New Digital SAT Structure
The digital SAT, also known as the SAT Online, is structured similarly to the traditional paper-and-pencil version of the test. The test is divided into three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math (with Calculator). Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with a total possible score of 1600. The test also includes an optional Essay section, which is scored separately. The digital SAT is taken on a computer and is administered by the College Board, the organization that oversees the SAT.
Structural Detail of Digital SAT:
Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Each section is divided into 2 equal-length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.
| Category | Reading and Writing (RW) Section | Math Section |
| Format | Two-stage adaptive test design: one Reading and Writing section administered via two separately timed modules | Two-stage adaptive test design: one Math section administered via two separately timed modules |
| Test length | 1st module: 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions | 1st module: 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions |
| Time per stage | 1st module: 32 minutes 2nd module: 32 minutes | 1st module: 35 minutes 2nd module: 35 minutes |
| # Of questions | 54 questions | 44 questions |
| Total time allotted | 64 minutes | 70 minutes |
| Question type(s) used | Discrete; four-option multiple-choice | Discrete; four-option multiple- choice (?75%) and student- produced response (SPR) (?25%) |
| Stimulus topics | Literature, history/social studies, humanities, science | Science, social science, real-world topics |
| Informational graphics | Yes; tables, bar graphs, line graphs | Yes |
Content Specifications:
Reading and Writing:
The SAT Online Reading and Writing section measures students’ college and career readiness in literacy. For college readiness and success, the section focuses on key elements of comprehension, rhetoric, and language use. Below, describes the content domains and question distribution for the Reading and Writing sections.
| Content Domain | Domain Description | Skill/Knowledge Testing Points | Operational Question Distribution |
| Craft and Structure | Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge. | Words in Context Text Structure and Purpose Cross-Text Connections | ?28% / 13-15 questions |
| Information and Ideas | Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information. | Central Ideas and Details Command of Evidence § Textual § Quantitative Inferences | ?26% / 12-14 questions |
| Standard English Conventions | Measures the ability to edit texts to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. | Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense | ?26% / 11-15 questions |
| Expression of Ideas | Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals. | Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions | ?20% / 8-12 questions |
Math:
SAT Suite assessments measure students’ knowledge and skills in math needed for college and careers. Geometry and trigonometry are the key elements of the digital SAT Suite Math section.
Math Section Content Domains and Question Distribution is shown below,
| Content Domain | Domain Description | Skill/Knowledge Testing Points | Operational Question Distribution |
| Algebra | Measures the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities. | Linear equations in one variable Linear equations in two variables Linear functions Systems of two linear equations in two variables Linear inequalities in one or two variables. | ?35% / 13-15 questions |
| Advanced Math | Measures skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical. | Equivalent expressions Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables Nonlinear functions. | ?35% / 13-15 questions |
| Problem- Solving and Data Analysis | Measures the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships. | Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units Percentages One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread Two-variable data: models and scatterplots Probability and conditional probability. | ?15% / 5-7 question |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | Measures the ability to solve problems that focus on area and volume; angles, triangles, and trigonometry; and circles. | Area and volume Lines, angles, and triangles Right triangles and trigonometry Circles. | ?15% / 5-7 questions |
Downloading the test from the college board website is a good way to get familiar with the test and prepare for it.
