In this day and age, when everything is going digital, how can entrance exams fall behind?

Nowadays, every other student chooses some form of digital learning or another. In the digital learning environment, assessment becomes relatively simple for supervisors.

As a result, the College Board decided to take the final step and enter the digital age, transforming the paper-based SAT exam into a new digital avatar, making it easier for every other student from around the world to take the exam with greater convenience and with a few minor changes.

The most significant change, however, is the exam's digital format, in which students will be required to solve their papers on a laptop or tablet.

We understand your concerns as an aspirant hoping to study abroad and gain admission to the best universities and colleges around the world. As a result, in this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about SAT Digital Preparation, including its duration, when and how, and even the benefits of this new digital avatar.

The All-New Digital SAT Exam Administration

The new SAT exam will be administered to all international students beginning in March 2023. The PSAT would then be administered to all international students in October 2023. Finally, the SAT would be administered to US students beginning in spring 2023.

The New Digital SAT Exam Changes

The new SAT exam, with its unique digital avatar, introduces a slew of significant changes. As an aspirant, you must be aware of these changes and make the necessary adjustments to your preparation strategy.

What has altered?

The main distinction is in the length of the exam, with the new Digital SAT lasting only two hours as opposed to the three hours of the paper-based SAT.

In addition, instead of the four sections mentioned above in the paper SAT exam, the Digital SAT will now have only two sections -

Mathematics Reading and Writing

Changes to the Reading and Writing Sections: The reading and writing sub-sections of the New Digital SAT would be combined into a single section.

This section would have significantly shorter passages than the paper-based SAT, with each passage having only one question to answer.

Modifications to the Mathematics section

Students can now use a calculator for the entire mathematics section on the revised digital SAT.

Faster results

And, most importantly, the scores will now be delivered to candidates in a matter of days rather than months, as was previously the case. As a result, candidates can apply to colleges and universities of their choice early and quickly.

The duration of the examination

In contrast to the previous exam, which was paper-based and lasted three hours, the New SAT Digital Testing would last exactly two hours. This reduction in exam duration is due to changes made to the various sections, which are detailed below.

Modifications to the various sections

The following changes are made to the SAT exam's two main sections:

Reading and Writing have been combined into a single section. However, the score range for this section remains the same.

There would also be fewer passages and one question for each one.

The Math Section would now be the only one that used a calculator. The digital testing app would include a graphic calculator.

Score Evaluation and Release Date The Advantages of the Digital SAT Exam

• The first and most obvious advantage is that it will streamline all processes, particularly paper evaluation.
• The number of attempts for international students is now seven times per year.
• To avoid cheating in the exam, each test paper would be unique to each candidate.
• For the convenience of the students, the digital format includes tools such as a built-in clock and a built-in calculator.
• Furthermore, the digital SAT exam is shorter in duration, allowing students to focus more efficiently and perform better on the exam. Additionally, the students are less stressed.
• It is possible to flag questions so that students can return to them at a later time.
• Early announcement of results allows students to reappear while still meeting college deadlines.

Tips for Preparing for the Digital SAT Exam

When it comes to preparing for the digital SAT exam, you don't have to worry about the subjects because they are the same, and you will be assessed for your knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

However, here are a few pointers to help you prepare for the digital SAT exam as best you can:

Reading section: It is critical to prepare by reading a variety of newspapers and articles, such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, Economists, and so on. In addition, to score higher in this section, you must work hard on developing opinions rather than simply being a passive reader. Be more analytical in your thinking.

Writing Section: You will undoubtedly need to be more careful with punctuation and grammar.

Math section: Know your formulae, theorems, and facts thoroughly rather than simply memorising them. In this case, practice will undoubtedly be your saviour. The more math problems you solve, the better and easier it will be for you to take the main SAT digital exam with confidence.

What does the New Digital SAT Pattern Look Like?

Unlike the current paper SAT exam, students would not have to keep filling in the circles manually in the New Digital SAT pattern. As the exam progresses. It appears to be a relief and convenience to the students, and it is also determined to help improve testing security.

In this new digital pattern, students must download the digital testing app just one day before the exam. Students can take this exam on their laptops or those provided by the testing centre.

When will the New Digital SAT be given?

According to the College Board, the new digital SAT will be available on the following dates:

• International students - March 2023
• October 2023 (fall admissions) - for global digital PSAT
• Spring 2023 - US testing facilities

Factors that have remained constant in the New Digital SAT

The digital SAT's final score range would be the same as the Paper SAT's, namely the 1600 range.

The digital exam would be administered only in the presence of an invigilator in a testing centre or a school.

The board will continue to assess students' knowledge and skills based on the main two subjects, albeit in a digital format.

Furthermore, students will continue to have full access to scholarships.

The New digital SAT, on the other hand, truly intends to bring relief to everyone. However, as a candidate, you will need to reconsider your strategies, particularly if you intend to go the digital route.

The SAT Pattern on Paper

The current SAT exam pattern is divided into two sections: SAT 1 and SAT 2.

The SAT 1 consists of topics that assess a candidate's abilities in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

In addition, the SAT 2 is a subject-specific section that allows candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in a specific subject.

The Paper SAT exam will be given for three hours until 2022.

Here is a high-level overview of the current Paper SAT pattern:

Reading section: 52 questions, 65 minutes, 200 possible points

Writing and Language Section: 44 questions, 35 minutes, 800 possible points

Mathematics (Calculator): 38 questions, 55 minutes, 200 possible scores

20 Questions in Mathematics (without a Calculator): Time limit is 25 minutes, and the score range is 800.

So, if you add it all up, you'll have 154 questions to answer in about 180 minutes. For the current Paper SAT exam, (i.e. 3 hours) with a score range of 400-1600.

For further information about Digital SAT 2023 please contact us at info@masterclassspace.com or visit Masterclass Space!