3 Things to Know About the New Digital SAT

The new digital SAT is adaptive

The new digital SAT is now adaptive, meaning how you do in the first part influences how hard the second part is. The first part of the test consists of two reading & writing modules, that are 32 minutes long with 27 questions each. If you do well on the first module, you get a moderately “harder” second module while if you do less well on the first module, you get a moderately “easier” second module. The second half of the test consists of two math modules, each 35 minutes long and 22 questions. These are similarly adaptive like the reading & writing modules. 

Because of this structure, the DSAT is also shorter and has fewer questions than the old paper and pencil test!

The digital SAT now allows the desmos calculator on all math problems

For those who dreaded the old “no calculator” section on the paper and pencil SAT, worry no more! The DSAT offers a full graphing calculator that makes the math modules more beatable than ever. This is also one more tool that can greatly change the test taking experience if used correctly.

The Digital SAT is taken in a proctored environment

Some people might feel a bit misled by the new name, as the test is actually administered in authorized testing centers to ensure fairness. This means that the testing process is exactly like the paper and pencil test, just instead of a booklet you bring your computer and take the test on the College Board Bluebook app. This also means, however, that you will have a proctor there to help you in case something does happen to go wrong during the test and say, there is a power outage.

Above all however, the DSAT is as coachable as the SATwas!