Are you a high school student or a parent of one who is planning to apply for college in the near future? If yes, then you might have heard about the SAT, a standardized test used by many colleges and universities in the US as a factor for admissions. However, did you know that the SAT has recently undergone a major transformation, from a paper-based to a digital format? This new version of the test, known as the Digital SAT, aims to offer more flexibility, accessibility, and security to test-takers. But what exactly is the Digital SAT, and how does it differ from the traditional SAT? In this article, we will answer these questions and many more, providing you with all you wanted to know about the Digital SAT.
What is the Digital SAT?
The Digital SAT is the new, computer-based version of the SAT, which was first launched in September 2018. Unlike the paper-based SAT, which requires test-takers to use a pencil to fill in bubbles on an answer sheet, the Digital SAT is taken on a computer, using a mouse and a keyboard. The Digital SAT has the same content and structure as the paper-based SAT, with four sections: Reading, Writing, and Language, Math (with a calculator), and Math (without a calculator). The total duration of the test is 3 hours, with an additional 50 minutes for the optional Essay section.
What are the benefits of taking the Digital SAT?
The Digital SAT offers several benefits over the traditional SAT, such as:
- Flexibility: Test-takers can choose the date and location of the test that best suits their schedule and preferences, as the Digital SAT is offered on multiple dates and at various testing centers across the US. Moreover, the Digital SAT allows test-takers to change their answers during the test, skip questions, and return to them later, unlike the paper-based SAT.
- Accessibility: The Digital SAT provides accommodations for students with disabilities, such as extended time, screen magnification, and reading aloud. In addition, the Digital SAT offers a built-in calculator, spell-checker, and highlighting tools to help test-takers perform better on the Math and Writing sections.
- Security: The Digital SAT uses advanced encryption and authentication technologies to ensure that test-takers’ personal and test data are protected from unauthorized access or cheating. The Digital SAT also employs a digital proctoring system that monitors test-takers behavior and surroundings through the computer camera and microphone, to detect any suspicious activity.
How to prepare for the Digital SAT?
Preparing for the Digital SAT requires a combination of content knowledge, test-taking strategies, and digital literacy skills. Here are some tips and insights to help you get started:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format and content: Visit the Global Careers website SAT Practice to access free sample questions, practice tests, and personalized feedback. Make sure to review the test instructions, question types, and scoring rubrics for each section.
- Practice your digital skills: Since the Digital SAT is taken on a computer, it is essential to practice your typing speed, mouse control, and navigation skills. You can use online typing games, mouse tutorials, and digital simulations to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Develop your test-taking strategies: The Digital SAT allows you to flag questions, skip them, and return to them later, which can help you manage your time and reduce stress. However,