Smart Exam Day Strategy for Digital SAT and Linear SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is designed to measure a student’s knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an optional essay section. The reading section measures the student’s ability to read and understand complex texts, while the writing and language section tests the student’s ability to edit and improve written passages. The math section covers a range of mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Going forward the SAT will be online, and students are required to take the test online digitally. Only Students with approved accommodation can take Digital SAT on paper. SAT Paper Test is a non-adaptive test, meaning that all test-takers receive the same set of questions, regardless of their abilities or previous answers.

Introduction of Digital SAT:

• The Digital SAT is a computer-based version of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States.
• The Digital SAT includes two sections on reading, writing and language, math and takes 2 hours and 14 minutes.
• The SAT will be more secure because each student will have a unique test form and will use their own or a school-issued device.
• In 2023, international students will be able to take the exam and in 2024 US students will be able to take the Digital SAT exam.

Exam format of Digital SAT:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
Reading, Writing, and Language	54	64 minutes
Math	44	70 minutes

Subjects and Question Distribution of The Digital SAT:

Reading and Writing:

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:

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

Introduction of The SAT (Linear):

• The SAT is an exam run by the College Board and taken by students everywhere for U.S. college admissions.
• It is used to assess student competence and college readiness in critical reading, writing, and math.
• It is offered 7 times a year.
• The SAT with the optional essay takes 2 Hours to complete. Without the essay, it’s 3 hours.
• Students typically take the test during their junior year of high school and may retake it senior year.

Exam format of Linear SAT:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
Reading, Writing, and Language	66	64 minutes
Math	54	70 minutes

Subjects and Question Distribution of The Linear SAT:

Reading/Writing Content Domain:

Content Domain Sequence	Description	Skill/Knowledge Testing Points	Operational Question Distribution
Craft & Structure	Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.	Central Ideas and Details, Command of Evidence • Textual           • Quantitative Inferences	?26% / 12–14 questions
Information & Ideas	Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).	•Words in Context •Text Structure and Purpose •Cross-Text Connections	?28% / 13–15 questions
Standard English Conventions	Measures the ability to edit the text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.	Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions	?20% / 8–12 questions
Expression of Ideas	Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.	Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense	?26% / 11–15 questions

Math Content Domain:

Content Domain Sequence	Description	Skill/Knowledge Testing Points	Operational Question Distribution
Algebra	Algebra measures the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve equations and systems of equations using multiple techniques.	Linear equations in 1 variable Linear equation in 2 variables Linear functions Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables	?35%/ 13–15 questions
Advanced Math	The Advanced Math area measures skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations.	Equivalent expressions Nonlinear equations in 1 variable System of equations in 2 variables Nonlinear functions	?35%/ 13–15 questions
Problem Solving & Data Analysis	Problem-Solving and Data Analysis measures the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret one- and two-variable data. This group of skills is about being quantitatively literate and demonstrating a command of math that resonates throughout college courses, career training programs, and everyday life.	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 Inference from sample statistics and margin of error Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments	?15%/ 5–7 questions
Geometry & Trigonometry	Geometric figures will be used to solve problems related to length, area, volume, and scale factors. Using vertical angles, triangles, and parallel lines cut by a transversal, determine congruence, similarity, and sufficiency. Solve problems using the Pythagorean theorem, right triangle, and unit circle trigonometry, special right triangle properties, and properties of circles.	Area and volume Lines, angles, and triangles Right triangles and trigonometry Circles	?15%/ 5–7 questions

Exam Day Strategy for Digital SAT and Linear SAT:

With the rise of digital SAT and Linear SAT, it is important for students to adopt a smart exam day strategy to help them achieve their desired scores.

1. Familiarize yourself with the digital format: The digital format of the SAT exam is different from the paper-based format. Students should take time to practice and familiarize themselves with the digital format. This includes understanding the types of questions that will be asked, how to navigate the interface, and the tools available during the exam such as the highlighter, calculator, and the flagging tool.
2. Get enough rest: A good night’s sleep is important for both physical and mental health. Students should aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep before the exam day. This will help them stay alert and focused throughout the exam.
3. Eat a balanced meal: A balanced meal is important to provide the body with the energy it needs to stay focused and alert. Students should aim to eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein, whole grains, and fruits. They should also avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can cause a crash later on during the exam.
4. Arrive early at the test center: Arriving early at the test center will give students enough time to get settled and calm their nerves. They should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam start time. This will also give them enough time to go through the check-in process and familiarize themselves with the exam rules.
5. Manage your time wisely: Time management is crucial in the SAT exam. Students should divide their time equally among the sections, and should not spend too much time on any one question. If a question seems too difficult, they should flag it and move on to the next one. They can always come back to it later if they have time.
6. Stay focused and avoid distractions: During the exam, students should avoid distractions such as checking their phones or talking to other students. They should also avoid getting bogged down by difficult questions and should remain calm and focused throughout the exam.
7. Review your answers: Before submitting the exam, students should take a few minutes to review their answers. This will help them catch any mistakes they may have made and make any necessary corrections.

In conclusion, a smart exam day strategy is crucial for success in the Digital SAT and Linear SAT exams. Students should familiarize themselves with the digital format, get enough rest, eat a balanced meal, arrive early at the test center, manage their time wisely, stay focused and avoid distractions, and review their answers.

To Prepare smartly for the upcoming SAT exams download our free e-book. Check out the Socrato YouTube channel for a test prep strategy.