1. Review the Digital Format

Familiarize yourself with the digital format of the SAT – understand how the test is structured, including the number of sections, types of questions, and overall layout, as outlined in our blog post.

2. Practice with Official Tools

Use the College Board’s official SAT practice platform – the Bluebook app – which provides digital practice tests and sample questions. So far, four official digital SAT practice tests are available. These allow you to become comfortable with the digital interface and tools, such as highlighting, flagging questions, and using the on-screen calculator.

3. Simulate Test Conditions

Practice taking digital SAT practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the experience of the actual test. Use a quiet, distraction-free environment and follow the timing guidelines for each section.

4. Use Classic Techniques

Although the format is different, the classic techniques for answering the SAT’s multiple-choice questions still work. For example, using the process of elimination to eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices will narrow down your options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. Or for math questions, consider plugging in answer choices to see which one fits the given conditions or equations. This can help you quickly identify the correct solution.

5. Practice Time Management

Time management is crucial on the digital SAT, so practice pacing yourself to ensure you can complete each section within the allotted time. Use strategies such as skipping difficult questions and coming back to them later if necessary.

6. Utilize Tools Effectively

Familiarize yourself with the digital tools provided, such as the highlighting features and the Desmos calculator that is available for use on the entire math section. This is the version for the digital SAT, PSAT, and NMSQT. Practice using these tools efficiently to solve problems and annotate passages effectively.

7. Review Technical Requirements

Make sure your device meets the technical requirements for taking the digital SAT. Check compatibility with the official testing platform, ensure a stable internet connection, and familiarize yourself with any additional requirements or guidelines.

8. Stay Updated

Keep abreast of any updates or changes to the digital SAT format or testing procedures. Visit the College Board website regularly for the latest information and announcements.

9. Stay Calm and Confident

On test day, stay calm and confident in your abilities. Trust in your preparation and strategies, and approach each question methodically and thoughtfully.

How to Study for the Digital SAT

Need more targeted practice problems to prepare for the test effectively? Our digital SAT tutors can work with you to pinpoint which areas to work on and offer plenty of practice problems for specific topics!

With the introduction of the digital SAT, students will now have a more convenient and efficient way to approach this crucial test. While it was introduced at international test centers in the spring of 2023, the US is set to implement it in the spring of 2024 (likely March). Since the SAT administration recommends that students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and then fall of their senior year, those in the class of 2025 and later will have the opportunity to experience the digital version.

Digital SAT Vs Paper SAT

The SAT can be taken on College Board’s Bluebook app on any tablet or laptop, personal or school-managed, but at a physical test center with in-person proctoring. Those without a device can submit a request at least 30 days in advance from the test day to borrow one. The digital SAT is shorter – while the paper version is 3 hours long and has 154 questions, the digital version is 2 hours and 14 minutes long with 98 questions. The test also contains fewer questions, so students have more time on average to answer each question. The test is broken down into the following sections:

Section 1: Reading & Writing (64 minutes)

• Module 1: 27 questions (32 minutes)
• Module 2: 27 questions (32 minutes)

Section 2: Math (70 minutes)

• Module 1: 22 questions (35 minutes)
• Module 2: 22 questions (35 minutes)

Reading passages will be shorter and with only one question for each. In addition, calculators will be allowed for the entire math section, with Desmos built into the testing application (though students can bring their own approved calculator). The questions will still be a mix of multiple-choice with some grid-in answers, and students can use scratch paper.

The application offers a set of tools that students can use while taking the test:

• Highlighting and annotating text for note-taking
• Answer eliminator
• “Mark for Review” for students to revisit questions easily
• Reference sheets for quick access to essential formulas or information

These replace the techniques that students are typically encouraged to employ on the paper version. Additionally, students will receive their scores in only a few days after taking the digital SAT instead of waiting 2-4 weeks for their test to be graded.

Is the Digital SAT Easier?

Yes, generally students think the digital SAT is more manageable, but it also translates to a harsher scoring curve – some students have reported that a single incorrect question brought their score down by 40 points. The digital SAT is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the test questions in Module 2 of each section depends on the student’s performance in Module 1. Students who do well in Module 1 will be presented with a more difficult version of Module 2, where each question is worth more. Those who perform less well in Module 1 will have an easier time with Module 2, but also less of an opportunity to score higher.

Although the digital SAT presents questions in a different format, it continues to assess the same skills and knowledge students need to be ready for college. Our 15 strategies and tips remains effective for students to achieve high scores; for example, because there is no penalty for guessing, it’s always better to make an educated guess than to leave a question blank. For customized support, we encourage you to explore our SAT Prep Program, designed to accelerate your progress in raising your SAT test scores, or read more about the digital SAT on our page.

Sources:

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital/whats-on-the-test/structure

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The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on College Prep. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

Here, we’ll explore a variety of strategic reading techniques to help you excel in reading sections on tests. Whether you’re preparing for college entrance exams, professional certifications, or any other standardized tests that include reading comprehension sections, these strategies will equip you with the tools you need to navigate passages, answer questions accurately, and manage your time effectively.

Types of Questions on Standardized Tests

Reading sections on standardized tests can be tricky due to question wording. Understanding question types beforehand so that you know what to expect helps avoid confusion. Here are 8 common question types:

1) Big Picture/Main Point

These questions require you to grasp the central idea or main purpose of the passage. Focus on identifying the main argument, theme, or message conveyed by the author.

2) Little Picture/Detail

Asks about specific details or information in the passage (e.g. “What does this sentence mean?”). Pay attention to specific sentences, phrases, or words that provide relevant information or support the author’s claims.

3) Inference

Inference questions assess your ability to draw logical conclusions based on the information presented in the passage. Analyze the given facts, consider implicit meanings, and make logical deductions to determine the right answer.

4) Vocabulary in Context

Tests your understanding of vocabulary words within the context of the passage. Look for clues in the surrounding sentences to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.

5) Function

Function questions examine how specific sentences, phrases, or paragraphs relate to the passage’s overall structure or purpose. Consider the role played by each element in conveying the author’s message or supporting the main argument.

6) Author Technique

These questions explore the author’s writing style, tone, or literary devices used in the passage. They may also ask you to compare the passage to a different one. Look for clues in the author’s choice of words, sentence structure, and overall tone to answer these questions accurately.

7) Evidence Support

Asks you to locate and provide evidence from the passage to support or justify a previous answer. These often review back to other types of questions already asked on the test (e.g. “Which choice provides the best evidence to the previous question?”). Carefully review the question and refer back to the relevant portion of the passage to find supporting information.

8) Data Analysis

These often accompany passages that include charts, graphs, or other visual representations. They assess your ability to interpret and analyze the data presented in conjunction with the passage.

By understanding these question types, you can approach reading comprehension tests with a clear strategy. Practice with sample questions of each type to hone your skills and develop a familiarity with the range of questions you may encounter.

Steps for Reading Passages on Standardized Tests

1) Preview the Questions

Before diving into the passage, take a moment to read through the questions. This provides a roadmap of what to look for, allowing you to read more purposefully and efficiently locate the answers or any relevant information during your focused reading.

2) Pay Attention to the Introduction

Read the informational blurb that introduces the passage. This provides valuable context about the passage’s tone, style, and purpose and sets the stage for better comprehension.

3) Strategize Your Answering Approach

Remember, you can answer the questions in any order. Prioritize your answers by thinking through them before considering the options. This approach helps you avoid falling for multiple-choice traps. Consider leaving “main purpose” questions for last, as a deeper understanding of the passage will aid in answering them accurately.

Strategies for Extracting Key Information from Passages

Extracting key information from passages is essential for answering reading comprehension questions accurately. Some strategies to help you identify and retain important details include:

1) Skim for Structure

Begin by skimming the passage to get a sense of its structure, including headings, subheadings, and topic sentences. This provides an overview of the passage’s organization and helps you locate any necessary information.

2) Focus on Topic Sentences

Pay close attention to the first sentence of each paragraph, as it often states the main idea or topic. Understanding the main points of each paragraph helps you grasp the passage’s overall message.

3) Take Note of Transition Words

Transition words like “however,” “in contrast,” or “moreover” signal shifts in ideas or the relationships between different parts of the passage. Pay attention to these words as they guide your understanding of the author’s argument or progression of ideas.

4) Mark Unknown Terms or Phrases

Circle unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts encountered in the passage. Later, you can refer back to these circled terms to ensure you understand their meaning within the context of the passage.

The Power of Elimination: Using Smart Guessing Techniques

When faced with challenging questions or unfamiliar content, smart guessing techniques can help you make educated guesses and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

1) Identify Extreme or Absolute Options

Pay attention to answer choices that include extreme language such as “always,” “never,” or “completely.” These options are often less likely to be correct, as they rarely reflect the nuanced nature of the passage or the question being asked.

2) Cross Out Incorrect Choices

Read each answer choice carefully and eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect. Narrow down your options and increase the probability of choosing the right answer by eliminating choices.

3) Use Contextual Clues

Even if you’re unsure about the correct answer, examine the context of the question and the surrounding information in the passage. Look for clues that may help you eliminate improbable choices or identify options that align more closely with the given context.

4) Prioritize Evidence-Based Guesses

If you can find supporting evidence in the passage for a particular answer choice, it is more likely to be correct. Base your guess on the information provided in the text rather than relying solely on your intuition.

Time Management Tips for Reading Comprehension on Tests

Time management plays a crucial role in successfully completing the reading comprehension section within the allotted time. To manage your time effectively:

1) Set a Time Limit for Each Passage

Allocate a general amount of time for each passage, considering the number of questions and the passage’s length. This helps you stay on track and ensures that you have sufficient time for all the passages. However, don’t spend too much time watching the clock! It’s okay if some passages take a little more time than others.

2) Focus on Key Information

While reading the passage, pay attention to key information, main ideas, and supporting details. Avoid getting caught up in unnecessary details that are not directly related to the questions. Stay focused on what’s essential to save time.

3) Highlight, Underline, or Circle Key Information

Underline or highlight crucial information in the passage that is relevant to the questions, such as significant details, supporting evidence, or crucial facts. This visual aid helps you quickly locate and reference important details when answering the questions.

By optimizing your understanding, time allocation, and accuracy and implementing effective time management strategies, you can improve reading comprehension skills and approach the test with confidence and efficiency.

Practicing with Sample Tests: Sharpening Your Strategic Reading Skills

Regular practice with sample tests is a valuable strategy for sharpening your reading comprehension skills and familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions typically found on tests. Here is why practicing with sample tests is beneficial specifically for reading sections:

1) Analyzing Answer Explanations

Sample tests often provide answer explanations or key insights into why certain answer choices are correct or incorrect. By reviewing these explanations, you gain valuable insights into the reasoning and thought processes required to answer questions accurately.

2) Understanding Test Format

Sample tests help you become familiar with the structure and format of reading comprehension sections. This includes the number of passages, types of questions, and time constraints. By practicing with sample tests, you can anticipate the test’s layout and better allocate your time.

3) Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Sample tests allow you to assess your strengths and weaknesses in reading comprehension. By reviewing your performance, you can identify areas that require improvement and focus your efforts on enhancing those specific skills.

4) Acclimating to Test Conditions

Taking sample tests under timed conditions replicates the test environment and helps you develop a sense of pacing. This practice improves your ability to manage time effectively and complete the reading comprehension section within the allocated time frame.

Basic Reading Comprehension Tips

Here are some basic tips to increase reading comprehension at home. Reading comprehension is an incredibly important skill to have in life, outside of tests and school. If you are struggling with reading comprehension or simply feel like you could use some improvement, try out some of these tips!

• Choose something you’re interested in and find books or articles on that topic
• Read for pleasure!
• Understand and re-evaluate your current reading weaknesses (When does your attention lag? Why? Is it the subject matter, do you get tired quickly, etc. What can you do to change that?)
• Read texts below your reading level to help create a foundation
• Break up reading into smaller sections
• Read out of order (if you’d like)
• Pace yourself
• Eliminate distractions when reading
• Look up words you don’t understand to improve vocabulary
• Use context clues
• Look for the main idea
• Come up with questions while you’re reading
• Write a summary of what you read after you’re finished
• If you get confused, stop and try to summarize what you just read
• Re-read text to ensure understanding
• Discuss the text with someone
• Read aloud (to yourself, a friend, a pet, anyone!)

SEE ALSO: 20 Test-Taking Strategies to Boost Your Confidence

Sources:

No Pain, High Gain: Test Prep Tips for Reading Comprehension and Math | Scholastic

7 Simple Strategies To Improve Your Reading Comprehension | Indeed.com

How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips | PrepScholar

The Best Way to Read the Passage in SAT Reading | PrepScholar

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.