Digital SAT: Everything You Need to Know

The digital SAT is the newest version of the SAT being rolled out by the College Board. It is an adaptive version of the SAT that will be administered entirely online. Changes are being made to the English and math sections, but the digital version will be comparable to the current SAT version.

When Will It Affect Me?

As of spring 2024, the Digital SAT has replaced the traditional paper-based SAT. The last printed SAT was administered in December 2023, making the Spring 2024 test-takers the first group required to take the Digital SAT.

This change affects:

  • High school juniors in 2023 taking the SAT in Spring 2024—only the Digital SAT is available.
  • Freshmen and sophomores in 2023—they will only take the Digital SAT throughout their high school years.

How Is It Structured?

The Digital SAT is adaptive and consists of two sections:

  • Reading and Writing
  • Mathematics

Each section has two modules. The difficulty of the second module is determined by the student’s performance in the first module.

Scoring Based on Adaptation

  • If a student does not reach the harder version of the second module, their score will be within 800-1200 out of 1600.
  • If a student does reach the harder version, their score range will be 1200-1600 out of 1600.

How Has the SAT Changed?

Test Duration and Format Adjustments

  • The total test time has been reduced to 134 minutes (2 hours and 14 minutes).
  • English (Reading/Writing): 64 minutes
  • Math: 70 minutes
  • Despite the shorter test, the adaptive nature ensures an accurate measure of a student’s aptitude.

Changes in the English (Reading & Writing) Section

  • Higher reading level passages.
  • Greater emphasis on vocabulary.
  • Structural changes: Each question is now paired with a short paragraph, poem, or list, rather than long passages.

Changes in the Math Section

  • Fewer topics tested.
  • No imaginary and complex numbers.
  • Word problems have been simplified for clarity.
  • Calculator use is now allowed throughout the entire math section (integrated into the testing