Key Takeaways
Introduction
This blog is a comprehensive resource that provides valuable information about the digital SAT, including details about its administration in test centers.
The digital SAT is an advanced version of the traditional SAT exam that has transitioned from a pen-and-paper format to a digital format. This shift enables students to take the test using a computer instead of a physical booklet. The guide highlights the benefits and features of the digital SAT, such as a user-friendly interface, interactive tools, and a customizable test-taking experience.
In terms of test administration, the guide outlines the procedures followed in test centers for the digital SAT. It provides instructions for test coordinators, administrators, and proctors, including details on test setup, registration, test day protocols, and security measures. It ensures that educators have a comprehensive understanding of the logistics and requirements for administering the digital SAT in a controlled environment.
This guide serves as a comprehensive manual, equipping educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the digital SAT and administer the exam successfully, for the benefit of their students.
The Digital SAT Suite Transition
In response to the evolving needs of students and educators, the College Board has undertaken the task of creating a digital version of the SAT Suite of Assessments. This transition aims to provide a more streamlined and accessible testing experience for all stakeholders involved.
The digital SAT Suite is designed with several key objectives in mind.
1. Firstly, it seeks to make the test-taking process easier for students.
2. By moving away from the traditional pen-and-paper format, the digital SAT offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
3. Students can navigate through the test sections, access questions, and submit their answers with greater ease.
4. The digital format also allows for features such as highlighting, underlining, and flagging questions, enabling students to engage with the test material in a more interactive manner.
Furthermore, the transition to the digital SAT Suite also focuses on making the test administration process easier for educators. With the digital format, test coordinators and administrators can efficiently manage the logistics of test administration, including registration, test setup, and score reporting.
The digital platform offers built-in tools for test security, such as randomized question orders and secure browser settings, ensuring a more controlled and standardized testing environment.
In addition to enhanced accessibility and ease of administration, the digital SAT Suite places a strong emphasis on security. The College Board has implemented robust measures to protect the integrity of the test and prevent cheating.
These measures help ensure a fair and reliable assessment process, reinforcing the value and credibility of the SAT Suite.
Moreover, the digital SAT Suite strives to be more relevant to the needs and skills required for success in higher education and beyond.
Additionally, the digital platform can adapt the difficulty level of questions based on a student's responses, providing a more personalized and tailored testing experience.
What’s Staying the Same and What’s Changing?
The digital SAT still:
1. Measures the knowledge and skills that matter most to universities.
2. Is scored on a 1600-point scale.
3. Is administered in a school or in a test center with a proctor present—not at home.
4. Supports all students, including those who need accommodations on test day.
5. Offers free practice that’s available to everyone.
Changes with digital testing:
1. The SAT is more secure and flexible.
2. Test takers have more time, on average, to answer each question, which means that more than ever before, the SAT measures students’ skills and knowledge, not their test-taking speed.
3. The SAT is shorter—about 2 hours instead of 3.
4. Students can take the SAT on a laptop or tablet.
Inside the Digital SAT Suite: Multistage Adaptive Testing and Modules
The digital SAT Suite is organized using a multistage adaptive testing (MST) system that aims to provide a more efficient and accurate assessment of a student's skills and knowledge. MST is a type of computerized testing that adapts to a student's ability level, presenting questions that are more or less difficult based on their responses. This approach allows for a more personalized and tailored testing experience, ultimately resulting in a more precise evaluation of a student's performance.
In the digital SAT Suite, the MST system is implemented across two equal-length stages, each consisting of a module of questions. The first stage is called the "foundational" stage and the second stage is called the "advanced" stage. Both the foundational and advanced stage includes modules in Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
Additionally, each module is separately timed, with students having a specific amount of time to complete the questions within each stage.
Digital Testing Application Tools
There are plenty of test tools for students.
1. Mark for review: Students can flag and return to any question within a given test module they want to come back to later.
2. Testing timer: A clock counts down the time remaining in each module. Students can hide the timer, and they get an alert when 5 minutes remain in the module.
3. Calculator: A built-in graphing calculator is available on the entire Math section.
4. Reference sheet: In the Math section, students have access to a list of common formulas.
5. Annotation: In the Reading and Writing section, students can highlight any part of a question and leave themselves a note.
6. Option Eliminator: If a student knows an answer option is wrong, they can cross it out.
Testing Devices
Students have the flexibility to take the digital SAT using various devices. The accepted devices include Windows laptops, Mac laptops, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks. These devices need to have Wi-Fi connectivity and be fully charged to last approximately 3 hours, the duration of the test.
For students who do not have access to a suitable device, the College Board offers the option to request a device for borrowing. The borrowed device provided by the College Board will come preinstalled with the necessary software, including the Bluebook application, which is specifically designed for the digital SAT.
Preparing the device for testing:
1. To facilitate the testing process, students can download the Bluebook application at any time before the test.
2. The application serves as the platform for taking the digital SAT and includes the required functionalities and features.
3. Students can complete the exam setup process and receive their admission ticket directly within the Bluebook app.
4. This eliminates the need for separate registration or ticketing processes and allows students to access all the necessary information and resources in one place.
By offering compatibility with a range of devices, providing borrowing options for students without access to a device, and offering a dedicated application like Bluebook, the College Board aims to ensure a seamless and accessible testing experience for all students taking the digital SAT.
Testing device requirements:
1. For Windows laptops or tablets:
i. The device needs to be running Windows 10 or later.
ii. The device needs to have 250 MB of available disk space for 1 exam, plus an additional 100 MB for each additional exam.
2. For Mac laptops:
i. The device needs to be running macOS 10.11 or later.
ii. The device needs to have 400 MB of available disk space for 1 exam, plus an additional 100 MB for each additional exam.
3. For iPads:
i. The device needs to be running iOS 13.4 or later.
ii. The device needs to have 150 MB of available disk space for 1 exam, plus an additional 100 MB for each additional exam.
4. For School-managed Chromebooks:
i. The device needs to be running Chrome OS 83 or later.
ii. The device needs to have 150 MB of available disk space for 1 exam, plus an additional 100 MB for each additional exam.
Inside the Digital SAT Format & Question Types
The digital SAT Suite consists of different sections, including Reading, Writing and Math. Each section has a specific time allocation for students to complete the questions and tasks.
In the Reading and Writing section of the digital SAT, students are given a total of 64 minutes to complete the module. This section assesses critical reading skills, comprehension, and language proficiency.
In the Math section of the digital SAT, students are allotted 70 minutes to complete the module. This section evaluates a student's mathematical knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
One advantage of the digital SAT Suite is that students can navigate freely among the questions within a specific module. They can move backward and forward to review and revise their answers before the time for that module runs out.
This flexibility allows students to manage their time effectively, revisit questions, and make any necessary adjustments or corrections. It gives students the opportunity to optimize their performance by allocating their time based on their comfort and skill levels.
The Reading and Writing Module
The Reading and Writing section of the digital SAT is designed to assess students' critical college and career readiness in literacy. This section evaluates their ability to comprehend, analyze, and effectively utilize information and ideas presented in various texts.
In this section, students encounter multiple-choice questions that require them to engage with and demonstrate their understanding of the provided texts. These questions assess their skills in reading comprehension, interpretation, and the application of information presented in written passages.
Reading and Writing Section Overview
1. Test length:
1st module: 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
2nd module: 25 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
Total: 54 questions
2. Time per module:
1st module: 32 minutes
2nd module: 32 minutes
Total: 64 minutes
To enhance the efficiency and flow of the test-taking experience, questions within the Reading and Writing section are strategically grouped together based on content domains.
The content domains in this section include Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, and Expression of Ideas. Questions within these domains are arranged in a manner that minimizes the need for context switching and allows students to focus on specific skills and themes as they progress through the section.
1. Craft and Structure: Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Words in context, text structure and purpose, cross-text connections
Operational Question Distribution: 13–15 questions
2. Information and Ideas: Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Central ideas and details, command of evidence (textual, quantitative), inferences
Operational Question Distribution: 12–14 questions
3. Standard English Conventions: Measures the ability to edit texts to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Boundaries, form, structure and sense
Operational Question Distribution: 11–15 questions
4. Expression of Ideas: Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Rhetorical synthesis, transitions
Operational Question Distribution: 8–12 questions
The questions in the Reading and Writing section are presented in an order that progresses from easiest to hardest. This arrangement aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students, gradually building on their comprehension and analytical abilities as they move through the section.
The Math Module
The Math section of the digital SAT is designed to evaluate students' critical college and career readiness in mathematics. It assesses their knowledge, skills, and ability to apply mathematical concepts and practices effectively.
Within the Math section, students encounter a combination of multiple-choice questions and student-produced response (SPR) questions. This variety of question types allows for a comprehensive assessment of students' mathematical fluency, understanding, and problem-solving abilities.
Math Section Overview
1. Test length:
1st module: 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
2nd module: 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions
Total: 44 questions
2. Time per module:
1st module: 35 minutes
2nd module: 35 minutes
Total: 70 minutes
The multiple-choice questions in the Math section require students to select the correct answer from a set of given options. These questions cover a wide range of math topics, including algebra, geometry, statistics, data analysis, and mathematical reasoning. Students must demonstrate their proficiency in these areas by applying the relevant concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques.
In addition to multiple-choice questions, the Math section also includes student-produced response (SPR) questions. These questions require students to generate their own numerical or algebraic responses, providing an opportunity to demonstrate a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and apply them in real-world or abstract contexts. SPR questions may involve calculations, problem-solving, data analysis, or mathematical reasoning, and they require students to communicate their answers effectively.
1. Algebra: Measures the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve equations and systems of equations using multiple techniques.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Linear equations in one variable, linear equations in two variables, linear functions, systems of two linear equations in two variables, linear inequalities in one or two variables
Operational Question Distribution: 13–15 questions
2. Advanced Math: Measures skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Equivalent expressions, nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables, nonlinear functions
Operational Question Distribution: 13–15 questions
3. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: Measures the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret one- and two-variable data.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units, percentages, one-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread, two-variable data: models and scatter plots, probability and conditional probability, inference from sample statistics and margin of error, evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
Operational Question Distribution: 5–7 questions
4. Geometry and Trigonometry: Measures the ability to solve problems that focus on area and volume; angles, triangles, and trigonometry; and circles.
Skill/ Knowledge Testing Points: Area and volume, lines, angles, and triangles, right triangles and trigonometry, circles
Operational Question Distribution: 5–7 questions
The Math section of the digital SAT measures students' mathematical fluency, comprehension, and their ability to apply math concepts and skills in various contexts. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of mathematical practices. By assessing students' proficiency in a wide range of mathematical topics through multiple-choice and SPR questions, the Math section provides a comprehensive evaluation of their college and career readiness in mathematics.
How Digital SAT Performance is Evaluated
The scoring system for the digital SAT is designed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of students' performance. Each question in the test is assigned one point, and students receive one point for each correct answer they provide. This means that for every question answered correctly, students earn one point towards their total score.
Importantly, the digital SAT does not deduct points for incorrect answers, answers left blank, or guessing. There is no penalty for incorrect responses or unanswered questions. This scoring policy encourages students to provide their best attempt at answering each question without the fear of losing points for guessing or making mistakes.
How to Compare Scores on Digital and Paper and Pencil SAT
The College Board has taken steps to ensure that scores from the digital SAT are comparable to scores from the traditional paper and pencil SAT.
They have implemented a process to link scores from the digital SAT to the corresponding scores from the paper-based SAT. This linking process enables a seamless transition to the digital format and ensures that a score on the digital SAT carries the same meaning and value as a score on the paper-based SAT.
Counselors, educators, and higher education professionals can continue to utilize the existing ACT/SAT concordance tables to compare digital SAT scores with scores from other tests. These concordance tables provide a framework for equating scores across different standardized tests, allowing for fair comparisons and evaluation of student performance.
The digital SAT provides valuable information about a student's developed reading and writing as well as math skills.
The student score report offers a comprehensive understanding of what the scores mean in the context of a student's demonstrated knowledge and skills compared to other test takers. It provides insights into the student's strengths and areas for improvement, allowing counselors and educators to make informed decisions regarding college admissions, academic support, and educational planning.
Understanding SAT Scores
Total Scores
The total score is the sum of the two section scores; its range is 400–1600.
Section Scores
Students receive scores in the range of 200–800 for each of two sections.
Accessing the Official Student Score Report
An official student score report called “Your Score Report” is provided as a downloadable PDF for every SAT test taker. Students can access this official report in one of two ways:
1. They can review the PDF score report with educators at their school. Schools have access to the downloadable PDFs for their students through the online K–12 score reporting portal.
2. They can use/create a College Board student account and go to studentscores.collegeboard.org to access their scores online as well as the PDF score report and additional SAT insights.
Information About Scores
In the official score report PDF, the student can view the three scores available in a digital SAT—total score, Reading and Writing section score, and Math section score. For each score, the official score report includes:
1. The range of possible score: 400–1600 for total score, and 200–800 for section scores.
2. The All Tester Percentile (formally called the “User Percentile”) of each score. For example, if a student’s score is in the 70th percentile, 70% of a comparison group achieved scores at or below that student’s score.
All Tester Percentiles are based on the actual scores of students in the past 3 graduating classes who took the SAT during high school.
The All Tester Percentiles for spring 2023 are reported on tests completed anywhere in the world (including the United States) in August 2021 through June 2022
Information About Knowledge and Skills
Students can view a graphic showing their performance on each of the 8 content areas measured on the digital SAT.
1. There are 4 content areas in Reading and Writing, and 4 in Math.
2. In each content area, students can view:
i. The approximate number of questions in the content area and what percentage of the section that represents (e.g., 12–14 questions would be about 26% of the Reading and Writing section).
ii. A visual indication of how the student performed in each content area.
3. Students can use this section to identify content areas they may want to focus on to practice and improve.
Putting Scores in Context
1. Score Comparisons
Students can see more contextual comparisons of their scores in the portal. Students can compare their total and section scores to the average scores of all testers in their:
i. School (as applicable)
ii. District (public schools, as applicable)
iii. State (U.S.-based & territories)
iv. All Testers (domestic and international)
2. Percentiles
The additional insights provided in the online score reporting portal include percentiles not provided in the PDF score report.
i. The percentile ranks include: Country (all testers in the student’s country), State (all testers in the student’s state, available for U.S. and U.S. Territories only), All Testers (domestic and international)
ii. For the percentiles above, the student’s score is ranked among testers from the last 3 years, i.e., students in the graduating cohort from each year.
Getting Ready for the Digital SAT
1. Before Test Day Steps
Students install the Bluebook app on their device and complete exam setup before test day, generating an admission ticket. They’re told to bring their device and admission ticket with them on test day. In the meantime, they can use the practice resources in Bluebook to prepare.
If students who attend your school are registered for the test and want to use a school-managed device, work with technology staff to install Bluebook before test day. Visit about.collegeboard.org/bluebook-technology/devices to learn more.
2. Digital SAT Practice
College Board has provided a set of sample test questions to illustrate the range of topics and voices students will encounter during the digital SAT.
These sample questions will help students and their counselors understand the skills and knowledge assessed on the digital SAT, as well as what response formats to expect (multiple choice and, for select Math questions, student-produced response).
Students preparing for the digital SAT Suite tests will have access to all of the following practice resources leading up to the international digital administrations in spring 2023:
i. A test preview within the Bluebook app.
ii. Full-length adaptive digital SAT practice tests they can take directly in the Bluebook app.
3. Digital Test Preview
College Board provides a test preview within the Bluebook app. This tool helps students:
i. Get familiar with functions in the app.
ii. See the structure of the test.
iii. Try a small number of sample Reading and Writing and Math questions to familiarize themselves with the kinds of questions they’ll encounter on test day and how to properly enter their answers.
iv. Try all the testing tools and see how the digital exams work with any assistive technology they’re approved to use.
4. Full-Length Adaptive Digital SAT Practice Tests
Students can take full-length digital practice tests directly in Bluebook, allowing them to get the full digital SAT experience while familiarizing themselves with test content. Taking a practice test also lets them make sure their testing device supports the app and is ready to use for testing on test day.
Conclusion
By linking the digital SAT scores to the existing scoring framework, counselors, educators, and higher education professionals can compare and interpret digital SAT scores using the same concordance tables used for the paper-based SAT. This provides a seamless transition to the digital format without compromising the meaning and value of the scores.
The digital SAT offers valuable insights into a student's developed reading, writing, and math skills. The student score report provides a comprehensive understanding of the scores in relation to the performance of other test takers. This information helps counselors and educators make informed decisions regarding college admissions, academic support, and educational planning for students.
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(Note: This guide has been created in compilation with the resources available on College Board (Digital SAT| Understanding Scores - 08.02.2023, Assessment Framework for The Digital SAT Suite - 20.07.2022 and Digital SAT International Educator’s Guide - 18.10.2022) to offer valuable insights into the digital SAT.)
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