Digital SAT

What Is the Digital SAT?

The Digital SAT is the computer-based version of the traditional SAT exam, widely used by U.S. colleges and universities for admissions decisions. It contains the same core content and assesses the same skills as the paper-based SAT, but is taken entirely online on a supported device. This modern format aims to provide a more efficient and personalized testing experience.

When Should You Take the Digital SAT?

The Digital SAT is offered on select dates throughout the year. Students register online through the College Board’s official website. Most students choose to take the test in their junior year of high school, but some may opt for earlier or later test dates based on their academic plans or college application timelines.

What Is Covered on the Digital SAT?

The Digital SAT tests skills in three main areas:

• Reading and Writing: Measures reading comprehension, writing and language skills, and analytical reasoning through various question types.

• Math: Covers key math topics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with a focus on problem-solving and data analysis.

The reading and writing section is combined into one, while the math section remains separate.

How Long Is the Digital SAT?

• Total test time: Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes (excluding a 10-minute break)

• Reading and Writing: 64 minutes (split into two 32-minute modules)

• Math: 70 minutes (split into two 35-minute modules)

• Break: 10 minutes (provided after Reading and Writing)

How Does Computer Adaptive Testing Work on the Digital SAT?

The Digital SAT uses a multistage adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section depends on your performance in the first module:

• Module 1: Contains a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions with medium difficulty on average.

• Module 2: Adjusts in difficulty based on your Module 1 results.

  • If you perform well, you’ll face a harder Module 2.

  • If your performance is lower, you’ll see an easier Module 2.

This adaptation personalizes the test to your skill level, helping you avoid wasting time on questions that are too easy or too difficult.

How Is the Digital SAT Scored?

The Digital SAT is scored on a 1600-point scale, combining two section scores:

• Reading and Writing: 200 to 800 points

• Math: 200 to 800 points

Your total score ranges from 400 to 1600.

Special scoring notes on Math:

• If you miss more than 7 questions on the baseline math module and are placed into the easier adaptive module, your final math score is generally capped around 650.

• If you meet the threshold to advance to the harder math module but miss most questions there, your minimum score tends to be around 460.

Note: These score ranges come from specific practice tests and may vary slightly on actual administrations.

What Do You Need to Take the Digital SAT?

• A computer or tablet with a supported operating system (Windows, Mac, iPad, or school-managed Chromebook).

• A reliable internet connection.

• The College Board Bluebook App, which students use to take the test.

• A valid photo ID to verify your identity at the test center.

You may bring your own device or use one provided by the testing site.

What’s on the Reading and Writing Section?

• Focuses on reading comprehension with shorter passages compared to the paper SAT.

• Questions test your understanding of the main idea, author’s purpose, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and analytical reasoning.

• Passages cover a broad range of topics, including nonfiction, literature, and some new formats such as fictional student notes.
  
  

What’s on the Math Section?

• Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.

• Calculator use is allowed throughout the math section.

• The test includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, but you may bring your own.

• Questions require problem-solving, modeling, and applying mathematical concepts.

What Is the Format of the Digital SAT?

The test is divided into two sections — Reading and Writing, and Math — each split into two timed modules: