The Digital SAT: An Overview
The digital SAT largely maintains the content and structure of the paper SAT but is presented in a computerized format. Students will answer questions on a computer or tablet, trading in their pencil and paper for a keyboard and screen. The digital SAT covers the same areas as the paper-based test: reading, writing and language, and math.
Timeline for Administering the Digital SAT Suite
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PSAT-Related Assesments |
U.S. SAT and SAT School Day |
| Spring 2023 |
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| Fall 2023 |
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| Spring 2024 |
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Digital Paper and Pencil
In line with the evolving landscape of education and technology, the SAT is transitioning into a digital format. This shift aligns with the growing prominence of digital resources in today's classrooms and aims to deliver faster results, an adaptive test-taking experience, and increased accessibility. As a forward-thinking education provider, Foley Prep is here to guide students through this significant change and support them in achieving their best possible performance on the digital SAT.
Preparing for the Digital SAT:
- Familiarize yourself with the digital format: The College Board provides a digital testing guide and practice tests. Use these resources to understand the test's structure, available tools, and navigation. You want to spend your time on the testing material as opposed to spending it learning to navigate through the digital test’s user interface.
- Learn to manage time digitally: Time management may feel different on a digital test without physical pages to flip through. Utilize digital practice tests to develop effective pacing skills.
- Strengthen digital reading skills: Reading on a screen can be different from reading on paper. Practice active reading strategies on digital platforms, such as note-taking and highlighting.
The Adaptive Model
One of the most prominent changes that will accompany the transition to the digital format is the SAT’s implementation of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) model. CAT models are already utilized on a number of tests (GMAT, MAP, etc.). As opposed to tests like the GMAT that use a question-by-question adaptation whereby the difficulty of the each question is adjusted based on a per-question basis, the SAT will be using a section-wide adaptation whereby one’s performance on the first module as a whole (27 questions for reading and grammar and 22 for math) will determine the difficulty of the second module.
There are two tracks for the two modules in each section: easy and hard. The difference in difficulty level between the two tracks is noticeable. For instance, the breakdown by question difficulty for an easy math module on one of the digital tests is 13 easy questions, 8 medium questions, and 1 hard question, whereas the breakdown for a hard math module is 8 easy questions, 11 medium questions, and 3 hard questions. While it will differ on each test and section, students who score roughly above 60% on module 1 for reading and writing will get the hard module 2, and students who score roughly above 50% on module 1 for math will get the hard module 2.
Rising 9th and 10th Graders
As a rising 9th or 10th grader, the digital SAT will be the primary format you will encounter when it's time to take the exam. We recommend scheduling a few sessions with Foley to familiarize yourself with the new digital format and the content it covers prior to your upcoming PSAT. This preparation will also be beneficial for your long term performance on the SAT.
Rising 11th Graders
If you are a rising 11th grader who will have completed Algebra 2 or a higher math course by the start of the 2023-24 school year, you should take advantage of the paper-and-pencil version of the SAT in the August, October, November, and/or December test administrations. We suggest you plan on sitting for 2-3 of these tests to reach your score goals before the format change. You can also choose to leverage the digital SAT in March, May, or June. We recommend continuing your preparation with Foley to make a seamless transition from the paper-based to the digital SAT.
If you are a rising 11th grader who will be taking Algebra 2 during the 2023-24 school year, you should consider preparing for the November and/or December SAT for your first attempt before the Digital SAT is implemented.
At Foley Prep, we're committed to providing the best resources and advice to help students successfully transition to the digital SAT. We've updated our prep courses to incorporate these changes and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in this new digital format. Our goal is to help students feel confident and prepared, no matter what version of the SAT they take. We're here to support you through this transition and beyond. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.
