Digital SAT 2023: Everything A Test Taker Should Know

SAT is no longer a 3-hour paper-and-pencil test, it is going digital for international students from 2023 and for students in the United States from 2024. The Digital SAT will continue to measure the knowledge, skills, career, and college readiness of the test taker. Starting in 2023 this new adaptive, computer-based test will be easier to take, easier to give, more secure, and more relevant.

The complete digitalization of this test is a major change for the test takers. This transition in the mode of testing will prove to be student and educator friendly in many aspects. While many new features have been added in the digital version, there are some features that will remain the same. 

Considering that the registration for spring 2023 dates has commenced for international students, this is the most appropriate time for planning and starting your test preparation for SAT.

Keeping pace with the new features of SAT here’s a comprehensive guide to the new digital SAT. Keep reading to know everything about this standardized test. 

Test Format

The test format of Digital SAT is broadly divided into two categories: Reading and Writing Section and Math Section. 

1. Reading and Writing Section 

The reading and writing section is now one section that consists of 54 multiple-choice questions. The total time allotted for this section is 64 minutes. 

This section has 2 test modules. Each module comprises 25 operational questions and 2 pre-test questions. 32 minutes is separately allotted for each module. 
 

      2. Math Section

The math section consists of 44 questions. The total time allotted for this section is 70 minutes.

This section has 2 test modules. Both modules comprise 20 operational questions and 2 pre-test questions. 35 minutes is separately allotted for each module.

Test Dates

The college board has announced Digital SAT Test Dates and Deadlines for Registration. 

Registration Process

The registration process for Digital SAT is quite simple and to start the registration the test taker will have to create an account on the College Board website. This process will take nearly 30 minutes to complete. There are many SAT Coaching centresthat guide students through this registration process. 

Here’s a glance at the process:

1. Visit the College Board Official Website
2. Create an Account and Enter your Details 
3. Check the test centre locations and dates 
4. Submit all the required details and upload your photos 
5. Pay the application fee and complete the online registration

Fees

The revised SAT registration fee is $103 for international students. 

Now that you are aware of the fundamental concepts of this test, let’s get into the details of the essential concepts of Digital SAT. 

ID Requirement

While registering for the test, keep in mind that you will require to produce the same ID along with many other documents at your test centre. 

Test centre staff will cross-check all the documents along with the admission ticket provided by the College Board. If any discrepancies are found in your documents, you will not be permitted to take the Digital SAT test. So, make sure that you fulfill the ID requirements listed in the checklist given below. 

ID Checklist 

1. A valid photo ID issued by the government or school.
2. SAT Admission Ticket with complete legal name.
3. Recent photograph

Specifications for Indian Test Takers

For test takers in India, the acceptable form of identification can be any of these two 

1. A valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature, or a
2. A valid Aadhaar PVC Card with your name and photograph.

How to Take the Test? 

To make sure that you are familiar with the test procedure, here’s a brief guide on how to take the test. 

• Arrive at your test center on time. Make sure that you have your device ready for the test with the Bluebook™ Application already installed and logged in. 
• Sit at your assigned seat and wait for the instructions to be given.
• Check-in at the center’s Wi-Fi and open the Bluebook™ Application.
• The supervisor will give you a start code. Enter this start code to begin your test. 
• The modules are timed separately, so when the test is over it will be submitted automatically.

The Digital Testing Application for SAT- Bluebook™ Application

Bluebook™ Application is a custom-built digital testing application, that is designed to administer this test. This application is built to provide a user-friendly experience to test takers. The application has several features and tools that the test taker should be aware of before taking the test. 

Calculator Policy & Prohibited Devices 

Even though the Bluebook™ Application has a built-in calculator tool, the test taker can choose to bring their own calculator for the Math section. Glance through to know this test’s calculator policy and prohibited devices. 

Calculator Policy

Only a battery-operated, handheld calculator can be used for testing. Power-operated calculators are not allowed. 

Calculators permitted during testing include graphing calculators and scientific calculators.

Prohibited Devices

• Smart calculator
• Applications outside of the Bluebook™ Application
• Mobile Phones
• Models that have a computer-style or QWERTY keypad

The digitalization of SAT has left students baffled with a lot of questions and doubts. But you shouldn’t be concerned about anything related to this test. Experts at KC Academy will keep you updated with all the latest information on Digital SAT. Additionally, you will get complete guidance on the Bluebook™ Application and mock tests. 

Our highly motivated and skilled tutors provide SAT coaching in Nagpur and SAT online coaching for test takers across the globe. Our faculty are industry veterans, and their coaching will ensure high scores in SAT. 

Enrol for our Digital SAT batch, ace your SAT and ensure your admits in top colleges abroad. Also, stay tuned for our next article on the Bluebook™ Application.