As students prepare for college, one of the biggest milestones they will face is taking the PSAT or SAT. These exams are often the deciding factor in college admissions decisions, as they provide a standardised measure of a student’s academic ability. However, starting in 2024, there will be a major change to the testing process – the exams will be going digital.
The move to digital testing has been in the works for several years, with the College Board exploring new options for delivering the PSAT and SAT exams. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the process, as many exams were forced to move online due to safety concerns. The College Board has now announced that starting in 2024, all PSAT and SAT exams will be administered digitally.
Impact on PSAT & SAT going digital-2024
So, what does this change mean for students? Here are some of the key implications:
Increased flexibility:
One of the biggest benefits of digital testing is that it allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and administration. Students can take the exam at home or at a testing center, depending on their preferences and availability. This means that students who may not have been able to take the exam in the past due to scheduling or transportation issues may now have more options.Faster results:
Digital testing also allows for faster and more accurate scoring, with fewer errors and less risk of human error. This means that students will receive their scores more quickly, which can be helpful in making decisions about college applications and scholarship opportunities.New format:
With digital testing, there may be changes to the test format, including new question types or formats. This means that students will need to prepare for these changes and become familiar with the new format to ensure they perform their best on the exam.Technology challenges:
Although digital testing has numerous advantages, it demands a certain level of technological proficiency from the students. This implies that they must be adept at navigating online platforms, operating computers or tablets, and comprehending how to respond to questions and submit their answers electronically. The College Board has furnished practice resources to aid students in their preparation; however, it is crucial for them to gain a level of comfort with the technology prior to taking the actual exam.New testing environment:
With the option to take the exam at home, students may be taking the exam in a different environment than they are used to. This means that they will need to be able to focus and avoid distractions in order to perform their best on the exam.Accommodations:
For students who require accommodations for disabilities or other special needs, digital testing may offer more customization options than paper-based testing. However, it will be important for these students to communicate their needs to the College Board and testing administrators in advance to ensure that their accommodations are properly implemented.
How to prepare for digital SAT and PSAT?
With the transition to digital testing for the PSAT and SAT exams, it’s crucial for students to adapt their preparation strategies to ensure a successful testing experience. Here are some tips to assist students in preparing for digital testing:
Acquaint yourself with the format:
One of the most crucial steps you can take to prepare for digital testing is to become familiar with the format. Utilize the free practice tests available on the College Board website to get a feel for the digital testing format. This will aid in your comfort level with the testing software and the types of questions you can anticipate.Practise sound digital habits:
Digital testing necessitates a distinct set of skills than paper-based testing. For instance, you may need to adjust your typing speed, navigation skills, and time management techniques. Make certain to practise sound digital habits, such as reducing distractions, managing your time effectively, and remaining focused on the task at hand.Take advantage of available resources:
The College Board offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for the PSAT and SAT exams. These resources include practice tests, study guides, and online courses. Be sure to utilise these resources to prepare yourself for digital testing.Develop a study schedule:
Just like with paper-based testing, it’s important to develop a study schedule to help you prepare for the PSAT and SAT exams. However, with digital testing, you may need to allocate additional time to become familiar with the testing software and adjust your strategies accordingly. Consider working with a tutor or study group to help you develop an effective study schedule.Practice with a timer:
Digital testing is timed, and you’ll need to manage your time effectively to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions. Practice with a timer to help you develop good time management skills. This will also help you get a sense of how quickly you can answer different types of questions.Practice typing:
Digital testing requires typing skills, and you may need to adjust your typing speed and accuracy to ensure you can answer questions quickly and effectively. Consider taking a typing course or practising with online typing games to help you improve your typing skills.Stay focused:
Digital testing can be distracting, with notifications and other alerts potentially interrupting your testing experience. To stay focused, make sure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or playing white noise to help you stay focused.
Prepare with Rostrum
With the transition to digital testing, Rostrum Education has adapted its SAT and PSAT preparation programs to ensure students have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a digital testing environment. Rostrum Education’s online SAT and PSAT preparation programs are designed to provide students with the tools and resources they need to achieve their desired scores. The programs include comprehensive study materials, personalised coaching and support, and access to a range of practice tests and online resources.
Rostrum Education provides comprehensive online SAT and PSAT preparation programs that offer a plethora of features explicitly tailored to facilitate students’ success in a digital testing environment. These features encompass digital practice tests, online tools and resources that enable effective time management and reduction of distractions, and techniques for tackling potential technical difficulties that students may encounter while taking the test.
