The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is an exam many high school students in the United States take as part of college admissions. The SAT will transition from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital format in March 2024. This will bring about changes in how scores are reported and understood. Understanding digital SAT scores is essential for planning college admissions and scholarship eligibility. In this blog piece, we will explore the changes in the SAT format, how the digital SAT score is determined and reported, and the implications for students taking the exam.

What is the digital SAT, and why is it important?

The SAT is an assessment that evaluates a student’s proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Although many universities have gone test-optional, hundreds of colleges across the United States still require a standardized test score in their admissions. The College Board administers the test, typically taken by high school juniors or seniors.

Admissions officers often assess a student’s SAT score, GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays when evaluating their candidacy for admission. A high SAT score can significantly improve a student’s chances of earning a scholarship or receiving financial aid. There are also digital SAT score requirements to get admitted to your favored institution.

What is the difference between the paper and digital SAT?

Switching from a paper-based SAT to a digital version has come with several noteworthy distinctions in how the test is administered and the overall atmosphere. Some of the key differences between the two formats include the following:

Question format

The SAT paper test provides questions in a physical booklet, with students marking their answers on a separate answer sheet. The digital SAT presents questions via a computer or digital device and may include interactive features such as drag-and-drop, highlighting, and calculators that can be used on-screen.

Test navigation

The digital SAT offers a more advanced testing experience than paper SATs, with a user-friendly interface for improved control. Test takers can conveniently review questions, skip sections if needed, and manage their time more effectively.

Test security

The digital SAT utilizes various security protocols to uphold exam integrity, such as randomizing question sequences and controlling online access throughout the test. In contrast, paper-based SATs depend on proctors to oversee test takers and guarantee fairness.

Score delivery

It can take a long time for SAT scores to be processed and sent to students, around 2-4 weeks. However, digital SAT scores are available online quickly- typically within a few days of completing the test. This expedited digital SAT score release gives students faster access to their results.

Test experience

The new digital SAT provides students with a unique test-taking experience that introduces them to digital tools and features like highlighting and annotation. This prepares students for similar computer-based assessments in college and afterward.

It is essential to understand that while there are differences between the paper and digital versions of the SAT, the material and evaluation criteria used by the College Board remain identical for both formats. Consequently, tests and SAT scores are equally valid and reliable indicators of a student’s academic competence. To know more about preparing for the digital SAT and improving digital SAT scores, check out our guide to studying for the digital SAT.

Still no essay

The SAT has changed significantly due to its transition to digital format – the essay section is no longer included. Previously up until 2021, the paper-based version of the exam featured an essay component in which students had to write an analytical essay. The digital SAT, however, focuses mainly on multiple-choice questions, eliminating the essay section.

What is the scoring range for the digital SAT?

The digital SAT has the same scoring range as its paper counterpart, with a total score ranging from 400-1600. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is worth 200-800 points, while the Math section is worth 200-800 points. The optional essay section is graded on a scale of 2-8. Each is scored separately, and these scores are combined to determine the overall digital SAT score. When receiving results, digital SAT takers can anticipate their scores within two weeks of their test date, which is significantly faster than the three-week wait for the paper SAT.

How is the digital SAT scored?

The digital SAT is evaluated the same way as its paper counterpart. Each part of the exam, such as the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections, is scored independently. For every correct answer, students receive one point, while unanswered or incorrect answers do not reduce their score. The final digital SAT score can range from 400-1600, with sub-scores for each section ranging from 200-800. Generally, within two weeks of their testing date, you can view your digital SAT score online via the College Board website.

When do digital SAT scores come out?

Digital SAT scores will be released to students within 10–14 days after the test. However, the College Board may sometimes delay score release if they encounter any issues or irregularities with the test.

What are some tips for improving your digital SAT score?

The digital SAT can feel like a difficult exam to crack, but a few strategies can help you improve your digital SAT score. These include:

• When responding to questions and going through the test, get to know the digital format using a computer or digital device. Take advantage of online practice tests to become familiar with the interface and available features.
• Effectively manage your time while taking a practice digital exam by creating a strategy to move between questions efficiently. If you encounter a difficult question, skip it and return to it later to finish within the given time.
• To increase your success rate when taking multiple-choice tests, practice ruling out incorrect answers and making educated guesses when necessary.
• Become familiar with the question types and formats you may encounter on the digital SAT. To do this, take advantage of online resources such as affordable SAT practice materials and help from online tutors!
• Get plenty of rest the night before the exam, stay calm and confident, and take a disciplined approach to the test to ensure success on the exam.

The big picture

The SAT and digital SAT are very different, but the core concepts remain the same. To maximize your chances of success, learning and understanding the differences between the digital SAT and the ACT and some tips and strategies for improving your digital SAT score are essential. With the right approach, you can do well on the digital SAT and boost your college application.

If you are looking for help preparing for the digital SAT, check out Lessonpal’s online SAT tutors – the perfect place to start! Our experienced online tutors can provide you with the personalized support and guidance you need to reach your test goals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

The SAT and the ACT are standardized tests American colleges and universities utilize during the admissions process. The SAT emphasizes reasoning capabilities and critical thinking, whereas the ACT places more excellent value on knowledge of content and problem-solving aptitude.

Additionally, the amount of time allocated per question differs, with the ACT providing less time than the SAT. Ultimately, students can take both exams and decide which score to submit for college applications. If you want to dig deeper, check out our blog post that gives a more in-depth breakdown of the five main differences between the SAT and the ACT.

What is the difference between the SAT and the digital SAT?

The classic SAT is a traditional paper-and-pencil test, whereas the digital SAT is on a computer. The digital SAT has several advantages, such as an on-screen calculator, highlighting text and flagging questions, and an optional essay section scored separately.

Is the digital SAT more challenging than the traditional one?

Check out this digital SAT breakdown for more details. However overall, the digital SAT and the paper-and-pencil SAT are of equal difficulty levels. The content of the exam remains the same regardless of the delivery format.