If you’re the family of a sophomore/rising junior that is planning to take the PSAT/SAT, you need to understand the changes coming to the platform as it migrates to digital delivery/format. While the test will be simpler in some aspects, it has some significant differences from the paper version.
Here's what we learned from the initial administration of the digital SAT, which was first administered among international students.
Administration was smoother than expected, barring a few glitches of the system. The glitches were either while logging in with the test code or while submitting the score.
Last year, the College Board launched the Test Day Toolkit for proctors. This is a helpful app that generates the seating chart, test codes, and allows the proctor to see the test progress of each student. If there is a technical problem, the proctor can see it in the app, and in most cases can provide a solution.
Strategies for Students:
Adaptive Test Adjustment -
The new section-adaptive format, embedded experimental questions, and the varied weight of questions could present new challenges for students when it comes to test anxiety.
Pacing Strategies -
Teaching pace strategies for the second module is particularly important. Students should expect additional difficulty in the second module, and adjust timing accordingly. Using the same timing as first module will likely result in students not completing the second module.
Desmos -
Students will use Desmos calendar on the digital test, rather than personal calculators. Learning the Desmos is essential and its use is necessary as nearly 40% of the Math questions can be solved quickly with the correct calculator skills.
While there are changes to the format and question types, the new digital SAT is still a well-established test that students can prepare for with fresh strategies and support. This format can be mastered with the correct kind of practice and prep.
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