Preparing for the New Digital SAT: Top Tips for Success

Testing

Feb 15

Are you ready for the new digital SAT? Ensure you're fully prepared with these essential tips and free digital SAT practice resources.

Familiarize Yourself with the Digital Format: Ace the digital interface by practicing with official College Board tests online. Navigate through the various formats of questions, test out built in tools including the Desmos calculator and answer eliminator, and get comfortable with the digital environment.
Employ Test-Taking Strategies: Develop tactics for tackling different question types, such as process of elimination and strategic marking. Practice these strategies during your study sessions and make use of the new built-in tools.
Practice Time Management: As with the paper format, time is of the essence in the digital SAT. Hone your time management skills by practicing pacing during mock tests, ensuring you complete each section within the allocated time. The digital SAT has a great tool which allows you to mark questions to return to later. If you get stuck, you may benefit from returning to the questions in the module later if you have extra time.
Take full Practice Tests: Take at least one to get used to the format and timing. I recommend taking several over the course of a few months as you prepare. You can use your results to focus on your areas of weakness and get additional test prep help if needed.
Simulate Test Conditions: Replicate the actual testing environment during practice tests. Find a quiet space, time yourself strictly, and eliminate distractions.
Make use of FREE Online Digital SAT Prep Resources: The College Board has a new app called Bluebook, which the student will also use to take the official test. Within the app are several free full practice tests and an untimed version to explore. Khan Academy, College Board’s official test prep partner has a lot of free practice material online. Now that the first Digital SATs have been completed, it is recommended that student’s use practice tests 4-6 in the Bluebook app to prepare as they represent the difficulty of the new test more accurately than the previous practice tests. Also, several test prep companies offer free practice tests and strategy sessions (see below).
Prioritize Self-Care: Don't overlook self-care during SAT prep. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep and nourishment to be in your best condition for testing day. If you are feeling overly stressed about the test, talk to someone about possible solutions. And last but not least, don’t hyperfocus on the SAT. You are more than a test score and the right colleges will see that! Many colleges will remain test-optional for the 2024-25 application year so you can still choose not to use your scores at all.

By following these tips and dedicating consistent time and effort to your SAT preparation, you can improve your chances of success on the digital SAT. Good luck!

Free Digital SAT Prep Resources:

Applerouth – Full length tests and strategy sessions - sign up now!