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Divya Keshamoni

Cracking the Digital SAT: Student Experiences and 20 Must-Know Tips for Math and English Success

The shift to the Digital SAT has generated plenty of conversation among students and educators. Reviews from those who have already taken the test highlight a mix of positive changes and new challenges. Here’s a look at what students are saying, what they found difficult, and expert tips to help you ace your upcoming digital SAT!


Student Reviews: What Test-Takers Found About the Digital SAT


Many students have shared mixed reviews of the Digital SAT experience. One major positive is the shorter test length, which now clocks in at 2 hours and 14 minutes, making it an hour shorter than the previous paper-based version. Test-takers also appreciated the clearer and more concise reading and writing questions, and the fact that the Desmos calculator is available for the entire math section was a huge plus for many​.


However, some found it challenging to adapt to the new format. Adaptive testing—where the difficulty of the second module depends on how well you did on the first—added pressure. Students who performed well on the first module were given significantly harder questions in the second, especially in the math section. The new test also includes more geometry and trigonometry questions, which caught some students off guard​.


Despite these challenges, many students still prefer the digital format due to its reduced fatigue and helpful digital tools like the on-screen timer and mark-for-review option, allowing them to flag questions they weren't sure about​.


Key Difficulties According to Test-Takers:


  • Vocabulary in the reading section was difficult for some students, with rare words making an appearance​.


  • The second math module felt significantly harder for students who performed well in the first module, with more time-consuming questions.


  • Technical and format-related challenges like getting used to Bluebook, the SAT app, added a layer of difficulty.



    Digital SAT Tips
    DIGITAL SAT


20 Tips to Ace the Digital SAT


Math Section Tips:


  1. Familiarize Yourself with Desmos: The Desmos calculator is available throughout the math section, so practice using it to save time​.

  2. Review Geometry and Trigonometry: There’s a heavier emphasis on these topics compared to previous versions​.

  3. Use Scratch Paper: Although you’ll be working on a screen, use scratch paper for multi-step problems to avoid mistakes​.

  4. Master Key Formulas: Memorize common math formulas even though they’re available on the test for quick access​.

  5. Practice Time Management: With adaptive testing, the second module could be more difficult. Learn to pace yourself to avoid running out of time​.

  6. Get Comfortable with Open-Ended Questions: These appear earlier in the math section now, so practice solving them alongside multiple-choice​.

  7. Don't Overuse the Calculator: Some problems don’t require it, and excessive use can slow you down​.

  8. Focus on Linear and Quadratic Equations: These are key topics that will appear frequently​.

  9. Double-Check Tricky Graph Questions: There may be more questions involving graphs and transformations.

  10. Don’t Panic if the Second Module is Harder: This is normal for adaptive testing, so just focus on staying calm and solving the problems you know first​.


Reading and Writing Section Tips:


  1. Practice with Digital Passages: Reading on a screen can be different from reading on paper, so get used to it.

  2. Study Vocabulary: Students report tougher vocabulary words, so make sure you’re prepared​.

  3. Answer Short Passages Quickly: The new test includes shorter reading passages with single questions, so aim for speed and accuracy​.

  4. Master Grammar Rules: Be sure to study grammar thoroughly, as concise and grammatically correct answers are often the best choices.

  5. Practice Eliminating Wrong Answers: Use the process of elimination, especially for reading and writing questions where two answers seem correct​.

  6. Don’t Second Guess 'No Change' Answers: If it fits, don’t hesitate to select "No Change"​.

  7. Identify Main Ideas Quickly: Learn to pick out the main idea of a paragraph or passage, as it will often help with the corresponding question​.

  8. Make Use of Mark-For-Review: If you're unsure, flag a question and return to it later​.

  9. Pace Yourself: You have about a minute per question in the reading and writing sections, so don’t linger too long on any one question​.

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