The College Board recently revealed that the SAT is getting a major upgrade – it’s going fully digital in 2024, meaning no more paper tests. But what does this mean for you?
Let’s look into the changes from the old SAT to the new digital version. First, we’ll talk about the technical stuff, like how you’ll be taking the test. Then, we’ll look at what’s changing in the actual questions and content. And lastly, we’ll explore the reasons behind these big shifts in the SAT.
No more pencils and paper – it’s all about screens and buttons now. The new SAT is going digital, so you’ll be using a computer or tablet to answer questions. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through the changes in how you take the test.
Besides the tech switch, the questions themselves are getting a makeover too. We’ll explain what kinds of changes to expect in the test content. It’s not just about the format; there are tweaks in the questions themselves.
Curious about why the SAT is making these changes? We’ve got you covered. Let’s uncover the reasons behind the shift to a fully digital SAT.
The New Digital SAT Exam Format
The SAT has undergone a significant change with the introduction of a digital app called Bluebook for test administration. This alteration influences various aspects, bringing about both logistical adjustments and requirements. To take the test, you must download the Bluebook app, and it’s important to note the list of approved devices, including Windows and Mac computers, school-issued Chromebooks (not personal ones), and iPads with a detached keyboard.
Your device needs to connect to wifi, and students can use their own or borrow one from school. College Board provides a device loan program for students without access. Despite the digital shift, the SAT won’t be available for remote testing. Instead, it will be conducted in schools or testing centres. You’ll need to bring a fully charged device with a charger. Each testing centre will have tech support to assist with technical issues.
The registration process remains unchanged, but the testing format now allows staggered start times and broader testing windows in schools. While this isn’t the case for testing centres yet, it’s expected to be implemented soon.
Special Assistance for SAT Test Takers
The SAT test has undergone changes, but all the special help students used to get will still be there. If students need special things, like a braille test that can’t be done on a computer, they’ll get a paper test. This paper test will be like the old SAT. Not everyone will get this – only those who really need it. Asking for special help is still done the same way. So, if you need something extra for the SAT, you can still get it.
Changes in the Digital SAT Exam
The digital SAT test has undergone significant changes in its content. The most notable change is the reduction in the overall test duration from almost three hours to a little over two hours. The test is now divided into sections, including Reading and Writing Section 1, Reading and Writing Section 2, Math Section 1, and Math Section 2, each with a specified number of questions and time limit.
One major shift is the introduction of adaptability. After completing the first section in both math and reading/writing, the test adapts based on your performance. If you perform below a certain level, the next section provides slightly easier questions. The scoring system has also evolved. Rather than a simple correct-to-wrong ratio, an algorithm assigns different weights to questions, with harder questions earning more points.
The experimental section, testing new questions, has been eliminated. Instead, each section now contains two unmarked experimental questions, not impacting your score. Each student receives a unique test version due to the digital format, enhancing test security and preventing collaboration issues.
Furthermore, test-takers will not receive a copy of their questions after completion. Questions will be pooled, and the College Board plans to release four full practice tests annually, removing those questions from circulation.
Also Read: 10 Free GED Classes Online for Adults
Scoring Updates for the SAT
The SAT continues to use a scoring system ranging from 200 to 800 for each section, resulting in a total score between 400 and 1600. College Board aims to maintain consistency in scores, ensuring that a score on the traditional SAT aligns with the same score on the digital SAT. Although the scoring methodology may become less transparent, we do not expect significant changes in scoring patterns.
College Board has recently announced a significant improvement in score availability. Scores will now be released in a matter of days, rather than weeks. While the actual implementation of this accelerated timeline is yet to be confirmed, we believe that the revised format has the potential to expedite the return of scores.
Changes to Reading and Writing on the SAT
The SAT Test is undergoing some important changes, making it easier for students. The first big change is that the reading and writing sections are now mixed together. Unlike before, where they were separate, the new digital test will have questions from both reading and writing in each of the two sections. The questions in each section will generally start easy and get a bit harder. The reading questions will be in the first half, and the writing questions will be in the second half, with a gradual increase in difficulty.
Another major change is how passages are presented. Currently, there are 4-5 long passages, but in the new format, each question will have its own short passage. The passages used to be 500-750 words long, but now they’ll be shorter, ranging from 25-150 words.
There are also some smaller changes. For writing questions, the “No change” option is gone. Questions about graphics, like tables and graphs, are simpler now. Writing questions won’t test commonly confused words or idiomatic expressions anymore, which used to be frustrating for many students. These changes aim to make the SAT more straightforward and less challenging for test-takers.
Changes to Math Test
Starting now, there are some changes to the math section of the test to make things a bit easier for you. The big news is that you can now use a calculator for both parts of the math test. You have two choices: bring your own approved calculator, following the same rules as before, or use the built-in calculator provided by Desmos through the Bluebook app.
Don’t worry, you’ll still encounter questions with graphs or tables, but we’ve simplified them to look good on your digital devices. Just like reading passages, each picture will relate to just one question. The test will still have a mix of multiple-choice and written answers, but the grid-in format is no more. Lastly, you won’t find questions involving imaginary and complex numbers anymore.
In a nutshell, it’s all about making the math test more convenient for you, with calculators allowed, simpler visuals, and a clearer question format.
The Shift to Digital SAT: Reasons and Benefits
College Board is transitioning the SAT to a digital format, and the primary motivation appears to be linked to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. With the rise of test-optional college admissions, the Board aims to maintain the SAT’s significance in the admissions process for both colleges and students.
In an effort to enhance the test’s accessibility, reduce stress for students, and adapt to the changing landscape, the College Board has implemented changes. These include adaptive testing, flexible scheduling, and adjusted start times for school-administered tests, which are expected to positively impact many students and enhance their overall performance.
Moreover, the shift to a digital format addresses past issues faced by the College Board, such as leaked tests and delays in mail delivery, which disrupted test administration and score counting. This move towards reliability and integrity is anticipated to elevate the overall credibility of the SAT.
Conclusion
In its latest version, the SAT is undergoing significant changes, yet the core purpose of the test and the College Board’s reasons for it remain unchanged. The objective is to provide a means of assessing high school students’ preparedness for college, offering a single, low-stress option for evaluation.
Despite the growing trend of colleges adopting test-optional policies, admission experts advise all our students to engage in standardized testing. A strong performance in these tests can only enhance your college application. The evolving nature of the SAT aligns with the ongoing efforts to create an accessible and effective tool for gauging students’ readiness for higher education.