"Embracing the Digital Age: Mastering the New SAT and PSAT Experience in 2024 and Beyond"
In spring 2024, high school students taking the SAT will experience a significant change as the test transitions to an all-digital format, marking the first time this shift has occurred in the United States. Additionally, the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT in fall 2023 will also go digital. This transition has raised questions among parents and students alike about how this new testing format will affect college admissions prospects..
As students prepare for the digital SAT or PSAT, there are four key aspects to consider:
Adaptive Format: The digital SAT adapts to a student's abilities. The initial module of the test determines the difficulty level of the subsequent modules. This adaptive approach allows students to have a test tailored to their academic skills, potentially leading to higher scores while retaining the 1600 scale.
Shorter Duration: The digital SAT now takes approximately two hours and 14 minutes to complete. This duration aligns with the digital PSATs, making the transition smoother for students who are familiar with the format.
User-Friendly Tools: The digital SAT offers various features to enhance the test-taking experience. Students can navigate through the test using a question map, flag questions they are unsure about, and easily return to them. Calculators are allowed throughout the entire math section, with a built-in graphing calculator available. Students can also bring their own graphing calculators, but it's advisable to explore the built-in calculator's features beforehand.
Consistent Test Preparation: Despite the change in format, the fundamentals of test preparation remain the same. Students should start by taking practice tests to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. The College Board website provides practice tests, and experts from Academic Approach can help interpret the results. Additionally, students can consider taking the ACT practice test to determine their preferred test format.
Here at StepPrep, students familiarize themselves with this new and unfamiliar format by taking practice tests formatted just like the actual tests will be. Naturally, this repetition breeds familiarity, which in turn boosts the student’s confidence and puts them in a great position to perform well on the digital SAT. While the shift to a digital format may seem distant, it is approaching rapidly and requires adequate preparation. It is a positive sign that the College Board is making adjustments to keep up with our rapidly changing times. Changes such as eliminating the paper and making accommodations SAT will support students in 2024 and beyond.