The traditional SAT is now available in a digital format, promising a better experience for students. Experts explain the key changes and benefits of the online exam.
Colleges are embracing standardized testing once again, but this time, there's a modern twist: the digital SAT. For decades, students have been forced to endure three hours of relentless pencil-and-paper testing. Now, they can trade in their No. 2 pencils for a keyboard and a testing app called Bluebook.
This digital shift, while seemingly minor, has brought about significant changes that aim to revolutionize the standardized testing experience. According to Dr. Jack Dempsey, director of research at Cascade Reading, the new SAT is transforming the way students approach exams.
The digital SAT is designed to be more streamlined and less stressful for students. The testing time has been reduced to two hours and 14 minutes, with a total of 98 questions. This is a significant reduction compared to the traditional format, which lasted 3 hours and had 154 questions.
Dempsey believes this change is crucial in mitigating anxiety. "We want to measure student ability without adding unnecessary stress," he said. "The digital format removes barriers and provides a more comfortable testing environment."
The digital SAT introduces adaptive questioning, where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the student's performance. This personalized approach ensures that students are challenged appropriately, while also providing opportunities for growth.
The test also incorporates features that cater to neurodivergent students. Students can customize their testing experience by adjusting the font, screen contrast, and other settings to suit their individual needs.
Another key change is the introduction of shorter reading passages. Dempsey praises this move, as it reduces the anxiety associated with lengthy blocks of text.
Additionally, the digital SAT allows students to use an on-screen calculator for both math sections. This eliminates the need for mental math and provides a convenient tool for solving complex calculations.
The digital SAT delivers results within days, as opposed to weeks like the traditional format. This expedited process reduces the anxiety of waiting for scores.
While the digital SAT has been embraced by many, the traditional paper-and-pencil version remains an option. The College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT, acknowledges that some students may prefer the familiarity of the old format.
The digital SAT is a groundbreaking innovation that promises a better experience for students. Its streamlined format, adaptive questioning, tailored accommodations, shorter passages, built-in calculator, and faster results are all designed to reduce stress, promote accessibility, and enhance the overall testing experience. While the traditional format may still appeal to some, the digital SAT represents a transformative leap forward in standardized testing.
