In many ways the digital SAT® is a radical departure from previous versions of the test. I have been guiding students through the test for a little over a year now and I have some thoughts.

Vocabulary is Important

I have always emphasized vocabulary because most of my students’ home languages are not English. However, judging from results and comments from students, everyone needs to brush up on their vocabulary. You need a wider and deeper vocabulary corpus to ensure you can address both the explicit vocabulary in context questions and the more implicit vocabulary found in the reading passages and answer options.

Be Thoughtful when choosing Answers

Because the passages are shorter, many students believe this test is easier. It isn’t. The answer choices are subtler, and you need to be clear why three of the answers are wrong in addition to why your answer choice is correct. Be wary of jumping to conclusions and picking an answer that “feels” right.

Watch your Time

One of the selling points of this version of the digital SAT® is that it is much shorter. However, this also means that your time is limited, and you should know your time. Fortunately, the digital SAT® has a clock on your screen, so you will no longer have to be at the mercy of the proctor to keep the time. I have suggested that students start with the grammar style questions first as they are a little quicker. Then you can move onto some questions that will take a little more time without fearing that you are stealing time away from easier questions.

Know your Technology for digital SAT®

This test relies on technology, and to be inclusive, the College Board has opened it up to tablets and school-controlled chrome books. However, I suggest all students try to use a recent laptop with a mouse. Ideally, your computer should be able to have power to work off of a battery because access to a power outlet. is not guaranteed. Using a mouse is more efficient for information input. A laptop gives you more screen to use Desmos which my math friends tell me is a real advantage. Update your computer the week before the test, and in particular update the Bluebook app the day before the test. You want everything ready to go when the test starts.

I have started a new set of reading articles designed with digital SAT® students in mind. Each set consists of 5 articles focused on a key topic and accompanied with 5 digital SAT® style questions.

digital SAT® is a trademark of the College Board which is not affiliated with and does not endorse these statements and products