Strategy to Prepare Digital SAT May 6th, 2023
Overview:
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. It is administered on a computer, rather than on paper, and features the same content as the paper-based version of the test. Furthermore, the Digital SAT includes sections on reading, writing and language, and math.
Filling in bubbles during exams is getting quite old, so authorities have decided to make the SAT completely digital. The digital test is meant to increase testing security and convenience for test takers and comes as a major update. Students can take the test on a personal laptop or tablet.
The students need to download a digital testing app before the test day. This testing app should save the students’ progress even if their computer crashes or they lose their internet connection. From 2023 spring, international students will be able to take the SAT online under the provision of the assigned proctors at schools or testing centers.
Exam Details:
Below, in Table No. 1 few details of the digital SAT suite.
| Category | Reading and Writing 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%) |
Tips for preparing for the digital SAT:
- Familiarize yourself with the format: The digital SAT will be administered on a
computer, so it’s important to get comfortable with the digital format by practicing on a
computer-based practice test. - Practice time management: Since the digital SAT will be timed, it’s important to
practice managing your time effectively. Use a timer during practice tests and simulate
the test day environment as much as possible. - Brush up on your typing skills: As you’ll be typing your responses on the digital SAT,
it’s important to have good typing skills. So, practice typing essays and responses in a
timed environment to build up your typing speed. - Get familiar with the test navigation: The digital SAT will have a different interface
than the paper version, so it’s important to get familiar with the navigation tools. So, take
a look at the digital SAT demonstration to familiarize yourself with the interface. - Take care of your eyes: So, staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time
can be tiring and can lead to eye strain. Therefore, make sure to take breaks and rest your
eyes regularly to avoid eye fatigue. - Bring the right equipment: Finally, on the test day, make sure you have a reliable
laptop, a charger, and any other equipment required by the test center.
Official Digital SAT Prep Materials
1. First, there’s an app the College Board has released called the Bluebook app. It has practice tests inside of it, and that’s definitely the number one you get it. But here’s the deal: there are only four practice tests right now. And that may change later on, but at this time, there are only four.
2. The second resource available from the College Board is a set of practice questions. Have been released for the SAT. If you open the Bluebook app and go to “Test Preview: There are eight reading questions and seven math questions.
3. The other place to find practice materials is the College Board PDF1. Released, called “The Digital SAT Sample Questions and Answer Explanations.”
Some tips regarding the tools available on test day for the students taking the digital SAT:
- Use the highlighting and note-taking tools: The digital SAT will offer highlighting and
note-taking tools to help you mark important information in the reading and writing
sections. Use these tools to help you keep track of key details and stay focused. - Make use of the calculator: The digital SAT will have an on-screen calculator available
for the Math sections of the test. Make sure you know how to use it and practice using it
before test day. - Utilize the zoom feature: The digital SAT allows you to zoom in and out on the text and
graphics on the test screen. Use this feature to help you read and analyze passages more
effectively. - Take advantage of the search tool: The digital SAT has a search tool that allows you to
quickly find specific words or phrases within a passage. Use this tool to help you find the
information you need more efficiently. - Check your work using the review feature: It allows you to review and
change your answers before submitting them. Take advantage of this feature to double-
check your work and make sure you haven’t missed anything. - Practice with the same tools you’ll use on test day: When practicing for the digital
SAT, make sure to use the same tools and interface that you’ll have on test day. This will
help you feel more comfortable and confident when it comes time to take the actual test.
