The SAT Is Going Digital: Learn About Changes Coming 2024
The SAT is going digital. College Board, the organization behind the test, is making the transition to the digital SAT at international test centers in March of 2023 and at U.S. schools and test centers in spring of 2024.
Priscilla Rodriguez, Vice President of College Readiness Assessments at College Board, explains that “With input from educators and students, we are adapting to ensure we continue to meet their evolving needs. Going digital will help us create a better, more flexible test that’s easier to take, easier to give, more secure, and more relevant.”
What Will Change?
• Students will take the SAT Suite on a laptop or tablet.
• The SAT will take about two hours instead of three, and scores will be delivered faster to students and educators.
• Calculators (embedded in the testing platform) will be allowed for the entire math section.
• Each student will see a unique version of the test—and schools, districts, and states will have more flexibility in when to test.
• See the full list of what will change here.
What Will Remain the Same?
• Scores will remain on the 1600 scale.
• Students will take the SAT in a school or test center.
• See the full list of what will remain the same here.
Offering the SAT on a School Day Increases Equitable Access
Ms. Rodriguez goes on to note that “When students take the digital SAT, it wont simply be a digital version of the paper and pencil test. It will be a better more flexible test.” One way the test will be more flexible is in “terms of when, where, and how often the SAT is given, particularly for states, districts, and schools offering the SAT to all their students as part of SAT School Day.” Offering the SAT during a school day as opposed to on a Saturday increases equitable access to the test and, according to College Board, “has been shown to lead to higher college-going rates for low-income and rural students.”
Digital Troubleshooting and Access to Technology
Ms. Rodriguez explains that, to ensure that students will be able to access technology on the day of the test, “students will be able to use their own device or a device from their school.” If a device is unavailable, College Board will provide one on test day. “If your Wi-Fi drops or your computer dies during the test we’ve designed the digital SAT so you can just plug back in and reconnect without losing any time or work.”
Why Take the SAT?
In a climate where an increasing number of colleges and universities are moving test optional, students might wonder whether the SAT is still relevant to college admissions. Ms. Rodriguez addresses this question, noting that “for millions of students from all backgrounds, sending SAT scores can help them stand out. For example, in the class of 2020, 1.7 million students had SAT scores that would strengthen their college application and most students say they want the option to submit their scores to colleges.” Some scholarships also require applicants to submit SAT scores and SAT scores may increase the amount of merit-based aid made available to students by colleges or universities.
Philadelphia-Area SAT Prep
College Board will continue its partnership with Khan Academy to provide students with a free and comprehensive suite of SAT practice tests, quizzes, and tutorials. Students who prefer more individualized SAT support can apply now for the Let’s Get Ready College Access Program, provided at no-cost for students with qualifying financial need.
