Ready for the Digital SAT? Overcoming Common Challenges and Boosting Scores

The world of education is rapidly evolving, and so is the way we assess students. The SAT has transitioned to a digital format, which presents both new opportunities and challenges. The Digital SAT provides a more streamlined experience, which is easier for students to take, easier for administrators to give, and more secure. However, this shift requires students to adapt to new tools and methods.

To help students succeed, particularly in India, it’s important to understand the unique aspects of the digital SAT. From managing screen fatigue to mastering digital navigation, students can take key steps to confidently navigate this new exam format and embrace the changes it brings.

Understanding the Digital Shift

The digital SAT still tests the same core areas as the paper and pencil SAT: Reading, Writing, and Math. It is now taken on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook app, which makes the exam shorter and section adaptive. While this new format brings many advantages, it also requires students to adjust to a different way of taking the test. But with the right preparation and mindset, students can quickly adapt to this new testing environment.

Common Challenges in the Digital SAT

1. Screen Fatigue- Looking at a screen for long periods can lead to eye strain, mental fatigue, and a decrease in focus especially during an exam.
2. Navigating the Test- In contrast to flipping through pages in a paper test, digital navigation requires students to scroll, flag questions, and move between sections efficiently. This can be tricky if students are not familiar with digital tools.
3. Digital Comprehension- Reading long passages on a screen can be more challenging than reading on paper. It may affect comprehension speed and accuracy, especially under time pressure.
4. Tech Unfamiliarity- Some students might struggle with using the digital tools available during the exam, like the on-screen calculator or the timer. This unfamiliarity can add unnecessary stress during the test.

Strategies to Overcome the Challenges

1. Getting Comfortable with Digital Tools- The best way to adjust to the Digital SAT is by using the test’s platforms regularly. Apps like College Board’s Bluebook app provide the perfect practice environment. It’s important not just to take full-length practice tests, but also to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with its features. The more comfortable students are with the tools, the easier the test day will be.
2. Take Practice Tests Seriously- Practice tests simulate the real exam experience. Try to recreate test-day conditions by timing yourself in a quiet space, using digital tools, and practicing digital navigation. This will help students build endurance, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall performance.
3. Master Time Management- Time management is crucial on the digital SAT. The adaptive format means that each second counts. Practice identifying easier questions first, flagging harder ones, and coming back to them later. Managing time effectively during practice sessions will help students improve their scores.
4. Prepare Technically- Before test day, students should make sure their device is fully charged, the Bluebook app is installed, and they are familiar with its tools, such as the calculator and highlighting features. These small preparations can help avoid last-minute technical problems and allow students to focus on the exam itself.
5. Boost Digital Stamina- To improve screen reading skills, read long-form digital content like news articles or research papers regularly. Using digital annotation tools to highlight key points will improve both comprehension and retention, which is essential for success on the digital SAT.

Helping Indian Students Succeed in the Digital Age

For many students in India, the digital SAT will be their first online exam experience. To help students feel ready, schools and coaching centers should include digital practice in their lessons. This can be done by organizing workshops, offering programs to improve digital skills, and helping students become familiar with the online tools they’ll use. By building these skills early, students will feel more confident and less worried about taking the test.

Students today are becoming more comfortable with technology, which makes it easier for them to adjust to new challenges. With the right preparation, the digital SAT can be an opportunity to show how adaptable and tech-savvy they are. Students should start now by exploring the test interface, practicing with digital practice tests, and learning how to manage time. Good preparation will help students feel ready and perform well on test day.

(This is an opiniated article, EPN has nothing to do with this editorial. The author is Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director, South and Central Asia, College Board)