A huge change is coming to standardized testing! Starting in 2023-2024, the SAT and PSAT are going ONLINE and making other adjustments. Read on for the full scoop!
When will the test go digital?
For international students, March 11; in the USA, the PSAT switches over in fall 2023 and the SAT in spring 2024. Once the new test rolls out, the old paper-and-pencil version will NO LONGER be available.
What if I hate computers?
Then consider prepping quickly to take your SAT in 2023, before the test changes. But then maybe try it again after it goes online. Remember that most colleges consider your best test scores (superscore), so it can’t hurt to try both methods. If you’re convinced you’ll do better on the current version, though, then plan accordingly and test early.
Another option is to switch to the ACT, which is still paper-only and has committed to keep paper versions available even if they do offer digital tests down the line. There are a host of differences between the ACT and SAT, though, so this shouldn’t be your only consideration in picking a test. Our Mastering the ACT/SAT webinar compares other differences.
Where will I test?
While we would all prefer to test in our jammies at the kitchen table, unfortunately you’ll still need to go to a test center for the SAT. You will need to bring your own laptop, tablet, or Chromebook, but if you don’t have access to one, you can borrow a computer from CollegeBoard – just make sure you put in the request at least thirty days ahead of time.
Make a purchase
How good is your laptop battery? It will need to keep a charge for three hours during the test. CollegeBoard recommends you bring a power cord, but will your desk be close enough to an outlet to use it? Hmmmm…. If I were you, I’d buy a portable charger, just in case.
Lots of other changes!
Shorter
The new SAT is only 2 hours long, an hour shorter than the old paper version.
More time per question
Math has 44 questions now instead of 58, with fewer word problems (they are explicitly trying to make the math section more accessible to ESL students and those who don’t read well).
The average time per question is increasing. This will broaden the speed difference between the SAT and the ACT, which already has less time per question than the paper SAT. While the ACT is good for students who work quickly, the SAT is better for those who are slower and more deliberative (perfectionistic firstborns, we’re looking at you).
More calculator options
You will now be able to use your calculator on both sections of the SAT, not just one. And you can either to use your own approved calculator, or you can use an online one they provide. Try out the online calculator to see if you like it, but my instinct is that it’s always better to use the tool you know best, which is probably the one you already have.
Shifts in math section
More geometry and trig on the new test (15% of questions instead of 8%). Less probability, percentages, data analysis, and statistics – although those topics still account for 15% of the test, so keep studying them.
Big changes in reading section
If you’ve been practicing the SAT, you know that right now the reading section has 6 longish passages with about about 10 questions apiece. The new SAT will have – drumroll please – 26 or 27 short reading passages with only ONE question per passage.
The new SAT also has less grammar and more emphasis on logical transitions and word meaning in context.
Applerouth Test Pep has written an in-depth analysis of the reading changes if you want to know more.
Completely different scoring method
This is really interesting. (At least, it is to data geeks like me!) Each section of the test – reading, writing, math – will have 2 modules, so you will take 6 modules altogether, with short breaks between each one. For each section, how you do on the first module will determine what you are given in your second module. So if you do well on Math Module 1, you may get a tougher version of Math Module 2 than the student next to you who bombed Math Module 1.
This sounds like a cruddy deal for good test-takers, but actually it’s not… because the scoring is based on which modules you are assigned. If you land in the tougher version of Math Module 2 than the guy next to you, you actually can get fewer total correct answers and still get a great score, whereas if you take the easier Math Module 2, you will need to get a lot more right to end up with a good score.
You can read more about the scoring system here if you’re interested. It’s a clever method CollegeBoard is using to shorten the test yet still distinguish between students’ widely varied abilities.
Faster score results
We’re talking days, not weeks, folks! You might even be able to take the December test senior year and get scores back in in time for a college application due date. As always, check with your colleges to see what their deadlines are.
How should you prepare?
A key element of test prep is to simulate the actual test experience so… if you’ve tested before, this new version is going to feel different in length, content, and format. Rather than making notes all over your paper test, as we’ve taught you to do, now you will have to get used to using online annotation features, digitally marking out answers you know are wrong, and digitally labeling questions you want to go back to.
You need to get used to doing this, but thankfully digital practice tests are available. Your first step will be to download the app, called Bluebook, and then you can get to work doing your SAT prep online to simulate the real test. As you practice, have a pencil and scrap paper available, because they will allow that during the real test. You will definitely still want to be working things out and making notes on paper as you go!
There’s a good “What to Expect” video here overviewing the test experience.
You’ll also want to be prepared for the test content changes mentioned in this article. Practice, practice, practice to get used to the changes! Test prep makes a real difference! Check out our free Mastering the ACT/SAT webinar for more ideas. We haven’t updated it yet for the new digital SAT (hope to do that soon) but the majority of the tips still apply. You CAN increase your score!
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