Query Answered

Is Digital SAT Better?

Apr 24 2024

Is the Digital SAT math easier than before? How does it compare? All your questions about the Mathematics section of the new Digital SAT answered here!

The digital SAT math section offers several advantages over the traditional SAT math section:

1.Calculator Use: The digital SAT allows the use of a calculator throughout the entire math section, providing students with the ability to perform complex calculations more efficiently. This is a change from the traditional format, where one of the math sections did not permit the use of a calculator.

However, please note that in many cases, it is not the calculator that makes the difference, but the approach to the problem.

2. Adaptive Testing: The digital SAT features adaptive testing, where the difficulty of the second module of questions is based on a student's performance on the first module. This means that the test can more accurately measure a student's math abilities by adjusting to their skill level.

This means, the better you perform in the first section, the better your chances of a high score, even if you falter a bit in the second section. This is because the second section then, will have more challenging questions with higher scoring weights.

3. Built-in Graphing Calculator: The digital SAT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator within the testing app, which can be particularly useful for visualizing graphs and solving equations. This provides clearer images and functionality than a personal calculator and is more tuned to the requirements of the SAT.

4. Shorter Test Duration: The digital SAT has fewer questions and a shorter overall test duration compared to the traditional SAT. This can reduce fatigue and help students maintain focus throughout the exam.

Shorter exams will mean fewer questions, and more time to have fun after the exam! 😜

5. Faster Score Reporting: Digital SAT scores are available much sooner than those from the traditional paper-based test. This quicker turnaround can be beneficial for students awaiting their results for college applications.

6. Enhanced Security: The digital format allows for unique test forms for each student, making it practically impossible to share answers and reducing the likelihood of cheating.

Now, you cannot simply look into your friend's screen to get the answer. Both of you might actually be attempting completely different sets of questions.

7. Accessibility Features: The digital SAT includes accessibility features such as enlarged text, a magnifying glass, and a high-contrast mode, which can make the exam more accessible to students with different needs.

8. No Need for Pencils: Since the digital SAT is taken on a computer, there is no need for pencils or erasers, which can help reduce the risk of errors caused by smudging or erasing.

Whether this is good or bad is a purely personal preference. I still know quite a few people (myself included) who prefer the traditional pen and paper to get math done! 🤷‍♂️

9. Online Tools: The digital SAT provides online tools like highlighting and note-taking functions, which can help students answer questions more efficiently.

All those who love making the books colourful, rejoice!

10. More Testing Dates: The digital SAT is offered on more dates than the paper-based exam, giving students more flexibility in scheduling their test.

These advantages reflect the College Board's efforts to modernize the SAT and make it more aligned with the technological advancements and educational practices of today's world.