New Digital SAT Format 2024

The pencil-and-paper edition of the SAT will remain similar in many ways to the new digital version. In other words, the exam will still evaluate the same fundamental skills, be administered in an official testing facility, be scored on a 1600-point scale, and allow you to use assistive technology or take extra time if you are granted accommodations.

It’s vital to note that there will be various modifications with the new test. The following list contains the six main distinctions between the new and present SAT versions.

1. Computers are Taking the Place of Pens and Paper

The SAT will now be given entirely on computers, therefore bubble answer sheets will soon be obsolete under the new structure. You have the option to take the SAT on a computer in the testing facility when you register, or you can bring a laptop or tablet that you own or have borrowed from friends, family, or the school.

It needs to be able to connect to Wi-Fi if you are bringing your device. You can see the specifications for various devices here. It must also be running one of the authorized operating systems and have a specified amount of free space. As a last step, ensure that the morning before the test, you have downloaded the Bluebook testing software and completely charged your computer.

The testing organization will take care of you if you don’t have access to a computer or are unable to borrow one on test day. It is possible to request the shipment of a College Board-issued computer to the testing center at the time of registration. In addition to providing the name of an adult (such as a teacher, counselor, school administrator, or adviser) who can attest to your character, you must make your request at least 30 days before the exam date.

You won’t lose anything if you lose power or your Internet connection while taking the exam! Your progress will be preserved even when you rejoin because the online SAT regularly stores your work.

2. Use of Calculators

About gadgets, the SAT print edition presently permits the use of calculators on just one of the two sections that comprise the Math test. It is possible to utilize a calculator during the full Math part of the digital SAT format, in contrast. The digital SAT offers an onscreen calculator if you don’t already have one, so you won’t have to remember to bring yours or the correct sort, just like with your No. 2 pencil.

Make sure your scientific calculator or graphing calculator is on the College Board’s list of approved gadgets, though, if you would rather bring your own. You will be placed apart from other test takers if your device includes characters that are one inch or larger or if it has an elevated display that other students may be able to see. Keep in mind that you are only permitted to use battery-operated, handheld calculators.

3. Test Will Now Adapt to You

Reading and Writing will be the first portion of the online SAT, while Math will be the second. Currently, the SAT consists of three sections: Literature, Writing and Language, and Math. Two components, referred to as modules, will be separated out of every section.

Before going on to the second module, you will have to respond to questions in the first. The second module’s questions, however, will vary for every test taker based on their performance on Calculator that is integrated into the testing application later in this post. Simply make sure it’s on the College Board’s list of approved gadgets if you would rather bring your own scientific or graphing calculator.

The SAT will be more individualized for you and more accurately measure your talents because of its new adaptive structure.

4. A Quicker and Shorter Exam

The updated digital exam will be substantially shorter, with fewer sections and a more flexible framework. This year’s digital SAT will last two hours and fourteen minutes, with more time to answer each question than the existing pencil-and-paper exam, which lasts about three hours.

The Reading and Writing portion, for instance, will feature shorter texts with only one question to respond to each. You’ll also be better able to focus on each question and have more time to answer it because the test’s questions will all be more straightforward and succinct.

5. You’ll Get Your Scores Back Sooner

Your SAT results will be available to you in days rather than weeks thanks to the new digital system. Having an early understanding of your performance will give you more time to choose which schools to receive your scores from. Additionally, you will have more time to prepare for the test as you can take the SAT later and still satisfy college application deadlines.

For those who intend to retake the SAT in order to get the best results, on the other hand, faster scoring is advantageous because it will save you time in determining whether another attempt is required.

6. Enhanced Security

The College Board occasionally cancels the test results of all the students who took the exam at the same time and place if the paper form of one test taker has been corrupted. Score reports have also been canceled and delayed as a result of test leaks and cheating scandals in previous years. However, the next online SAT will provide far higher security because each student will receive a unique digital test form that discourages answer sharing and reduces the likelihood of cancellation.

The College Board implemented a new digital SAT format in spring 2023 for students from abroad and in March 2024 for students in the United States. This marked one of the biggest updates to the test in the 97-year history of the corporation. By aligning the format with how students are already studying online, this significant change aims to make the exam more equal and lessen test-taking anxiety.

This article will go over the salient characteristics of the new SAT format, the key differences between the digital and older versions of the exam, and the crucial details you need to know to successfully navigate this changing format.