5 Tips for the Digital SAT
Gearing up for your first digital SAT and feeling uncertain about where to start? Fear not, because I’ve put together five tips for tackling this intimidating test.
The Basics
The digital SAT has two sections: Reading & Writing and Math.
Each section divides into two equal modules, presenting a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions in the first round. How well you do on the first module sets the difficulty level for the next. If you nail the first module, then the following module will take the difficulty up a notch.
Now, let's delve into time. Compared to its counterpart, the ACT, the SAT offers almost 70% more time per question. With 64 minutes for the Reading & Writing section and 70 minutes devoted to the Math section, you'll have a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes for the entire test.
In a nutshell, the test wraps up with 98 questions or tasks: two 32-minute modules in Reading and Writing, and two 35-minute rounds in modules. Get ready to conquer the digital SAT with confidence!
1. Kickstart Your Journey Early
Junior and senior year are the busiest times for high school students, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Pin down an SAT date well in advance, giving yourself a solid 3 to 6 months of prep time. I recommend beginning your SAT study plan in spring semester of sophomore year or the summer between sophomore and junior year. Those who give themselves plenty of time to prepare are more likely to achieve their desired score but also sidestep the dreaded last-minute cram sessions. Plus, those who are well prepared for the SAT are more likely to nail the slightly easier PSAT in October of their junior year. Score in the top percentile and you’ll qualify as a National Merit Program Semifinalist.
2. Take Full-Length Practice Tests
Here’s the gold standard — take full-length SAT practice tests. My recommendation is for students to take a practice test every two to three weeks during their test prep period.
These practice tests reflect the timing and difficulty of the real SAT. You can download the College Board’s Bluebook app onto your computer, which now includes ten adaptive, digital SAT tests and get a feel for the structure and the pacing of the digital SAT.
3. Understand Your Incorrect Answers
Review every single question that you miss — or that you guess on — and seek to understand where you tripped up. Take note of whether you need to spend more time thoroughly understanding what the question is asking, or if there is specific content that you need to review.
4. Practice with Khan Academy’s Official Digital SAT Prep
The College Board teamed up with Khan Academy to create free materials custom-made for the digital SAT experience. Focus on the skills and concepts that you’ve identified as in need of the most review based on your practice tests.
5. Prepare for Test Day
The best defense against test day jitters is preparation. Familiarize yourself with the test format, timing, and logistics. Scout out your test center, plan your route, and prioritize sleep. The night before your SAT, you will be better served by focusing on getting plenty of rest, rather than trying to cram in additional time studying. During the test, redirect any internal negativity with positive self talk. Sometimes, students start to panic about the time ticking away or second guess their answer. Give yourself a mantra like, “I’ve got this.” Remind yourself that anxiety is a form of excitement which actually sharpens your focus.
Final Thoughts
SAT readiness takes time. Start early, lean on those official practice tests, understand your mistakes, practice purposefully, and stride into test day with confidence.
