Unpacking the NEW Digital SAT®

Say goodbye to bubble sheets and number 2 pencils!

You might have heard that the College Board is changing the SAT® to be delivered in an all-digital format starting in Spring of 2024 (Class of 2025) in the United States (and in Spring 2023 internationally).

Sylvan’s Prep Experts put together all the information your teen needs to know about the changes and the timeline.

What’s New

• • Shorter test. The new test will have no paperwork, shortening the time to two hours and 14 minutes instead of the current three-hour test. Students will have more time, on average, to answer each question.
  • Bring your own computer. Students will be able to bring their own laptop/tablet or school-issued computer. The College Board will provide computers for those who need them (although you must request at registration).
  • Test scores will be available in days versus weeks! This can be super helpful when having to make key college decisions as well as giving students more time to prepare if they decide to take an additional test.
  • Calculator allowed on entire math test. There is even a built-in graphing calculator in the digital app so students don’t have to bring their own.
  • Built-in Tools. On-screen timer and other built-in annotation tools will assist students with time management and provide more efficient ways to flag questions to return to later.
  • Each student will take a unique version of the test, which makes the test much more secure.
  • Adaptive tests. Each test section will be divided into two parts called modules. Questions on the second module will depend on how students did on the first module.
  • Scores reports will be expanded to connect students to information about 2-year and 4-year colleges, as well as work force training programs and career options.
  • Worry-free technology as students’ work will be saved in the exam application. If the internet goes out, students will still be able to progress through their test on the app. If the battery runs out, students can plug in their device and pick up where they left off. There will even be a technology coordinator at each testing center to assist with any technical issues.

What Stays the Same

• • Weekend testing and SAT School Day will continue to take place at test centers, and schools can continue to participate in SAT School Day. There won’t be an at-home testing option.
  • Assesses the same skills: The test will still measure the core reading, writing, and math skills that matter most for college and career readiness.
  • 1600 Scale: Scores will remain on the same 400 – 1600 point scale.
  • Math will still include multiple choice and student-produced response questions.
  • Reading/Writing sections remain multiple choice.
  • Accommodations are available for students who are eligible for them.

What This Means for Your Teen

• Let’s face it – digital tests are just relevant and comfortable to students today. Students lead their lives digitally anyway – so this will be a much less stressful and more familiar way to take the SAT.
• The first students in the US to be impacted by this are the class of 2025, and these students will get to experience the digital SAT when they take the very first digital PSAT in the Fall of 2023.
• You can now take a closer look at the Digital SAT by viewing the sample test questions and a preview of the testing application along with practice tests on the College Board website.