Exploring the New Digital SAT: A Comprehensive Guide
In this blog post, we delve into the distinctions between the conventional paper-and-pencil SAT and the innovative digital SAT (dSAT), shedding light on crucial aspects that will impact high school counselors and students alike.
For almost 50 years, the SAT has played a pivotal role in the college admissions process. The upcoming transition from the traditional paper-and-pencil format to a digital, adaptive SAT marks one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1926. The Class of 2025 will be the first cohort of U.S. students to undergo both the PSAT and SAT in a digital, adaptive format.
CollegeBoard, the entity behind the SAT, asserts that this shift to digital testing on computers and tablets will streamline the testing process while upholding rigorous standards. It promises several benefits, including adaptability, a shorter test duration (36 fewer minutes in Reading/Writing and 10 fewer minutes in Math), and a modernized format catering to evolving educational needs. However, families and students are likely to harbor questions and concerns regarding the new adaptive scoring features, the digital interface, and alterations to the content and frequency of testing.
In this blog post, we'll examine the disparities between the traditional paper-and-pencil SAT and the new dSAT, encompassing key aspects that will influence high school counselors and students:
Timeline for Implementation
The international version of the digital SAT was launched in March 2023, providing experience to international students. The transition to the U.S. commenced in October 2023 with the PSAT in a digital format, and the dSAT will make its U.S. debut on March 9, 2024. Notably, the exam will still be administered at schools or testing sites, not from home.
Additional details regarding the administration of the dSAT include flexibility for schools in choosing administration dates, the requirement of the Bluebook App for exam-taking devices, minimal bandwidth requirements, and the ability to upload exam results post-completion.
Exam Structure & Adaptive Scoring
The new dSAT comprises two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math, each divided into two modules. The exam structure mandates a specific order for all students. Unlike the traditional SAT, the dSAT adapts its difficulty level based on a student's performance, aiming to provide a more accurate assessment of their abilities.
Changes to Content Tested
The Reading & Writing modules present shorter but complex passages, requiring efficient information extraction. The questions are now intermingled, covering various disciplines. In the Math modules, real-world applications are emphasized, and the format for answering questions has evolved.
New Digital Interface
The Bluebook App serves as the centerpiece of the dSAT experience. It requires prior installation and offers tools like the grid-in response format and a built-in Desmos graphing calculator. Efficient scratch paper strategies and familiarity with the app are crucial for success.
Updates for Students with Accommodations
Accommodations for students with special needs remain available in the digital, adaptive format. Some accommodations may change due to the digital nature, but extended time or breaks are still accessible. If digital accommodations are impractical, a non-adaptive paper-and-pencil version is an option.
Response by ACT to SAT’s dSAT Changes
ACT aims to be perceived as a stable and reliable testing option. While considering adjustments to the test length, ACT remains unchanged for over 30 years, maintaining the optional essay section and exploring potential shifts to digital testing.
In conclusion, the transition from the traditional SAT to the digital, adaptive format represents a monumental change in standardized testing. High school counselors, teachers, families, and students need to prepare for these changes by understanding the nuances and adapting their strategies for success in the college admissions journey.
Vint Hill Educational Services offers test preparation for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. Each session is one-to-one for individualized support. The tutor will assign one to two hours of test prep homework after each session. The sessions are ninety minutes in length and test prep materials are included. The tutor will focus on the student's weakest areas of the test. In order to ensure improvement, the student will continue to take full-length practice tests throughout the course. The student will also learn tips and test-taking strategies.
TUTOR SELECTION PROCESS
We don't just assign any available tutor; we actually hand-pick the best tutor for your child. Before accepting the tutor, parents receive a tutor bio to review and approve. The tutor matching process consists of the following: subject area knowledge, tutor education, tutor personality, tutor background, student weaknesses, student schedule, and tutoring preference (in-home, public library, Panera Bread/Starbucks, or at our offices).
ACT OR SAT - WHICH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?
For ACT and SAT prep, the student should take a full-length practice ACT and SAT, in order to determine which test is best to prep for. Check out our ACT versus new SAT comparison chart for test differences. The goal is to find out which test is better for each individual student. What we've found, is that one-third are better suited for the ACT, one-third are better suited for the SAT, and the last third are comparable. We'll use our score concordance chart and let you know which test the student is scoring higher on.
GROUP MOCK TESTING
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TAKE A PRACTICE TEST AT HOME
We can email diagnostic full-length practice tests to take at home or at a library; for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. Parents will receive a free score report - view sample reports: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT.
Upon purchase of a test prep package, the additional practice tests are included with the materials.
Confused about the tests and their structure? Learn more about the ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT.