The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is essentially an entrance test (pen and paper) with multiple choice questions designed to assist any student in achieving their goal of graduating from a college or university abroad.

Every year, many students work extremely hard to realise their dreams and thoroughly prepare for the Digital SAT Exam.

The SAT exam is extremely difficult, and you must be constantly alert to pass it and gain admission to your desired university or college abroad.

However, with time, the nature of the SAT exams, which were previously administered on paper, is changing and is expected to go entirely digital beginning in 2023.

Of course, the SAT has always had a few tweaks here and there. However, this is said to be the most significant change in the entire exam pattern this year. And, as an aspirant, you must be fully informed about the new format before beginning your preparations.

So, before you dive deeper into your study mode, here are a few things to help you understand the changes that have occurred in the new digital format of the SAT exam.

SAT New Format 2023

The SAT format has been upgraded every few years, but sources claim that this is the most significant SAT upgrade yet. Here's what's new with SAT 2023!

SAT Is Converting to a Digital

Filling in bubbles during exams is becoming tedious, so officials have decided to make the SAT entirely digital. The digital test is a major update that is intended to increase testing security and convenience for test takers. Students can take the test using their laptop or tablet or one provided by the school. Before the test, students must download a digital testing app.

This testing app should save the students' progress even if their computer crashes or their internet connection goes down. International students will be able to take the SAT online beginning in the spring of 2023, with the assistance of assigned proctors at schools or testing centres.

The SAT format has the following timeline:

• International test centres will begin administering Digital SAT in March 2023.
• Fall 2023 (October 2023): All test centres worldwide will administer the digital PSAT.
• The digital SAT will be administered for the first time in the United States in the spring of 2024.

A New, Shorter SAT Exam

The SAT Exam will now last two hours rather than three. Instead of four sections, there will now be only two: reading and writing and math. The reading section will consist of shorter passages, with students answering one question per SAT reading passage. The math questions will be 'less wordy' as well. These changes ensure that students remain informed and form their own opinions rather than being passive recipients of facts. Examinees will also have more time to answer the questions.

Scores are delivered more quickly.

The SAT results will be available days rather than weeks after the exam. As a result, candidates will no longer have to wait weeks or months for the SAT exam result report, allowing them to apply to colleges more quickly.

Aspects That Have Not Changed

The following are the aspects or factors that have not changed from the existing SAT format:

• Students will take the new exam at a school or testing centre rather than at home.
• The SAT scores will be calculated using a scale of 1600. Each section (Reading & Writing and Math) will be graded on an 800-point scale.
• The new SAT's results will be considered equal to those of the ACT and the current paper-based test.
• There will be multiple-choice questions in both sections. The exam's content and question types will remain unchanged.
• On test day, accommodations for approved students with medical needs or learning differences will still be available.

SAT Cut-Off Scores for International Universities

Though scores vary, SAT score of 1500 or higher is generally considered excellent. Top universities in Canada and the United States hold candidates to high standards and typically require SAT scores of at least 1400. However, universities in these countries accept scores ranging from 1000 to 1200.

Universities in the United States accept SAT scores ranging from 1000 to 1200.

What will these modifications mean for me on test day?

Many students are understandably concerned about the computer adaptive component. However, this new format has the potential to significantly improve your test-day experience. For one thing, the computer adaptive model allows for a significantly shorter test. The new exam lasts 46 minutes less and contains 56 fewer questions. On the digital test, you will also have more time per question, allowing you to focus more on demonstrating your knowledge and less on demonstrating your test-taking speed.

On the digital SAT, can I still skip questions and go over previous ones?

Yes. The digital SAT is not an adaptive test with questions. Within a module, you can navigate to any question. However, you will be unable to proceed to the next module or return to a previous module. For example, if you're in Module 1 of the Math section, you have 35 minutes to complete the 22 questions in any order you like. You will not be able to move on to Module 2 until your 35 minutes are up, and you will not be able to return to the Reading and Writing section.

Technology for the Digital SAT

Students will take the digital SAT on a computer using the College Board's Bluebook App, which is a digital testing application.

What tools and features does the Bluebook App provide?

• Timer: Displays the amount of time remaining in the current module. When there are 5 minutes left, you will receive an alert.
• Answer choice elimination: You can eliminate answer options that you believe are incorrect.
• Flagging questions: You can mark questions that you want to revisit later.
• The question menu allows you to see which questions you've skipped or flagged for review, as well as jump to any question in the module.
• Highlighting and annotation: You can highlight and annotate text in the Reading and Writing section.
• Formula sheet: A formula sheet is available in the Math section.
• Calculator: A built-in graphing calculator is available in the Math section.

What kind of device do I require?

Students can take the digital SAT on a variety of devices, including personal laptops and iPads, school-owned desktops and laptops, and school-managed Chromebooks. For the most up-to-date list of approved devices and system requirements, please visit the College Board's website.

What if I don't have access to a computer?

Students who do not own an approved device will be able to borrow one from the College Board. This option will be available to both domestic and international students taking the exam on a regular weekend test date. During the registration process, students must request to borrow a device. International students who need to borrow a digital SAT device must register and request one at least 30 days before the test date to allow for shipping. For more information on borrowing a device, please visit the College Board's website.

Is it okay for me to bring my calculator to the digital SAT?

Yes. Although the Bluebook App includes a built-in graphing calculator, students are welcome to bring their own approved calculator to use during the Math section. A list of approved calculators for the Digital SAT can be found on the College Board's website.

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