EVERYTHING You Need to Know for the Digital SAT

Summary

The SAT is transitioning to a digital adaptive format in 2024, shortening the test duration to 2 hours and 14 minutes. The reading and writing sections are now combined, as are the two math sections, with a Desmos calculator available for the entire math portion. The test will have two modules per section, with difficulty adjusted based on performance in the first module. Major changes include shorter questions, fewer word problems, and faster score reporting. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mastering the Desmos calculator for success.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The SAT will transition to a digital adaptive format in 2024, moving away from paper-and-pencil testing.
• 🏫 Despite going digital, students will still need to take the SAT at a designated testing center, not at home.
• ⏳ The test duration will be shortened from 3 hours to 2 hours and 14 minutes, providing a more concise testing experience.
• 📖 The Reading and Writing sections have been combined into one 'Reading and Writing' section, and the two math sections have been merged into one math section.
• 📊 The math section will allow the use of a Desmos graphing calculator for the entire test, making calculations much easier.
• 📋 The test will consist of two modules per section: the first module will be the same for everyone, and the second module will be adapted based on the student's performance on the first.
• ❗ Module 1 performance significantly impacts your score; it sets the ceiling or floor for the rest of your test.
• 📚 Reading passages will be shorter, focusing on isolated questions instead of long, detailed passages.
• 🧮 The math content remains mostly unchanged, with the removal of imaginary numbers and a focus on more concise word problems.
• 📅 Scores will be available faster with the new digital format, though not immediately after the test.

Q & A

What is the biggest change to the SAT in 2024?

The SAT is transitioning from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital, adaptive format starting in 2024.

Can students take the digital SAT at home?

No, students still need to go to a testing center to take the digital SAT.

How much time will students have to complete the new digital SAT?

The digital SAT will be shorter, lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes compared to the previous 3-hour format.

What changes have been made to the reading and writing sections?

The reading and writing sections have been combined into a single section called the 'Reading and Writing' section, with shorter, isolated questions instead of long passages.

How is the adaptive nature of the digital SAT structured?

Each section is divided into two modules. The first module has a range of questions everyone gets, and the difficulty of the second module depends on how well the student performed in the first module.

How does the scoring differ between the modules?

Students are penalized more for missing easy problems in the first module. A perfect score on the first module allows some room for error in the second module, but missing questions in the first module significantly impacts the final score.

What are the major content changes in the math section of the digital SAT?

Imaginary numbers have been removed, and there are fewer word problems. The breakdown is 35% algebra, 35% advanced math, 15% problem-solving and data analysis, and 15% geometry and trigonometry.

How does the Desmos calculator affect the math section?

The Desmos calculator, which is a full graphing calculator, is available for the entire math section. It allows students to solve problems more efficiently, including graphing equations and calculating means or medians.

What should students expect regarding free-response questions?

The free-response questions no longer limit students to just four boxes, allowing for more flexibility in their answers.

How quickly will students receive their scores for the digital SAT?

Students will receive their scores in days instead of weeks, as College Board can process the results instantly once the test is submitted.