How the Digital SAT Is Changing Test Prep

The SAT Goes Digital

Beginning in Spring 2024, the SAT officially transitioned from a paper-based exam to a fully digital format in the United States. This change represents one of the most significant shifts in standardized testing in decades and affects how students prepare for college admissions.

According to the College Board, the organization behind the SAT, the new exam is shorter, adaptive, and designed to better reflect how students learn and use technology today. It now lasts about 2 hours, compared to roughly 3 hours for the previous version.

(Source: College Board Digital SAT Overview)

Key Changes to the Digital SAT

1. Adaptive Testing

The digital SAT uses multistage adaptive testing, which means the difficulty of the second module in each section depends on a student’s performance in the first module. This allows the test to more accurately measure student ability without making the test unnecessarily long.

(Source: College Board Faculty Guide)

2. Shorter Test, More Time per Question

The new format is roughly one hour shorter than the paper-based SAT but gives students slightly more time per question, allowing for better pacing and less fatigue.

3. Built-In Calculator

Students now have access to a built-in graphing calculator for the entire Math section. This eliminates worries about bringing the right calculator and helps students focus on strategy rather than tools.

4. Faster Score Reporting

Digital testing speeds up turnaround times, with scores typically available within days, instead of the several weeks required for the paper-based test.

5. Smaller Reading Passages

Passages are shorter and focus on concise, relevant information, reducing the amount of text students need to process while still testing comprehension and reasoning skills.

How Prep Needs to Evolve

Because the SAT is now digital and adaptive, preparation strategies need to shift to match the new format:

• Get Comfortable with Digital Tools
  Students should practice using the Bluebook™ app, the official testing platform, to get familiar with its built-in features and interface.

• Adjust Pacing Strategies
  With fewer questions but adaptive difficulty, test-takers need to manage time carefully while maintaining accuracy.

• Practice Adaptive Thinking
  Because the test adjusts based on performance, preparation should focus on strengthening problem-solving skills, not just memorizing formulas or strategies.

Why Integrated SAT and ACT Prep Still Works

Even with the SAT going digital, preparing for both the SAT and ACT together can still be the most efficient and strategic approach:

• Overlapping Skills
  Both tests measure reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and math reasoning. Preparing for one naturally strengthens the other.

• Flexibility for College Applications
  Nearly all U.S. colleges accept either test, and preparing for both gives students more submission options.

• Better Confidence
  Learning strategies for two different formats builds adaptability, which can improve performance on either exam.

At Smart Push Academic Coaching, our virtual SAT and ACT Boot Camps are designed with this overlap in mind, teaching students techniques that apply to both exams without doubling their workload.

How Smart Push Boot Camps Help Students Succeed

Our 8-hour virtual boot camps for 8th to 11th graders focus on:

• Understanding digital SAT features and adaptive test strategies

• Covering key skills for both SAT and ACT success

• Practicing realistic test pacing and problem-solving

• Building confidence through interactive instruction and targeted exercises

By the end of the boot camp, students are prepared to tackle either exam—or both—with clarity and confidence.

Take the Next Step

The earlier students prepare, the greater their advantage. Whether your student plans to take the SAT, the ACT, or both, Smart Push Academic Coaching provides expert guidance to help them achieve their goals.

Reserve your student’s spot today at thesmartpush.com