The SAT is set to go computerised in 2024, according to the College Board. This is a positive move since it emphasises the relevance and value of standardised testing in the post-COVID era. The test will be 2 hours long, as compared to the existing SAT’s 3 hours. Given the enhanced convenience of taking the test, the number of Digital SAT test takers is expected to skyrocket in 2024.
What changes have been made to the Digital SAT?
The pandemic taught us all to become accustomed to learning and taking tests in a digital environment. According to the College Board, the test will provide extra time per question across the test, in addition to cutting testing time to two hours.
The following are the key changes to the test content that have been announced thus far:
- Shorter reading sections with only one question
- Extracts from a wider variety of college-level literature
- Calculators are available throughout the Maths section.
What distinguishes the Digital SAT from the present SAT?
The Digital SAT will be a simplified version of the present exam. The new format will place a greater emphasis on college-readiness skills rather than endurance or speed.
The Reading part of the current SAT, with its extensive sections and often obscure History passages, requires patience to complete. The new test is likely to feature readings from the arts and sciences digging into more modern topics in economics, finance, and the environment. The length of the passages is also likely to be shorter than before
We may also see a greater emphasis on combining graphical data with passage text in order to answer questions. The introduction of calculators for the whole Maths portion heralds some significant changes to the exam. In addition to the SAT’s focus on Algebra and Word problems, we could see a shift to more clear questions, similar to the ACT Maths portion, and the addition of more geometry and trigonometry problems.
Will taking the test online be difficult?
You might be wary of the online version of the test if you prefer offline tests. The good news is that it was more intuitive and uncomplicated for most students in the pilot test. When the College Board claims the digital version of the test is more “intuitive,” they mean “easier to navigate” and “easier to answer without becoming fatigued.”
A Student Clock will be included in the digital SAT interface, making it easier for test takers to keep track of time. Highlighter, strikethrough, and mark for review tools will all be available. Test takers will have all the tools they need to solve questions in one spot, thanks to a built-in calculator and a reference feature (common mathematical formulas).
What about scores and score reports?
The 1600 scale will be used to report results. Score reports will be provided in days rather than the weeks as per the present version of the test due to the digital format.
When should you begin studying for the digital SAT in 2024?
If you want to take the SAT in 2024, you’ll have plenty of time to develop good reading, writing, and language skills, as well as maths skills. Begin as soon as possible, following the directions in the previous section. Concentrate on achieving tangible progress in all areas. Don’t be afraid to assess your progress using recent SAT examinations. There is no need to take full-length tests; nevertheless, you can always solve Writing and Language portions and Maths sections on practice tests to try to achieve a perfect score. Focus on developing a foundation of comprehension abilities and awareness of current global debates and concerns before beginning to read. This will aid in your development.
How do I get started studying for the Digital SAT in 2024?
The SAT’s concentration on measuring college ready skills in reading, language, and maths hasn’t altered much over the years.
Here’s how you can start preparing for the 2024 digital SAT in each skill category.
Reading: Start reading about a variety of humanities and science topics. Examine editorials to learn about current geopolitical and environmental events. Concentrate on becoming a more knowledgeable reader in general. Instead of being a passive receiver of data, try creating opinions.
Writing and Language: On standardised tests, grammar and punctuation norms are unlikely to be phased out anytime soon. Learn all of the grammar topics on the current SAT and use approved resources.
Maths: Begin practising all of the current SAT maths topics. Pay special attention to ACT official test geometry and trigonometry problems. Maths relies heavily on formulas and facts. They assist you in answering the questions more precisely and quickly. So set a goal for yourself to memorise the formulae and information related to the current SAT topics, as well as why and how they work.
SAT Prep with Rostrum Education
With the Ed-tech industry undergoing such a transformation over the last two years, it was only a matter of time until standardised tests were digitised as well. Rostrum was prepared for any changes in the flexibility of standardised testing, keeping in mind that we already have the equipment for the ACT. We provide a one-of-a-kind adaptive and personalised learning platform that helps students from all over the world attain their dream scores, making the preparation journey a lot more effective. Contact us for a free consultation to find out more.
