The New Digital SAT

Starting in March 2023, the digital SAT is born for international examinees. Do you have doubts about the new exam and are you wondering what changes to expect? In this blog post we will discuss all those changes that the new digital SAT will bring. Also at the end you will find a surprise that summarizes all the answers.

Will Something Remain the Same in the New SAT?

Although there are significant changes that will occur in the new SAT, There are still things that will remain the same.

Total score will remain the same

The SAT score will remain on a scale of 1600. However, the structure has changed slightly. On the paper SAT there was a separate Writing and Reading test, each with a score range of 100 to 400 points. Both exams were added to provide a total Reading & Writing score between 200 and 800 points.

In the digital SAT there is only one Reading & Writing exam (with 2 modules), and it is graded together based on a scaled score of 200 to 800 points.

Finally, the Mathematics section is graded in the same way as before with a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800 points.

Taken at an exam center

The new digital SAT will continue to be administered at designated testing centers, where a human proctor monitors test completion. Although it is digital, there are still no plans for the SAT to be taken at home.

Results delivery time

Although it is a digital exam, the notes for the first digital SAT (March 11, 2023) have taken, as with the previous version, 2 weeks to be published. However, it is foreseeable that these times will be shortened in future calls.

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What is Changing in the New Digital SAT?

Using the Bluebook

The College Board has developed its own software for students to take the SAT digitally. As an SAT candidate, you will need to download it to your computer to complete your SAT. We recommend that you have it installed on your device at least a week before your exam date so that you can get used to it.

The new exam structure

The SAT Digital has two exams: SAT Reading and Writing and SAT Math. We attach a table so that you better understand the structure of each of them.

1. The exam will be taken on a laptop or tablet

As its name suggests, the new digital SAT can only be taken on tablets or laptops. Students can take the exam on a device they own or one provided by the school. If a student does not have a laptop or tablet they can request to borrow one. In order to borrow a computer on the day of the exam, you must request it during your registration for the SAT.

The specific devices that are allowed to be used to take the SAT Digital are laptops (both Mac and Windows), iPads, and school-administered Chromebooks. We recommend that you consult Collegeboard’s official specifications to avoid surprises on test day.

Remember to fully charge your device before the exam as you may not be able to access a power outlet.

Another important element of the new digital SAT is that if the Internet goes offline during the exam, you will be able to continue progressing on your test. Also, if your computer or device turns off, it won’t be a problem because all your previous answers will be saved and you won’t waste exam time.

1. Duration

The new digital SAT is shorter. It lasts two hours instead of three. There is a digital clock located at the top center of the screen so you don’t have to keep looking at the clock or relying on the proctor to tell you how much time you have left per section.

We hope this article has answered your questions. If you have any questions regarding your SAT preparation, give us a call and we will be happy to explain how EPIC PREP can help you achieve your goals. On the other hand, if you prefer to read on, we’ll leave you a link to our SAT courses.

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1. Unique SAT exam for each student

You read correctly, each SAT test will be unique. What’s more, the test will be adapted to the student’s level. The SAT sections will be divided into two modules for each section. Depending on your performance in one module, you will be provided with an easier or more difficult second module. Within the modules you can go from one question to another. However, once you move on to the next module, you will not be able to go back to the previous one.

1. Use of calculators

SAT math exam. Students will be able to bring their own (approved) calculators, or they can use the SAT digital exam’s built-in on-screen calculator.

1. Additional exam dates for international students

This is great news for international students since they will have 2 more sessions a year to be able to plan their preparation and adapt it to their calendar needs. With the Digital SAT you will have the opportunity to take the exam the same number of times as American students.

1. Improved exam security and technology

The College Board has invested heavily to ensure that it is virtually impossible to cheat during the exam. Not even the first module of each section is the same for each student. The exam draws its questions from a large repository, so different students receive different exercises. However, College Board guarantees the same level of difficulty for all candidates in the first module.

It is also important that you remember that students cannot open other applications while taking the digital SAT. To avoid suspicion, when you use the software, nothing else will work on your computer.

Finally, another new element when it comes to technology is that you will have your own stopwatch. You will no longer depend on human error or on being given information about how much time you have left to finish your exam.

Final conclusions

College Board has made its foray into the world of digital testing. Don’t be confused and think that they have only changed the channel on which the exam is taken. The digital SAT is faster, is available on more dates, is more personalized and secure, provides more time per question, and has introduced significant changes to the structure

Although the SAT is changing, one thing that will not change is the need to prepare. As always, EPIC PREP remains ahead of the curve with the latest questions and materials needed to get you ready for the new digital SAT. Our team of experts has already developed a new study plan that will help you achieve your goals in this new exam.