Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid on the October 2025 Digital SAT

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The October Digital SAT is almost here, and for juniors and seniors, this test plays a key role in college admissions and scholarships. Since the SAT switched to its new digital format in 2023, students now face a shorter, adaptive exam delivered on the Bluebook app. While the test is more streamlined, there are still common pitfalls that can hurt scores. To help you succeed, here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid on the Digital SAT—and how to prepare smarter.

1. Not Practicing with the Bluebook App

The Digital SAT is delivered only through the Bluebook app, yet many students focus solely on content prep and skip practicing on the actual platform. This is a big mistake. On test day, you’ll need to be comfortable with on-screen tools such as annotation, the built-in calculator, question review, and skipping/flagging questions. Without practice, even strong students can lose time figuring out the interface.

 FIX : Take full-length practice tests in Bluebook to master both the content and the timing per question, so the format feels natural on exam day.

2. Forgetting the Test Is Adaptive

Unlike the old paper-based SAT, the Digital SAT is adaptive by section. Your performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second. Many students make the mistake of rushing or trying to “game the system,” but the reality is simple:

  • Do well in Module 1 ? Get harder Module 2 ? Higher score range
  • Struggle in Module 1 ? Get easier Module 2 ? Lower score range

FIX: Treat Module 1 with care. Focus on accuracy, not speed. Every question matters because it sets the path for your final score.

3. Neglecting the New Reading + Writing Format

The Digital SAT combines Reading and Writing into one section. Passages are shorter, and each passage has just one question. Students preparing with the old SAT’s long passages or separate Writing sections risk being unprepared.

FIX : Practice the new format with short, dense passages. Focus on grammar, punctuation, transitions, vocabulary-in-context, and logical flow.

4. Skipping Mistake Review and Diagnostics

Taking practice tests without reviewing mistakes is one of the fastest ways to stall your score. On the adaptive test, early mistakes can lower the difficulty level of Module 2, costing you points.


FIX: Use diagnostics to pinpoint weaknesses. With Socrato, you can practice both  Digital SAT or SAT(non-adaptive) by uploading your SAT practice test answers and get detailed reports showing strengths and areas to improve.

5. Ignoring Non-Adaptive Practice Tests Released by College Board

Here’s something many students don’t realize: while the official Digital SAT is adaptive, the College Board has released 10 non-adaptive (linear) Digital SAT practice tests. These practice tests are an invaluable resource, because:

  • They match the Digital SAT in structure and content.
  • They allow you to build endurance with a full-length exam.
  • You can grade them in Socrato to get in-depth diagnostic reports by category and question type.

FIX:Take advantage of these 10 practice tests. Practice under timed conditions, then upload your answers to Socrato for instant scoring and insights.

6. Underestimating Tech Prep and Test-Day Readiness

The Digital SAT is not just about content—it’s also about being comfortable with technology. Students sometimes forget essentials like charging their device or updating the Bluebook app.

FIX:The night before the test, fully charge your laptop or tablet, pack your charger, and confirm the Bluebook app works. Don’t forget your ID, admission ticket, pencils for scratch work, snacks, and water.

Final Thoughts

The Digital SAT may be shorter and more streamlined, but success still comes down to preparation and strategy. By avoiding these mistakes—skipping Bluebook practice, misunderstanding adaptive scoring, ignoring the new Reading/Writing format, failing to review mistakes, overlooking the 10 non-adaptive practice tests, and forgetting test-day tech prep—you’ll enter the October exam ready and confident.

At Socrato, we make it easy to prepare: upload your answers from official practice tests (both adaptive and non-adaptive), get, and focus your study time where it matters most.


 Get started today with Socrato’s Digital SAT practice tests and grading tools. Upload your test answers, get instant scoring, and improve faster.