Changes to the New Digital SAT

Understanding the Major Changes

1. Format: Shorter & More Efficient

   The Digital SAT is now a shorter exam, completed in 2 hours and 14 minutes, as opposed to the traditional 3 hours and 15 minutes for the paper exam. The exam is divided into four modules—two each for Reading & Writing, and two for Math.

   Paper SAT

   3h 15m

   154 questions
   Long passages
   Single difficulty
   Paper-based

   Digital SAT

   2h 14m

   98 questions
   Shorter passages
   Adaptive testing
   Digital-first

   Module Breakdown: Each Reading & Writing module consists of 27 questions (32 minutes each). Each Math module has 22 questions (35 minutes each).

   Adaptive Testing

   The Digital SAT uses section-level adaptive testing. Your performance in Module 1 determines the difficulty of Module 2:

   • Perform well → Get harder questions with higher score potential
   • Struggle initially → Get easier questions with adjusted scoring range
   • Each test is uniquely tailored to your ability level

2. Content: Shorter Passages, Focused Questions

   Unlike the traditional paper SAT with long, dense passages, the Digital SAT assesses reading comprehension and grammar skills using short paragraphs for every question. This makes the test less about stamina and more about skill.

   Reading & Writing Skills Assessed:

   • Information and Ideas — Comprehension and analysis of texts
   • Craft and Structure — Understanding writing techniques
   • Expression of Ideas — Effective communication skills
   • Standard English Conventions — Grammar and usage rules
   Math Section Updates

   Calculator allowed for BOTH math modules (previously only one section allowed calculators). You can use your own approved calculator or the built-in Desmos graphing calculator.

   Math content remains similar: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving & Data Analysis, and Geometry & Trigonometry.

3. Testing Experience: Digital Tools & Flexibility

   Students can take the Digital SAT on their own laptop, a school-issued device, or borrow one from College Board (request 30 days in advance). The test is administered through the Bluebook™ app.

   Digital Features Include:

   • Built-in timer for each module
   • Digital highlighting and annotation tools
   • Built-in Desmos calculator for all math questions
   • Flag questions for review
   • Work saved automatically (even if internet drops)
   Faster Score Reporting

   Digital SAT scores are delivered in days instead of weeks. You'll receive your results much faster than the traditional paper SAT.

4. Scoring: Same Scale, New Approach

   The Digital SAT maintains the 200-1600 point scale (200-800 per section). However, because of adaptive testing, the same number of correct answers doesn't always equal the same score.

   The difficulty of questions you receive in Module 2 affects your final score. Higher-difficulty questions are worth more points, rewarding strong performance in Module 1.