As the landscape in standardized testing continues to change, we wanted to deep dive into SAT’s shift to Digital and offer ideas for how you might guide your students through the transition, especially those rising Juniors. This article has two parts:
1) Common questions and takeaways regarding SAT Digital
2) Suggestions on how to support students through the transition
Important Takeaways for Counselors
Implementation Timeline: The transition to the digital SAT Suite will be phased. International test centers started administering the digital SAT in March 2023. In Fall 2023, PSAT-related assessments will transition to digital. SAT test administrations in the U.S. will remain paper-based until Spring 2024, when all SAT Suite of Assessments will be digital
Preparation for Digital SAT: To help students prepare for the digital SAT, they can use the Bluebook™ testing app and Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy®. These resources provide full-length practice tests and preparation materials.
Reduced Test Duration: The digital SAT will be about an hour shorter than the current test. This reduction is achieved without compromising the comprehensiveness of the test. A huge benefit for students!
Adaptive Testing: The digital SAT will be adaptive, providing a more precise measurement of student abilities. This means the questions students receive in the 2nd module depend on performance in the 1st module.
Scoring Scale: The scoring scale for the digital SAT will remain the same. Scores will still be out of 1600.
Enhanced Score Reports: Digital SAT Suite score reports will connect students to information about local two-year colleges and workforce training programs tied to their achievements, interests, and financial goals, in addition to traditional four-year colleges and universities.
Opportunities to support your students and their families
Start Preparing Early: Advise students to familiarize themselves with the digital format and practice using these tools in advance of their test date.
Host Information Sessions: Organize informational sessions to explain the changes to the SAT and what it means for the students. This could include a walkthrough of the new digital format, the timeline for the transition, and how to prepare for the digital SAT.
Provide Resources: Ensure students are aware of the resources to prepare for the digital SAT, such as the Bluebook™ testing app and Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.
Continue to Encourage Regular Practice: Regular practice is key to becoming comfortable with the new digital format. Encourage students to take full-length practice tests under test-like conditions to become familiar with the digital interface and the types of questions they will encounter.
Support Stress Management: The transition to a digital format might cause some anxiety among students. Provide support and resources for stress management, such as mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques. Remind students that the content of the SAT is not changing significantly, and the skills they have been learning in school will still be applicable!
Communicate with Parents: Keep parents informed about the changes to the SAT and how they can support their child during this transition. This could be through newsletters, emails, or parent-counselor meetings.
Remind Students about the Benefits: Paint the change as an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their capabilities, and they will adopt that attitude!
