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SAT essentials

Digital SAT Essentials: What is the SAT?

Digital SAT Essentials: What is the SAT?

Welcome to SAT Insiders, where we bring you the most up-to-date strategies and insights on the SAT.

We’ll walk you through the core essentials so you can tackle test day with confidence. Consider this your ultimate playbook to the SAT’s key details.

Let's dive in!

What the Digital SAT Looks Like

Think of the Digital SAT as one streamlined test, broken into two main sections. Each section is designed to measure the skills you’re learning in school and that matter most in college.

  • Reading and Writing (64 minutes total)
    • You’ll complete two separate modules, each with 27 questions and timed at 32 minutes.
  • Math (70 minutes total)
    • You’ll tackle both multiple-choice and student-produced response questions.
    • Topics include algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. Click here for a detailed analysis of the question types.
    • You’ll complete two separate modules, each with 22 questions and timed at 35 minutes.
    • Calculators are allowed throughout the entire Math section. A built-in graphing calculator(called DESMOS) is provided, though you can also bring your own.

In all, the Digital SAT runs about 2 hours and 14 minutes—much shorter than many students expect from a test this important.

Key Features of Digital Testing

Multistage Adaptive

You’ll start with a first module of questions in each section. Based on how you perform, the second module will adjust—mixing in more difficult or easier questions, ensuring you receive a set that matches your performance level. This leads to a shorter test without sacrificing score reliability.

User-Friendly Tools

The official testing application includes a built-in graphing calculator, highlighting and note-taking tools, an option eliminator to strike through wrong choices, and a clock you can hide if it distracts you.

If you need accommodations, extended time, text-to-speech, and braille formats are available. You’ll need College Board approval, so work with your school in advance to secure these.

Embedded Practice

You can access full-length adaptive practice tests in the same app where you’ll take the real exam. This means you can get comfortable with the exact test-day look and feel.

How It’s Scored

Scoring Ranges

You’ll see two section scores (Reading and Writing / Math) that are added to give you a total score. For the SAT, the total score scale is 400–1600.

The scale for each of the two sections is 200-800.

Benchmarks

Each section has a benchmark indicating “college and career readiness.” Meeting or exceeding these benchmarks suggests you’re on track for college-level work.

No Penalty for Wrong Answers

Always give your best guess if unsure. You won’t lose points for incorrect responses.

On the Test Day,

Must-Haves:

  • Your Fully Charged Device: Laptops, tablets, or school-managed Chromebooks are acceptable, but make sure to bring a charger just in case.
  • Photo ID: A government-issued or school ID is required for admission.
  • Admission Ticket: Generated in the testing application during exam setup.
  • Writing Utensil: A pen or pencil for any scratch work.
  • Optional Items: Snacks, water, personal (approved) calculator, extra batteries/power bank.

Game Plan:

  1. Check Your Device. Charge your laptop or tablet the night before. Bring a charger in case your battery runs low.
  2. Take some food and drinks. Remember to hydrate yourself and replenish your body with necessary nutrients, before the test and during the break. You'll be given a 10-minute break after completing the Reading and Writing section.
  3. Arrive Early. Give yourself breathing room to set up, connect to Wi-Fi, and settle before the test starts.
  4. Stay Calm. Work systematically. If stuck, try eliminating wrong answers.

How Do I Prepare for the Test?

Start with Free Official Digital Practice

College Board makes full-length adaptive tests available through the Bluebook app (​sat-student-guide). It’s the best way to experience the actual interface.

Dive into Khan Academy® for Personalized Prep

For a more specific skill-building, Khan Academy provides free, official SAT practice. Although lacking in detailed strategy, it's the best free resource out there. Link your College Board account for personalized recommendations and track your progress over time.

Explore Our Deep-Dive Resources

Post-Test Opportunities

Scholarships and College Recruitment

Sending scores to colleges can open doors to scholarship offers. Consider opting into tools like Student Search Service™ so universities can reach out to you with relevant opportunities.

Score Improvement

Not thrilled with your results? Many students take the SAT more than once to boost their scores. Keep practicing, build on your mistakes, and retake it with fresh confidence.

Career Exploration

Score reports also connect you with insights about potential fields of study or career paths. Dive into that information to see what aligns with your interests.

Keep the Momentum Going

Solid SAT prep is a long-term journey. If you’d like to refine your reading skills further, explore our reading comprehension tips and strategies for actionable advice.

Finally, remember that the SAT is just one part of your college application profile. Good grades, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters all play a part in showing admissions teams who you are and what you can do.

Ready for More Digital SAT Insights?

By staying informed and practicing smart, you’ll walk into your digital SAT feeling calm, prepared, and ready to put your best foot forward.

Good luck, and remember: the Digital SAT is your chance to shine—seize it!

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