Ace the Digital SAT: Strategies for Success

In March 2024, the SAT will officially go digital in the U.S. (it has been a digital test internationally since March 2023!) This transition has brought about changes in how students prepare for and take the test. To help you succeed on test day, we’ve compiled a list of 10 valuable tips that will guide you towards mastering this important exam.

For more on the structure of the digital SAT, and how that might change your strategy if you have previously taken the paper test, see our recent blog posts, “Top Tips: Prepare for the Digital SAT” and “What is the Digital SAT?”

HOW TO ACE THE DIGITAL SAT

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Digital Format

The first step to mastering the Digital SAT is to become comfortable with the new format and the Bluebook app. Instead of using a pencil and paper to take notes or make calculations, you will need to get used to navigating the test interface. For the math section, use the on-screen calculator strategically. Avoid using it for simple calculations or as a crutch for every problem. Knowing when to rely on mental math can save you valuable seconds. Take advantage of practice tests available online and make sure you’re comfortable with the digital tools, such as highlighting and flagging questions.

TTA Tutor Tip: Be careful if you plan to take practice tests on your iPad, which allows you to annotate the reading comprehension section. This could end up negatively impacting your score when you take the actual exam without being able to annotate passages. Always simulate test taking conditions as best you can!

2. Time Management is Key

Just like the traditional SAT, time management is crucial when taking the Digital SAT. The clock is ticking, and you need to allocate your time wisely for each section. Practice time management strategies during your preparation to ensure you can complete all the questions within the allocated time. The Digital SAT also includes short breaks between sections. Use these breaks fully and wisely. Step away from the computer, stretch, and take deep breaths to recharge and refocus. If you struggle with time management, distraction, ADHD, or time sense (internalizing how long things take), consider working with an expert Executive Function Tutor.

3. Strengthen Your Digital Literacy

As part of your test prep, make sure you have solid digital literacy skills. This includes typing efficiently, getting used to reading comprehension passages on a screen, using keyboard shortcuts, and navigating through different sections of the test smoothly. You should also feel comfortable with the in-app graphing calculator, even if you plan to bring your own. The better you are at these skills, the less stressed you’ll feel during the actual exam.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Success on the SAT, digital or otherwise, comes with practice. Utilize the numerous practice materials available, such as official College Board practice tests and third-party resources like Khan Academy’s practice modules. Regular practice will help you become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter and improve your problem-solving abilities. Our tutors provide students with personalized assignments using authentic materials that are then corrected and analyzed to provide constructive feedback.

5. Review Content Areas

While the format may have changed, the content areas tested on the Digital SAT remain the same. Brush up on your math, reading, and writing skills. Consider using online courses or working with an academic tutor to strengthen your knowledge in these areas.

6. Develop a Personalized Study Plan

Create a study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Focus more on areas where you need improvement, but don’t neglect your strong points either. Consistency is key, so stick to your study schedule and take advantage of opportunities to work one-on-one with a tutor who can gauge your specific strengths and areas that need improvement.

7. Take Care of Your Health

Your physical and mental well-being play a significant role in your test performance. Ensure you get enough sleep the night before the exam, eat a healthy meal, and stay hydrated. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises or meditation (even during the test!).

8. Simulate Test Conditions

To prepare for the Digital SAT, practice under realistic test conditions. Sit in a quiet environment, eliminate distractions (no phones or snacks), and use the same equipment (computer and mouse or touchpad) you’ll have during the actual test. This will help you feel more comfortable and focused on test day.

9. Learn from Your Mistakes

After each practice test, review your mistakes thoroughly. Understand why you got certain questions wrong and learn from those errors. This will help you avoid making the same mistakes on the actual Digital SAT.

10. Stay Positive and Confident

Believe in yourself and your abilities! A positive mindset can boost your confidence and overall performance. Remember that the Digital SAT is just one aspect of your college application, and your hard work will pay off.

Kent graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. He is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Duke University, conducting research on surgical laser robotics as an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Fellow. Kent tutors for the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP Math, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

“Think of Test Day as a game day for the sport you love or a performance day for the musical instrument you’ve been playing for so long. Just as you diligently practice three-pointers or smoothly play scales on a piano, test-prep is the same thing. It comes with mindful, conscious, practice. Review your mistakes after every practice test, don’t suddenly start cramming a week before (you will burn out), and give yourself a rest day before the official day of the test. You don’t run a 10K to prepare for a marathon the day before!“

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At Top Tier Admissions, we can help you navigate this new terrain and make sure your scores are in range for your dream school. Contact us to work with Kent or one of our other expert tutors.