Cracking the New Digital SAT

The SAT has officially gone digital, removing the paper test and format with it. Just like the millions of other students taking the new digitized exam, I had tons of unanswered questions. Is the new SAT actually easier? What is the best way to achieve a solid score? Should I just take the ACT? Let's break it down. 

Digital Format:

The Digital SAT now comprises two sections each with two modules. The Reading & Writing section, and the Math section. Module 1 holds easy to medium difficulty questions and Module 2, depending on your M1 score, will typically hold medium to advanced questions. 

Rather than every student taking the same test, a large question bank sorted by difficulty is used to simulate a “standardized” test while administering different questions. To some, this defeats the entire point of a standardized test; some exam versions can be completely different to one another even if students performed similarly on the first modules. 

Reading & Writing 

The reading and writing portion consists of 27 questions with 32 minutes of allotted time per module. In total, this section of the exam is 54 questions in 64 minutes. 

• Originally, the reading and writing portion on the SAT had a couple of long passages with multiple questions based on that passage. Now, each question has its own shortened passage. If you struggle with staying focused during long periods of time, this new format is incredibly beneficial. 

Math

The math portion consists of 22 questions with 35 minutes of allotted time per module. In total, this section of the exam is 44 questions in 70 minutes. 

• The math format on the Digital SAT is very similar to the original one. 75% of questions are multiple choice and 25% are student-produced responses. This is almost exactly the same. However, a built in calculator is now provided for students on BOTH modules compared to the previously administered SATs that only allowed it on one. 

Is The New SAT Easier?

Whether or not the new SAT is actually easier is down to personal preference. After reviewing the past couple of administered exams (March, May and June), students have generally considered the math portion to be more difficult compared to the original pen and paper test, with very few changes in difficulty in the reading and writing portion. 

In addition to learning the new concepts and subjects tested on the Digital SAT, students now have to take the time to learn the new format and testing strategies - specifically on the math portion focusing around the DESMOS calculator. 

Pros:

• Shorter reading passages 

• “Intuitive” notes questions (almost always free points)

• These questions are found on the end of the reading modules.

• Calculator provided on both math modules 

Cons:

• Larger array of question types and concepts tested

• Different questions for each student 

• Scoring higher may be a result of “easier” questions given 

• Harder math questions 

Scoring Higher:

The best way to score higher on the new test is by taking the practice tests offered on Blue Book. College Board has released 6 practice tests for free as practice material. 

The general consensus is that practice tests 5 and 6 resemble the real test the most, while tests 1 through 4 all demonstrate easier questions and concepts overall. Utilizing Khan Academy’s resources while taking a practice test each week up until your SAT is one of the best ways to practice and achieve your target score. 

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