New Digital SAT Format of the Test: Essential Information for ESL Students

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What is the digital SAT format and what exactly do I need to know? Here is some simple but important information about the digital SAT exam.

Form a study plan to maximize your SAT score to truly show your potential to any university that you may apply.

SAT Dates

SAT test dates in 2025 are: August 23, September 13, October 4, November 8, and December 6

New Digital SAT Format - SAT Test

  • The entire test takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 98 questions.
  • It has two areas,
    1. Reading & Writing (English) and
    2. Math
  • both have two modules each
  • The digital SAT is scored out of 1600 points.

QUESTIONS MINUTES MODULES

The SAT test has 2 parts: Mathematics and English:

  1. English Total: 64 minutes, 54 questions
  2. Mathematics Total: 70 minutes, 44 questions

The English section is called the reading and writing section, although there is no writing and there is grammar. Notice both Math and English have two modules:

  1. English Module 1: – 32 minutes, 27 questions
  2. English Module 2 :-  32 minutes, 27  questions
  3. Math Module 1: – 35 minutes, 22 questions
  4. Math Module 2: – 35 minutes, 22 questions

WHY IS IT AN ADAPTIVE TEST?

The difficulty of the second module depends on how you did on the first module, so,

  • if you do good on module 1 then module 2 will be harder
  • if you do not do well on module 1 then module 2 will be easier

SAT Reading and Writing Section Overview

  • All questions are multiple choice with four possible answers.
  • Most questions are based on a passage (up to 150 word passage)
  • Questions can be broadly said to be reading comprehension or grammar.
  • There are 4 content domains in the SAT reading & writing, these are;
    1. information and ideas
    2. craft and structure
    3. expression of ideas
    4. standard English conventions
  • see College Board, the reading and writing section for more details.

SAT Reading and Writing Type of Questions

We have leaned the type of questions, both reading and grammar. These are as follows:

  1. Command of Evidence – Textual
  2. Command of Evidence – Qualitative 
  3. Central Idea and Details
  4. Inference
  5. Words in Context
  6. Text Structure and Purpose
  7. Cross-Text Connections
  8. Transitions
  9. Rhetorical Synthesis
  10. Form, Structure and Sense
  11. Boundaries

We have classes the first 9 areas as reading comprehension and the last two as grammar. So what grammar areas are in these 2 areas:

  • Form, Structure and Sense
    • subject-verb agreement
    • pronoun-antecedent agreement
    • subject modifier placement
    • verb form
    • plural and possessive nouns
  • Boundaries
    • supplements
    • linking clauses
    • punctuation

Reading and Writing Questions

  • Information and ideas: 26% – 12–14 questions
    • Command of Evidence – Textual
    • Command of Evidence – Qualitative 
    • Central Idea and Details
    • Inference
  • Craft and Structure: 28%  13–15 questions
    • Words in Context
    • Text Structure and Purpose
    • Cross-Text Connections
  • Expression of Ideas: 20% – 8–12 questions 
    • Transitions
    • Rhetorical Synthesis
  • Standard English conventions 26% -11–15 questions 
    • Form, Structure and Sense
    • Boundaries

Questions per module (2 x 27 questions)

6 to 8 questions per module

  • Grammar (Standard English conventions)

2 or 3 questions per module

  • Words in Context
  • Transitions
  • Text Structure and Purpose

about 2 questions per module

  • Central Idea and Details
  • Cross-Text Connections
  • Command of Evidence – Textual
  • Rhetorical Synthesis

1 or 2 questions per module

  • Command of Evidence – Qualitative 
  • Inference

Digital SAT for ESL Students

  1. Grammar (6 to 8 questions per module)
  2. Words in Context (2 or 3)
  3. Transitions (2 or 3)
  4. Text Structure and Purpose (2 or 3)
  5. Central Idea and Details (2)
  6. Cross-Text Connections (2)
  7. Command of Evidence – Textual (2)
  8. Rhetorical Synthesis (2)
  9. Command of Evidence – Qualitative (1 or 2)
  10. Inference (1 or 2)

Difficulty in question type and the length of the passage means some areas you are stronger and other are more difficult

  1. Grammar – short & a strong area for you
  2. Words in context – you will need to be able to pass (make a guess) if too difficult
  3. Transitions – you will know the answer or think it is one of two, strong area for you
  4. Text structure are average questions, you need to remember it is the ‘best’ answer
  5. Mainly easier questions in the central ideas, strong area for you
  • 6. Cross-Text are long & take time, you can get the answer, or out of two, so time management maybe a factor here.
  • 7. Textual evidence is another of your strong areas
  • 8. Rhetorical Synthesis, like ‘understand the notes’, you can answer without the passage, strong area
  • 9  Normally good if you can read graphs, strong area
  • 10 the answer is ‘inferred’ so can be difficult for some students

Digital SAT Practice Tests and SAT Prep

To reach your full potential you will need to do SAT-specific planning. You must:

  • learn the type of questions
  • learn how to answer these types of questions
  • practice these type of questions
  • manage your time – in exam prep
  • manage your time – in the exam
  • practice full length tests

As the digital SAT is new there is very little original or official material. There are 3 primary resources:

  1. Khan Academy – use this to practice types of questions
  2. College Board question bank
  3. Bluebook – use this for full length test practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the digital SAT?

  • The digital SAT has two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.
  • Each section has two modules (smaller parts).
  • The test is adaptive, meaning it changes based on your performance.

How is the digital SAT different from the paper SAT?

  • The digital version is taken on a computer or tablet.
  • It is shorter than the paper version (about 2 hours and 14 minutes).
  • It uses an adaptive format, giving easier or harder questions based on how you do.

Is the digital SAT harder than the paper SAT?

  • No, it is not harder, but it is different.
  • Some students find it easier because it is shorter and more direct.
  • You need to practice with the new format to feel confident.

What is the process of taking the digital SAT?

  • Register online through the College Board website.
  • On test day, bring your approved device and ID.
  • You will take the test using a special app called Bluebook.

Can I use a calculator on the digital SAT?

  • Yes, a graphing calculator is allowed for the entire Math section.
  • A Desmos calculator is also built into the test.

How many questions are there in the digital SAT?

  • There are two sections:
  • Reading and Writing, number of question: 54 questions
  • Math, number of question: 44 questions

How is the test scored?

  • The SAT score is still out of 1600.
  • You get 800 points for Reading and Writing, and 800 points for Math.
  • The scoring method is the same as the paper SAT.

Digital SAT Structure

The digital SAT is divided into two sections: the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Each section has two modules that adjust in difficulty depending on the student’s performance. This adaptive format allows the digital SAT to test each student more effectively. The structure of the digital SAT also includes a built-in timer, digital tools, and a graphing calculator.

New SAT Format

The new SAT format (since 2024) is fully digital and shorter than the old paper SAT. The total testing time is about 2 hours and 14 minutes. The exam includes fewer questions but still covers all essential areas of reading, writing, and math. Students take the SAT on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook app provided by the College Board.

SAT Math Section

The math section of the standardized test includes both multiple-choice questions and student-produced response questions. Students are allowed to use a calculator for the entire math section. The Desmos graphing calculator is built into the test. The SAT math section focuses on algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math.

Prepare for the Digital SAT

Test prep for the digital SAT should include full-length practice tests available for free on the official SAT website. Practicing on the Bluebook app helps test takers become familiar with the digital format and tools. It is important to review reading passages, understand question types, and practice time management before test day.

Take the Digital SAT

Students can take the digital test at a center using an approved digital device. The test day process includes checking in, opening the Bluebook app, and following the instructions on the screen. Students should arrive early, bring their ID, and ensure their device is fully charged and ready for the exam.

SAT Score

The digital SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. It includes two main scores: one for the reading and writing section and one for the math section. Each section is scored out of 800. Students receive their SAT scores faster with the digital format, usually within a few days after test day.

Benefits of the Digital SAT

The benefits of the digital SAT include a shorter test, quicker results, and improved accessibility. The new digital format allows for easier navigation, helpful tools, and a better testing experience. It also supports college admission by providing accurate and timely SAT scores.

Calculator

A calculator is allowed throughout the digital SAT math section. Students can bring their own approved calculator or use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator. Learning how to use a calculator effectively can improve performance on math questions in the digital SAT.

Test Day

On test day, students need to bring a charged device, an approved calculator, and valid ID. The digital SAT is taken using the Bluebook app, and all instructions are given on screen. Students should also bring headphones if they plan to use any screen readers or accessibility features.

What to Know About the Digital SAT

The digital SAT is a new version of the SAT that replaces the old paper-and-pencil test. It includes two reading and writing modules and two math modules. Each section of the digital SAT has multiple questions in an adaptive format. To prepare, students should take a free digital SAT practice test to understand the format of the exam and the nature of the test. Knowing what the SAT looks like and how to answer questions correctly can improve your final SAT score.

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