Big dreams of college in your future? The SAT is one of the most widely accepted college entrance exams. Heard about the new changes to the test? We can help! Find out how to master the new digital SAT so that you can make your application shine!
The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to evaluate a student’s academic strength and college readiness. Administered by the College Board seven times each year, this test is a key component in many universities’ admissions decisions. The SAT evaluates a student’s academic knowledge and ability in evidence-based reading, writing, and math.
However, just because a student excels in school does not mean he or she will do equally well on this test. Understanding the new digital test format, establishing a timeline and disciplined study schedule, and developing exam-specific skills are all critical for success!
The SAT has transitioned to a completely digital format! Students download the “Bluebook” app from the College Board on their personal computer, and take the test proctored at their school or testing location. To find out more about and download the Bluebook app, visit the College Board’s website.
This new version of the test is structured into two main sections: Reading & Writing, and Math. Each section consists of two modules, employing adaptive testing techniques which adjusts the difficulty level of the test in real time, based on the student’s performance. The test begins with two Reading & Writing modules, followed by a brief break, and then concludes with the two modules of the Math section.
Students are allowed to take the SAT as many times as they like; most students sit for the exam at least two times. It is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, March May, and June.
Most high school students take the SAT during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year in anticipation of approaching college application deadlines in the fall or winter of senior year.
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In its current format, the SAT has four timed sections: two Reading & Writing sections (together referred to as the Verbal), and two Math sections. Between the Reading & Writing and Math sections, there is one ten-minute break. The optional essay portion of the test was discontinued by the College Board in 2021.
Section | Totals |
| Reading & Writing (module I) 27 questions in 32 minutes | 54 total questions in 64 minutes 71 seconds per question Short passages with 1 question per passage |
| Reading & Writing (module II) 27 questions in 32 minutes |
Section | Totals |
| Math (module I) 22 questions in 35 minutes | 44 total questions in 70 minutes 95 seconds per question Calculator allowed for all questions |
| Math (module II) 22 questions in 35 minutes |
The digital test has combined all the verbal questions under a new heading called Reading & Writing. When you start this section, you are presented with one question at a time. There is a passage on the left-hand side of the screen, and a question on the right. You can use an annotate tool to highlight important parts of the text and make notes on the screen.
Unlike the traditional pencil-and-paper SAT, which had distinct sections for Reading and Writing, the digital version merges these subjects into one test.
The digital SAT moves away from longer passages with several questions; instead, students will find shorter passages, each accompanied by a single question.
Owing to the increased diversity and number of passages, the digital SAT introduces a variety of new question types, requiring fresh approaches and strategies.
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Words in context Text structure & purpose Cross-text connections | 13-15 | 28% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Central ideas & details Command of textual evidence Command of quantitative evidence Evidence Inferences | 12- 14 | 26% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Boundaries Form, structure, & sense | 11-15 | 26% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Rhetorical synthesis Transitions | 8-12 | 20% |
In the Math section, multiple-choice questions are prominently displayed in the center of the screen, with the options for answers placed directly beneath the question. For questions with student-produced responses, instructions for inputting answers appear on the left side of the screen, while the question and the answer box are on the right side. This section includes a built-in calculator (similar to the Desmos online calculator) and a reference sheet with various formulas and rules.
In the updated Math section, calculators can be used for all questions. The digital test format includes a built-in graphing calculator that you are allowed to use.
The typical length of word problems has been shortened. While contextual questions remain a significant component of the test, they are now more concise and less verbose.
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Linear functions Linear equations with one or two variables Systems of two linear equations Linear inequalities with one or two variables | 13-14 | 35% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Equivalent expressions Nonlinear equations with one variable Nonlinear systems of equations with two variables Nonlinear functions (such as rational, absolute value, exponential, quadratic, radical, etc.) | 13-15 | 35% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Ratios, rates, units, and proportional relationships Percentages Measures of center and spread Scatterplots of two-variable data Probability Inference from statistics and margin of error Observational studies and statistics in experiments | 5-7 | 15% |
Testing Points | Questions Overall | Approx. % of Section |
| Area and volume Lines, angles, and triangles Right triangle trigonometry Circles | 5-7 | 15% |
In each Digital SAT section, the initial module presents a balanced of simple and complex questions. Your performance in this first set dictates the difficulty level of the subsequent module. Excelling in the first module leads to a second set with more challenging questions, with only a handful of simpler ones. If you were challenged by the first module, the second module will contain a higher proportion of simpler questions and fewer complex ones.
The final score for each section is influenced not just by the number of correct answers you offer, but also by the difficulty level of the second module. Getting to the more challenging module allows for an overall higher score, whereas an easier second module limits your maximum achievable score correspondingly.
The score report shows the total score, along with how that score breaks down for Reading & Writing and for Math. Further examination of the score report will show performance across the 8 content domains tested on the SAT.
The test is completely new! Don’t rely on old paper-based practice tests to get you where you need to be with a new digital test. You need digital practice with the right kinds of multiple-choice and student-response questions. Take advantage of our digital Math and ELA modules created specifically around the new question types and format of the new test.
450+ Digital SAT math practice questions! Simulate the new digital testing experience while honing your skills.
350+ Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice questions! Simulate the new digital testing experience while honing your skills.
Some test preparation companies and tutors may suggest students start with a “cold read” diagnostic test. With the new SAT, understanding the format, structure, and strategies for the specific types of questions presented is the key to student success. We suggest starting with a few lessons to get oriented so that a student can get the most out of the limited number of official practice tests available.
The SAT is a long, competitive, and challenging exam that takes a lot of preparation and practice. It requires students to demonstrate advanced understanding of common verbal concepts such as reading a text and recognizing the deeper meanings and purposes of the writing. In math, this means accurately and carefully executing complex math problems in a limited time. And, as a comprehensive test on verbal and math concepts and skills acquired throughout high school, every learner’s starting position and path forward in preparation for the SAT is unique. Having a trusted company such as The Tutorverse to guide your student through their individual process is invaluable.
With the SAT, most students have already had some experience with this test in the form of the PSAT taken in 9th or 10th grade. Taking another test without any initial instruction can be disheartening and negatively impact confidence. Instead, we recommend that students have a few meetings with a tutor before taking a diagnostic. This allows us to more meaningfully decide a course of action tailored towards students’ specific skills, knowledge, and abilities.
We have experienced tutors, teachers, mentors, and consultants who can help evaluate your student’s needs and execute a plan to make the best use of the limited time available before your student’s test date. Let us help your student navigate this daunting path forward and emerge victorious!
