What is the Digital SAT?
The Digital SAT is a 2-hour and 14-minute standardized digital test for admission to universities in the USA. The SAT measures Reading, Writing, Math, and the abilities important for academic success in college and beyond. It is also designed to help predict how well a student can expect to do academically in the first year of college.
First administered in 1926, the SAT was created to democratize access to higher education for all students and to ensure that all students had a chance to go to college. Today, the SAT serves as both a measure of students’ college readiness and as a valid and reliable predictor of college outcomes.
When used in combination with high school GPA, SAT scores are shown to be the best predictor of a student’s likelihood to succeed in college. The SAT is among the most rigorously researched and designed tests in the world. It provides colleges and universities with valuable information about college readiness.
Over 1.6 million students take the SAT annually. It is accepted or required at nearly all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Developed with input from high school teachers, college faculty, and enrollment professionals.
Important: 96.3% of U.S. colleges still require or will consider SAT/ACT test scores when submitted. It is important that students continue to take the SAT/ACT test and submit their scores when applying to colleges. Only 3.7% of U.S. colleges do not require SAT/ACT test scores.
Additionally, the SAT has become optional at some colleges. However, a student who has taken the SAT test and has done well will certainly have an advantage over the student who has not prepared for and taken the SAT.
A good SAT test score can lead to:
- Increased scholarship opportunities
- Financial aid
- Admission into Honor’s Programs
- College freshman placement
- More options for you & your future
- Improved chances of acceptance into the college of your choice
Scores Matter!
Over 1050 is an above average score.
1050 is an average score.
Scores below 840/SAT or 15/ACT – Not considered college eligible.
About the Digital SAT Test
- Many major parts of the SAT are staying the same. Including the general format and content, as well as the scoring scale out of 1600.
- You will take the SAT on a computer. This is the biggest change. At the test center a computer will be loaned to you by the College Board. If the internet goes down during the SAT test your work will be saved, and you won’t lose time on the test.
Even though the SAT will be digital, it will still need to be taken in a classroom, with an in-person proctor. You won’t be able to take the SAT at home.
- The SAT will last 2 hours and 14 minutes.
- You’ll have more time per question. Time pressure is a major problem for many students as it is common to run out of time before you’re able to answer all the questions in a section.
- Calculators will be allowed for the entire math section. An onscreen calculator will be available for every math question. This also means that you no longer need to bring a calculator to the SAT on test day. However, you can still bring and use your own approved calculator during the test.
- Reading passages:
- Are shorter
- Have only one question tied to it
- Will cover a wider range of topics.
- You’ll get scores back faster. Your scores will be returned within days rather than weeks.
- Myth: The digital SAT is easier. Not so! It is not easier. You need to prepare for the SAT just as much as with the old SAT.