Everything You Need To Know About The Digital SAT

• December 13th
• 1 year ago
• SAT

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The new digital SAT (dSAT) will be active in March 2024, and as a parent of a college-bound student, you need to be prepared for the changes. While the purpose of the SAT will stay the same, many elements will change significantly. 

By understanding the differences and adapting strategies, your child can navigate the digital SAT with confidence, paving the way for success on their college admissions journey.

Here’s a rundown of what you need to know:

Is the Exam Structure and Length of the Digital SAT Different than the Previous Paper Version?

The digital SAT will be shorter than the current paper test – around 2 hours instead of three.  The dSAT is broken down into two sections:

• Reading and Writing – two modules, each with 27 questions in 32 minutes (total of 54 questions in 64 minutes)
• Math – two modules, each with 22 questions in 35 minutes (total of 44 questions in 70 minutes)

The Digital SAT is Adaptive. What does this Mean?

Your child will encounter different test versions right from the start. This is achieved by using a diverse range of questions to create individualized question sets for each student. Despite the varied questions, the topics remain consistent, ensuring fairness for all test-takers. 

This adaptive scoring system assigns different point values to questions based on their difficulty and which module they fall within.  The difficulty of the questions adapts according to your child’s performance within the module. 

Many large-scale assessments have used adaptive testing for more than 30 years. Research shows the benefits of adaptive testing, including:

• More precise measurement
• Tailored questions to meet students’ needs
• Shorter tests
• More secure testing

What is the Bluebook App?

Your child will take their digital SAT through the Bluebook application, which requires prior installation. The app provides a platform for the actual exam. It features tools to help test takers, such as:

• Ability to flag questions to come back to them later 
• A countdown clock, which students can choose to show or hide at the top of their testing screen, will alert them when they’re running out of time 
• A built-in graphing calculator students can use on the entire math section (or they can bring their calculator)
• A reference sheet, for each math question, consisting of common formulas

What is Staying the Same?

• Measuring the knowledge and skills that matter most for college and career.
• Scoring the test on a 1600-point scale.
• Administering the test in schools or test centers with a proctor present (not at home).
• Supporting all students, including those who need accommodation on test day.

What is Changing?

• The SAT will be taken on a laptop or tablet.
• The test is shorter, about 2 hours instead of 3. 
• Shorter reading passages instead of a few long texts.
• A calculator is allowed on the entire Math section and there’s a calculator built right in.
• Test-takers can expect to receive their results within a few days of completing the test, as opposed to up to five weeks with the old exam.

How will this Affect Students with Accommodations?

The digital SAT will maintain testing accommodations in its new digital, adaptive format.  Digital screens can be adjusted to show large print.  Extended time or breaks are still available. If digital accommodations are not feasible, students may be eligible for a 3-hour, non-adaptive paper-and-pencil-based version of the dSAT.  Eligible students can apply for SAT accommodations with the College Board. Accommodations must be approved before a student registers for the SAT. 

How do I Register for the digital SAT?

1. Create an account with the College Board.
2. Select a test date and test center
3. Upload a photo
4. Review your order form and confirm SAT registration

How do I Practice for the digital SAT?

Groza Learning Center has created a digital SAT practice test designed to mirror the format and structure of the actual digital SAT exam, allowing your child to become familiar with the digital interface.  

Within 3 days of your child taking their digital SAT practice test, our education team will provide you with a detailed score report that will identify your child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses and determine their initial score performance level.  

Having a clear understanding of your child’s starting point will allow Groza to create a customized study plan.  Our team will consider your child’s goals and schedule to create a sat test prep program that works for them.

On average, Groza students see an increase of 200-465 points on their SAT scores. 

Contact us now to learn more and start on your path to success!