If you have reached this blog post then you are already aware of the SAT. Knowing how long the digital SAT is can help you prepare accordingly. Just like any standardized test, this SAT exam format is also a time-consuming task, and time management is as crucial as studying. This post will help guide you about the duration of the test and the questions that you may be looking for or may help you perform better in this digital standardized test. Continue reading the following for more information.
The Duration of Digital SAT
Unlike traditional paper tests, the new SAT is shorter. It will take 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete 98 questions. There will be a 19 minute break in between as well. You will be surprised to know that the old paper was 3 hours long and there were 154 questions. This makes this digital standardized test 46 minutes shorter with just 56 questions. This Digital SAT test consists of 2 sections, reading section, writing, and math section. Each section contains two equal-length modules. You’ll get 27 questions in each Reading and Writing module. There are 22 questions in each Math module.
| Section | Total Time | Modules | Time per Module | Number of Questions per Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 64 minutes | 2 | 32 minutes | 27 questions |
| Math | 70 minutes | 2 | 35 minutes | 22 questions |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — | — |
| Total Test Time | 2 hours 14 min (excluding break) | — | — | — |
Adaptive Testing Format
This SAT exam uses a multistage adaptive testing format. In this design, each section is divided into two modules. The first module offers questions with a range of difficulties. The difficulty of the second module is adjusted according to the performance of the first module. It can either be more challenging or less. This approach will offer a more precise assessment of the abilities of students in a short time.
Comparison to the Paper-Based SAT
Here’s a comprehensive comparison table between the Paper-Based SAT and the Digital SAT:
| Feature | Paper-Based SAT | Digital SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours 14 minutes (excluding break) |
| Break | One 10-minute and one 5-minute break | One 10-minute break |
| Test Sections | 3 sections: Reading, Writing & Math | 2 sections: Reading & Writing, Math |
| Reading Passages | Long passages with multiple questions | Shorter passages with one question each |
| Math Calculator Use | Calculator only allowed in one section | Calculator allowed throughout |
| Question Format | Fixed set of questions | Adaptive testing format |
| Adaptive Testing | No adaptive testing | Question difficulty adapts per module |
| Delivery Method | Paper and pen | Digital on a computer or tablet |
The digital form of this test is shorter and more efficient, adapting to student performance. Calculators are allowed throughout the Math section, with a built-in graphing calculator available in the test interface. For the test, you’ll need your computer. You can use:
- iPads and laptops
- Computers owned by schools
- Chromebooks for schools
For the most up-to-date list of approved devices and system requirements, check the College Board’s website.
Is the Digital SAT Harder?
The test difficulty is different from the paper-based. The digital one uses adaptive difficulty. It focuses on more accurate measures of a student’s abilities by assessing the performance of the first section of the test. The duration of the test may be shorter but the question allocation per section is now increased. Students can check the answers of their responses. The skills and content assessment will remain consistent with the previous format. Make sure to evaluate if they are ready for their college study and career.
Preparation Tips for the Digital SAT
The digital SAT may have a short duration but it can still be tough for students. Here are some tips for the preparation.
You will need to be familiar with the digital format. Prepare with the regular practice exam test as they will help you become comfortable with navigation, tools, and overall experience.
Understand the performance in the initial modules as they will influence the difficulty of subsequent modules. You should focus on performing well as this will create more challenging questions in the second section. This will help you earn a better score.
Time management is key. While you may have more time per question, you should practice to complete your answers within the given time.
Get Digital SAT practice tests. This will help you to be familiar with the question types and format of the test.
Make sure to work on the basic concepts first. From reading, and maths to writing, basic concepts are a must to understand as the test assesses these foundation skills.
Conclusion
Now you will have an idea of how long is the digital SAT. The SAT has embraced technology a long ago and evolved its strategy. It is now emphasizing efficiency and precision with its adaptive design. You should understand the structure of the digital SAT and prepare effectively. This will help you approach the test with confidence and demonstrate your readiness for college and beyond.
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