With a new digital format, shorter test time and an embedded calculator, changes to the multiple-choice test exam are set to launch in 2023 for international test takers.
The SAT at a glance
The SAT is a 1,600-point standardized test that is widely used for college admissions in the United States. Developed by the College Board in 1926, the test aims to assess a student’s “college readiness” by testing three subject areas, reading, writing and math. The SAT and high school GPA form a major core of a college applicant’s profile for admission. Though in recent years many colleges are choosing to make submission of SAT scores optional, or are making their admissions “SAT blind,” the test remains an important part of admissions for many students, especially international students choosing to attend colleges in the United States.
SAT Changes
On top of a new digital format, other changes to the SAT include a shortened test, inclusion of an embedded graphing calculator and faster results.
Digital format
For years, the SAT test required a trusty No.2 pencil and copious filling in of multiple-choice bubbles. With the new changes, students will now take the exam on their own laptop or tablet, a school-issued device or they may borrow a device provided by the College Board. Though digital, the SAT is not a take-home exam. Tests will continue to be given at designated testing centers under the supervision of a proctor.
The digital test will also be section-adaptive. Each subject will be divided into two sections. Based on a student’s performance in the first section, an algorithm chooses the appropriate difficulty for the second section. For example, if a student performs well in the first section, the questions in the second module will become more difficult in order to efficiently zero-in on the student’s final score. This allows the test-taker’s score on the 1,600 scale to be accurately pegged in a shorter test.
Shortened test
The new digital will be shorter for both students and proctors. The length of the exam will be reduced from three hours to two, with less questions overall. And due to the digital format, proctors will no longer have to deal with packing, organizing and shipping test materials. Questions will also be shorter and more concise. For example, lengthy reading passages will be replaced with shorter versions, while only one question, rather than multiple, will be tied to each reading.
Use of calculators
The current SAT divides the math section into two parts: a non-calculator and a calculator portion. But as part of the recent changes, a calculator is now allowed for the entire math segment. Students can either bring their own graphing calculator or use one that’s embedded into the exam.
Expedited score results
A digital test also means getting test results sooner than with the traditional paper and pencil test. Rather than waiting weeks to get results, students will receive score reports from the digital tests in a matter of days.
When to expect these changes?
International students will be the first to take the new digital SAT format when it is launched in early 2023. The digital SAT debuts in the United States in 2024. Current 9th graders – the class of 2025 – will be the first students in the U.S. for whom the new test will be a concern.
Be sure to follow College Board announcements for more specific dates on when the new digital SAT will be officially implemented.