digital SAT is administered on a computer or tablet, while the paper SAT is administered with pencil and paper.
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The digital SAT is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the student's performance. The paper SAT is not adaptive.
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The digital SAT gives students more time per question than the paper SAT.
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The digital SAT scores are released faster than the paper SAT scores.
Here are some additional details about the test format of the digital SAT:
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Reading and Writing section: The Reading and Writing section is divided into two modules, each containing 27 questions. The modules are timed separately; students have 32 minutes to complete each.
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Math section: The Math section is divided into two modules, each containing 22 questions. The modules are timed separately; students have 35 minutes to complete each.
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Question types: The Reading and Writing section includes a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop. The Math section also contains various question types, such as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and grid-in.
Overall, the digital SAT is a more modern and efficient version of the SAT. It is designed to be more fair and accessible to all students, providing students with a more accurate and meaningful assessment of their skills and knowledge.