What Students Need to Know Before Taking the Digital SAT

What Students Need to Know Before Taking the Digital SAT


The SAT has entered the digital age—and with it comes a fresh set of opportunities and challenges for students preparing for college admissions. As of 2024, the SAT is fully digital for U.S. and international students, and while the core purpose of the exam remains the same, the format, structure, and experience have changed significantly.

Here’s what students need to know before sitting down for the new digital SAT.

 


 

1. It’s Shorter and Smarter

One of the most noticeable changes is the length. The digital SAT takes just over 2 hours, compared to the 3-hour paper version. It uses a multistage adaptive design, which means the difficulty of later sections is based on how well students perform in earlier ones. This allows for a more tailored testing experience and can make the exam more efficient.

 


 

2. It’s All Done on a Device

Students will take the test on a laptop or tablet, either their own or one provided by the school or testing center. Before test day, make sure your device is fully charged and the Bluebook™ app, College Board’s official testing platform, is installed. You’ll also need to complete a pre-test check-in through the app.

💡 Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the Bluebook app ahead of time—practice tests are available in the same format you’ll use on test day.

 


 

3. Calculator Allowed Throughout the Math Section

Unlike the old SAT, which split the math section into calculator and no-calculator parts, the digital SAT allows calculators for the entire math section. The test includes a built-in Desmos-style graphing calculator, but students can also bring their own approved calculator if they prefer.

 


 

4. Reading and Writing Are Now Combined

The reading and writing sections have been merged into a single section. Instead of long passages, students will read shorter excerpts (one at a time) followed by a single question. This change makes the reading more accessible and less overwhelming—especially for students who struggled with the longer texts of the past.

 


 

5. Results Come Back Faster

One major perk of the digital SAT is the faster score turnaround. In most cases, students receive their results within a few days, rather than the weeks it used to take. This can be especially helpful for students planning college applications on a tight timeline.

 


 

6. You Still Need to Prepare—Just Differently

Though the format has changed, the skills being tested haven’t. Students still need to be strong in algebra, grammar, reading comprehension, and data analysis. However, because of the adaptive nature and the new layout, practice in the digital format is essential.

College Board offers free resources, and many test prep platforms now have updated digital materials.

 


 

7. Know the Test Day Rules

Even though it’s digital, traditional rules still apply. You must bring a photo ID, arrive early, and follow strict testing protocols. Make sure your device is charged and that you’ve downloaded and updated the Bluebook app in advance.

 


 

Final Thoughts

The digital SAT is designed to be more user-friendly, responsive, and efficient, but it still requires careful preparation. By understanding the format and getting comfortable with the tools ahead of time, students can walk into test day with confidence—and walk out one step closer to college success.

Back to blog