The digital SAT largely maintains the content and structure of the paper SAT but is presented in a computerized format. Students will answer questions on a computer or tablet, trading in their pencil and paper for a keyboard and screen. The digital SAT covers the same areas as the paper-based test: reading, writing and language, and math.
| PSAT-Related Assesments | U.S. SAT and SAT School Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | ||
| Fall 2023 | ||
| Spring 2024 |
One of the most prominent changes that will accompany the transition to the
digital format is the SAT’s implementation of a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) model. CAT models
are already utilized on a number of tests (GMAT, MAP, etc.). As opposed to tests like the GMAT that use
a question-by-question adaptation whereby the difficulty of the each question is adjusted based on a
per-question basis, the SAT will be using a section-wide adaptation whereby one’s performance on the
first module as a whole (27 questions for reading and grammar and 22 for math) will determine the
difficulty of the second module.
There are two tracks for the two modules in each section: easy
and hard. The difference in difficulty level between the two tracks is noticeable. For instance, the
breakdown by question difficulty for an easy math module on one of the digital tests is 13 easy
questions, 8 medium questions, and 1 hard question, whereas the breakdown for a hard math module is 8
easy questions, 11 medium questions, and 3 hard questions. While it will differ on each test and
section, students who score roughly above 60% on module 1 for reading and writing will get the hard
module 2, and students who score roughly above 50% on module 1 for math will get the hard module 2.
As a rising 9th or 10th grader, the digital SAT will be the primary format you will encounter when it's time to take the exam. We recommend scheduling a few sessions with Foley to familiarize yourself with the new digital format and the content it covers prior to your upcoming PSAT. This preparation will also be beneficial for your long term performance on the SAT.
If you are a rising 11th grader who will have completed Algebra 2 or a
higher math course by the start of the 2023-24 school year, you should take advantage of the
paper-and-pencil version of the SAT in the August, October, November, and/or December test
administrations. We suggest you plan on sitting for 2-3 of these tests to reach your score goals before
the format change. You can also choose to leverage the digital SAT in March, May, or June. We recommend
continuing your preparation with Foley to make a seamless transition from the paper-based to the digital
SAT.
If you are a rising 11th grader who will be taking Algebra 2 during the 2023-24 school
year, you should consider preparing for the November and/or December SAT for your first attempt before
the Digital SAT is implemented.
At Foley Prep, we're committed to providing the best resources
and advice to help students successfully transition to the digital SAT. We've updated our prep courses
to incorporate these changes and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in this new digital
format. Our goal is to help students feel confident and prepared, no matter what version of the SAT they
take. We're here to support you through this transition and beyond. Please don't hesitate to reach out
if you have any questions or need further assistance.
