The SAT (The Standardized Student Assessment Test) is an exam designed for all high school junior and senior students around the country to assess their math and reading skills. Unlike the ACT, the SAT solely focuses on these two main components. From 1926 to 2023, the test was administered in a written format. However, in 2024, the test will make a shift to a digital format, combining the traditional paper and pencil method with the use of technology. This change will bring about new challenges and opportunities for students taking the SAT.
The new digital version of the SAT has brought significant changes to the traditional test format. One of the biggest changes is the addition of : “DESMOS”, a graphing calculator that students can use to solve equations and analyze functions. This has given students an advantage in the math section of the test. Another change is the overall decrease in test time, with the reading and grammar sections being broken up into smaller segments. This allows students to focus on key elements and potentially improve their scores. However, the number of math questions has been reduced, making it important for students to answer each question carefully. Overall, the new digital SAT offers a more efficient and streamlined testing experience for students. But, with its new additional features comes a twist! For every question answered correctly comes harder questions.
The new digital SAT test, implemented on March 9th of 2024, was the first of many to come for students. Although, it may have taken students by surprise. This was met with mixed reactions from students. The college board decision to release this digital version of the SAT aimed to provide more convenient and accessible test-taking experiences for student’s.
Victoria Valentina, SHS Junior, states: I feel it went pretty well. It felt short compared to all the anecdotes I have heard before. As this being the first time I take the SAT. Before the test I already had an idea that I was going to test for hours and will be seeing hundreds of questions. For many students, this was an overwhelming factor to the previous test. Valentine continues: “At the end of the test, I was confident and not drained from it which is something I appreciate. My thoughts on the test are leading more to the neutral side, as someone that doesn’t like being on time, the time was probably the only thing I worried about.”
Anonymous, SHS Senior, states: “I have taken the SAT previous to the digital, and I felt that the new changes would help me further my score. During the time taking my test, I felt the test was easy until I got to certain parts that became harder.” I feel that I had done better on the written one than the digital SAT. The math section really had me stuck on a few questions, but I found the reading section was better because of the shortened questions and time. There’s definitely a change to the new digital SAT and its level of understanding certain criteria.
Overall, the new SAT has brought new materials and ties to the test. However, this has caused some concern among students and educators as the test may not accurately measure a student’s academic abilities. As a result, CollegeBoard will be closely monitoring the test scores of students over the next few months to determine if any changes or revisions need to be made. This is to ensure that the test remains fair and effective for all students, and to prevent them from switching to the ACT. We hope that these adjustments will lead to better performance for future SAT takers.