Home » Digital SAT » Digital SAT FAQs

Digital SAT FAQs

1. What is the Digital SAT?
2. Who creates the Digital SAT?
3. Why did the SAT change in 2024?
4. How did the SAT change in 2024?
5. What question types appear in the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section?
6. What question types appear in the Digital SAT Math section?
7. Is the new 2024 Digital SAT harder?
8. When should I register for the Digital SAT?
9. How do I register?
10. How much does it cost to take the Digital SAT?
11. How long does it take to get my scores back?
12. What if I take the Digital SAT and mess up?
13. What is Score Choice?
14. How many times can I take the Digital SAT?
15. Why is TestMasters the best choice for Digital SAT preparation?
16. When should I start preparing for the Digital SAT?
17. Where can I get a sample Digital SAT to practice on?
18. How much high school math do I need before I can start preparing for the Digital SAT?
19. How do extracurricular activities, majors, recommendations, essays, and factors come into play in college admissions?
20. Should I use an educational consultant?
21. How do I find out about scholarships?
22. Does having a summer job help or hurt me?
23. Should I go to a public or private college?
24. What are Dual Degree Programs?
25. Why should I consider a Dual Degree Program?

1. 1. What is the Digital SAT?

      The Digital SAT is an exam administered by The College Board to test college and career readiness. It is primarily used for the purpose of gaining admission to college. The SAT is widely considered to be the single most important test you take in high school.

   2. Who creates the Digital SAT?

      The Digital SAT is created by Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS is paid by the College Board to create the exam. Both of these companies are private.

   3. Why did the SAT change in 2024?

      According to The College Board, the SAT was revised to make exams more flexible, easier to take, easier to give, more secure, and more relevant.

   4. How did the SAT change in 2024?

      Changes to the new 2024 SAT include changes to the format of the exam, scoring scale, and question types.

      The Digital SAT includes a combined Reading and Writing section and a Math section. Both sections are scored from 200-800 for a total composite score of 400-1600. The Digital SAT is substantially shorter than the previous version of the exam, lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours. Students also have more time, on average, to answer each question.

      The Digital SAT is a multistage adaptive test (MST). Each test section (Reading and Writing; Math) is divided into two equal-length and separately timed stages, each composed of a module of questions. The first module contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions that allows students to demonstrate their proficiency before moving on to the second module. The questions in the second module are targeted to the student’s level based on how they performed in the first module: the second module will have either higher difficulty or lower difficulty questions.

   5. What question types appear in the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section?

      The revision in 2024 has led to a removal of traditional SAT passages. The Digital SAT no longer separates Reading and Writing into different sections. A single Reading and Writing module is comprised of 27 questions – each with their own paragraph(s) – that function independent of each other, meaning they do not reference previous questions or text.

      Four types of questions will be featured on the Digital Reading and Writing section: Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas.

      Craft and Structure questions measure your comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills. These questions will test your ability to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.

      Information and Ideas questions measure your comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills. These questions will test your ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics such as tables, bar graphs, and line graphs.

      Standard English Conventions questions measure your ability to edit texts to conform to core conventions of the English language. These questions will test your ability to modify sentence structure, word usage, and punctuation.

      Expression of Ideas questions measure your ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression. These questions will test your ability to properly transition between sentences or meet specific rhetorical goals.

   6. What question types appear in the Digital SAT Math section?

      The revision in 2024 has led to the removal of the no-calculator math section. Additionally, the Digital SAT gives students access to a built-in Desmos graphing calculator to use on each math question. A single Math module is comprised of 22 questions – each with their own information – that function independent of each other, meaning they do not reference previous questions or graphics.

      Four types of questions appear in the SAT math section: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry. Each of these broader question types may be broken down into more specific math topics.

      Algebra questions measure your ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as systems of equations.

      Advanced Math questions measure your ability to solve and understand nonlinear equations such as absolute value, quadratics, exponential equations, polynomials, rationals, and radicals.

      Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions measure your ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit conversions; and analyze/interpret one/two variable data.

      Geometry and Trigonometry questions measure your ability to solve problems that focus on area and volume; angles. triangles, and trigonometry; and circles.

      More generally, the math section of the Digital SAT thoroughly tests your foundational knowledge of math topics in the context of real world situations, involving science, social science, or career related topics, focusing specifically on the math needed to pursue careers in the STEM fields.

   7. Is the new 2024 Digital SAT harder?

      This is a question with no easy answer. It depends on your strengths and weaknesses. The Reading and Writing section places a heavier emphasis on high-utility vocabulary than the previous iteration of the exam, but there are no longer passages that contain 80 lines of text. The Math section tests content from traditional Algebra 1 and Geometry classes in high school, but not content from traditional Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus classes. While the content may be limited, the questions are designed to test mastery of the skills being tested on a more comprehensive level. From College Board’s perspective, the Digital SAT (2024) is more closely aligned with the demands of college and readiness for a career. Students who have done well in all school subjects should benefit from the test changes.

   8. When should I register for the Digital SAT?

      Students can take the Digital SAT as many times as they choose. The exam is offered nationally seven times per year: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. We generally suggest that students start preparation for the Digital SAT after they have completed Geometry in school. While our courses are designed to prepare students for the next available testing date, many students benefit from studying strategies and honing their skills for 3-4 months following the completion of a preparation course. Students who score the highest typically start before or during tenth grade and continuously practice until the achieve their target score. The idea is to start early as opposed to waiting until the end of eleventh grade or twelfth grade when there are only 2 or 3 test dates remaining for the exam before submitting college applications.

      Schedule the exam:

      • After the course has completed (but not immediately after to allow for extra study time)
      • Before 60 days from the end of the course (so information is still fresh)
      • Registration deadline is usually 2-3 weeks prior to the test
      • Only 7 SAT exams each year: March, May, June, August, October, November, December
      • Consider college deadlines, preparation times, and test date availability before scheduling

   9. How do I register for the SAT?

      There are three ways to sign up for the SAT:

      • Online: Register at the College Board website
      • By phone: (888) 728-4357. Students may only register for the SAT over the phone if they are retaking the SAT. Only students who have a previous SAT registration can register by phone.
      • By mail: Under certain circumstances, some students may be required to register for the SAT by mail. You can learn whether or not these circumstances apply to you at the following web address: https://sat.collegeboard.org/register. To register by mail, you will need The Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, which is available through your school counselor.

   10. How much does it cost to take the Digital SAT?

       The SAT costs $60.00 + a $29 late fee if you register after the registration deadline. For more SAT-related fees, click on the following link: http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/fees

   11. How long does it take to get my scores back?

       The scores are usually released 1-2 weeks after you take the test. You may also look up your scores online through the College Board website two weeks after your exam at www.collegeboard.org.

   12. What if I take the SAT and mess up?

       On the day of your test if you want to cancel your score during or after finishing your exam, you should ask the test supervisor for a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form. You can submit the completed form immediately at the testing center. You can also think about it for a day or two before mailing it to College Board. However, College Board must receive your request form no later than 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) the Wednesday after the test. You must include the test date, test center number, name of the test you are cancelling, your name, address, sex, birth date, social security number, registration number, and your signature. You must label your request “Attention: SAT Score Cancellation” and send it via one of the following methods:

       Fax: 610-290-8978

       Overnight delivery via U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (U.S. only):

       SAT Score Cancellation
       P.O. Box 6228
       Princeton, NJ 08541-6228

       Other overnight mail service or courier (U.S. or international):

       SAT Score Cancellation
       225 Phillips Boulevard
       Ewing, NJ 08618
       USA

   13. What is Score Choice?

       Score choice allows you to choose which Digital SAT scores you would like to send to colleges, at no additional cost. Different universities and colleges now have different score choice practices. Most schools require only the single highest test date score, some schools state that they combine the highest scores from different sections across test dates, and some smaller private schools request you to send all of your scores. View the score-choice practices of different schools. Always check with the schools you plan to apply to as well before sending your scores.

   14. How many times can I take the Digital SAT?

       If the colleges you are planning to apply to only require you to send your highest test scores, you can now take the Digital SAT as many times as you want. Colleges will only see the scores you want to send them!

   15. Why is TestMasters the best choice for Digital SAT preparation?

       • TestMasters Digital SAT Courses offer an intensive program with 10 classes of 3 hours each over 2-6 weeks. TestMasters Courses offer unique and extremely effective strategies not taught anywhere else, by highly experienced, dynamic instructors.
       • Highest Score Increase Guarantee – if you complete the course and do not improve by at least 200 points, we will allow you to retake our course immediately after your exam free of charge.
       • All exams administered in class are based on official College Board SAT Practice Exams. The answers are run through our computer systems to analyze your strengths and weaknesses on the SAT.
       • Course materials include our TestMasters Digital SAT Manual with tricks and tips to do well on the Digital SAT and a copy of The Official Digital SAT Study Guide.
       • Tutoring help (group or 1-on-1) is available for students during and after their TestMasters course. Group tutorials are free of charge and 1-on-1 tutoring is by appointment starting at $99 per hour.
       • Hundreds of thousands of students have taken TestMasters Courses from all across the country.

   16. When should I start preparing for the Digital SAT?

       Because the SAT is the most important test for college admissions, it is always best to start preparing as early as possible. This allows more preparation time to achieve score goals. For students who have the goal of becoming a National Merit Semi-finalist, it is best to start by June before 10th grade. Otherwise, a student should start by the summer before their 11th grade to maximize the effectiveness of our program because there are no distractions such as school homework, projects, exams or any other school activities. Students should start preparing for the SAT no later then the summer before their 12th grade.

   17. Where can I get a sample Digital SAT to practice on?

       You can download this sample test from the College Board to practice on a Digital SAT Linear exam. You can download the testing application to practice on a Digital SAT Adaptive exam by clicking here.

   18. How much high school math do I need before I can start preparing for the SAT?

       Once you have completed high school algebra and geometry, you are ready to take the Digital SAT.

   19. How do extracurricular activities, majors, recommendations, essays, and factors come into play in college admissions?

       College admissions in the United States are not standardized in any way, which means that each undergraduate college develops its own system. Some of the most important factors in college admissions are high school grades, difficulty of a student’s high school course selection, and scores on the Digital SAT. The reputation of the high school is also important. Extracurricular activities such as membership to clubs, service activities, and athletic or musical talents are important during the admissions process and it is very damaging to a student’s application for him or her to have no extracurricular involvement. The typical breakdown of college admissions weights are: 50% GPA/class rank, 25% standardized test scores, and 25% extracurricular activities and recommendations. Private schools tend to rely more on extracurricular activities for admissions than public schools. Think of a Digital SAT score as your first impression to the college you are applying.

   20. Should I use an educational consultant?

       Educational consultants counsel students and their families in the selection of educational programs based on the student’s individual needs and talents. The need for an educational consultant can vary based on the students; we recommend starting with arranging a meeting with your counselor as a research base, as they can give you some general information as a starting point for your research. If your school counselors spend many hours counseling the students through the admission process and they have received special training through workshops or if you have access to information through a college career center, then you may not need an educational consultant. You can also approach the career services or counseling departments within the institutions that you are considering applying to. You may want to find out how much they charge ahead of time before committing to a service.

   21. How do I find out about scholarships?

       To find out more about scholarships, their availability and requirements, click here. For more information on financial aid, click here. You should also ask the companies that your parents are employed at for any scholarship opportunities.

   22. Does having a summer job help or hurt me?

       Summer jobs are a great way to earn some money, and they also provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience. Work experience demonstrates your abilities such as time management, responsibility level, character, and leadership potential. Work experience can be anything from paid or volunteer work, after-school or summer program participation, to internships. You should inquire with your parent’s employers for any internships or summer job opportunities. Internships, whether paid or not, give you a first-hand look at specific careers as a way to identify career interests. In whatever programs you participate in, whether if it’s at a job, an internship, or helping out at home, your experience is an important way to demonstrate key qualities. The participation in the various activities may even help you find a topic for your college essays. Whatever qualities that you develop by this experience will help you build your resume and enhance your college applications. The summer before your 12th grade is the best time for summer employment, which is why we recommend Test Masters after 10th grade, if possible. You may want to start looking for a summer job in the spring of your 11th grade, which is when most employers start hiring for the summer. Remember, the quality of your experience is much more important than the number of dollars you can earn at any job!

   23. Should I go to a public or private college?

       State and community colleges, also known as public colleges, are generally less expensive than private colleges. Public colleges receive funding from their respective states in order to make the cost of education affordable to the greatest number of people. Most states offer in-state residents a significantly lower tuition price. At community colleges, your tuition rate is based on your district. If you live within a particular community college district, you can take courses for a lower price than students who live outside of the district.

       Private colleges, on the other hand, do not receive the same type of funding, so they rely more heavily on tuition, endowments and other private sources of revenue. Private colleges are usually more expensive than public colleges, but may offer smaller class sizes or scholarships and grants that are not available at public schools.

       Your decision on which school to attend or even to narrow down your search to generally depends on the following two criteria: money (scholarships and financial aid) and your choice of major(s). If you know your major then you should apply to the best school for that major that you can get into. If you are unsure of your major, then you should apply to a very well-rounded school, where you can explore the different career options and fields of study. Only you can decide which institutions are right for you, based on your specifications and the programs that you are interested in. Remember to do as much research as possible to make a well-informed choice.

   24. What are Dual Degree Programs?

       Dual Degree Programs differ from university to university. In general, universities may offer a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in your field of studies in a shorter amount of time versus if you pursued the two degrees independently (varies by university). They may also offer different variations such as offering an Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree or two different Master’s Degrees.

   25. Why should I consider a Dual Degree Program?

       Students successfully completing the program earn two degrees: Associate and Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s, or Master’s and Master’s (depending on which degrees you pursue and what options the school offers). With the Dual Degree Program, one year of school and its financial costs are saved; also, having two degrees will give you an edge in the interview process when applying for employment over other candidates.