The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) has recently undergone significant changes, making it more relevant and accessible to today’s students. One of the most significant transformations is the shift to a digital format. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects of the new digital SAT and provide valuable tips and strategies to help students prepare effectively.

The Digital SAT:

• Familiarity with the Testing Application:
  • Be familiar with the testing application. Understand how to navigate through the test, use the digital tools, and manage time effectively.
• Question Format:
  • The new SAT features shorter passages, with each passage accompanied by one question.
  • There are 27 questions per module in Reading and Writing (54 total).
  • Students have more time per question.
• More Time:
  • Students have 32 minutes to complete each Reading and Writing module (64 minutes in total) and 35 minutes for each Math module (70 minutes total).
  • This comes to about 1.19 minutes per reading and writing question and 1.59 minutes per math question.
• Shorter Test Duration:
  • The new digital SAT is shorter–two hours and 14 minutes instead of the previous three hours.
• Multistage Adaptive Testing:
  • In the first module of each section (Reading/Writing or Math), students are presented with a mix of easy, medium, and difficult questions.
  • In the second module, the computer adapts to the student’s performance level, providing questions that are either easier or harder based on their initial responses.
• Combined Reading and Writing Sections:
  • The Reading and Writing sections from the traditional SAT have been combined into two modules, although they test the same content as before.

Essay Section (Optional):

• While some students choose to complete the optional essay section, it is only necessary if their desired colleges require or recommend it.

Preparing for the SAT:

• Review basic grammar components:
  • Comma usage
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Commonly confused words
  • Pronouns.
• For multiple-choice questions, the process of elimination can be a valuable strategy.
  • Eliminate clearly wrong answer choices first.
  • Then eliminate half-truths, hyperboles, and incorrect assumptions.
• Time management is crucial.
  • Do not to spend excessive time on the toughest questions.
  • Make educated guesses on questions they are unsure about.
• Pay attention to detail and avoid jumping to conclusions when reading questions and passages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Be vigilant for common mistakes the SAT tests:
  • Effect   vs affect
  • A lot   vs allot   vs a lot
  • into (movement)   vs in to (I came in to get a drink)
  • then (shift in time) vs   than (comparison)
  • assure (promise)  vs insure (protect risk)  vs ensure (to make certain)
  • less (can’t count)  vs fewer (can count)
  • between (two things, clearly separated)  vs among (several things, not clearly separated)
  • me (you are the object receiving the action–“Please contact me”) vs myself (reflexive pronoun—“I hit myself”)
• Familiarize yourself with prefixes that can help you understand unfamiliar words in context:
  • omni – all – omnipotent, omnipresent, omnivore
  • inter – between – intercede, interfere, interject
  • intra – within – intrapersonal, intramural
  • mal – bad – maladjusted, malign
  • ben – good – benevolent, benefit
  • grat – pleasing – gratify, gratuity
  • sub – below – subzero, substitute, subordinate
  • re – again – realign, readjust
  • retro – back – retroact (act backward)
  • se – apart – secession (withdraw from assoc.), secret (kept apart/hidden), select (choose one, set apart)
  • dys – bad/abnormal – dystopia, dysfunction
  • sym – together – symbol (bring meanings together)
  • super – above – supersede (take the place of previous supervisor), superfluous (more than needed)
• Practice is the most effective preparation strategy. Regularly practicing with official SAT materials and sample tests can build confidence and familiarity with the format.

The new digital SAT offers students a more user-friendly and relevant testing experience. By understanding the test’s format, practicing effectively, and applying essential strategies, students can approach the SAT with confidence and increase their chances of success. Preparing for this important exam is about more than just memorizing facts—it’s about mastering the skills needed for academic and professional success.