SAT Digital Versus Paper Test
Two Different SATs: A Comparison
The SAT transitioned to a completely digital exam in 2023 for international students and 2024 for students in the United States. Prior to this, the SAT was a paper and pencil test that was quite different from the current version of the exam. Below, we will examine the historical version of the SAT and compare it to the current version of the exam, following the 2024 revision.
The Paper SAT
The paper version of the SAT was 3 hours long, excluding two breaks (one 10-minute break and one 5-minute break). The test contained 154 questions spread across four sections:
- Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math (no calculator)
- Math (calculator)
The Reading section was completed first and consisted of 52 questions. Test-takers had 65 minutes to complete this section, after which they received a 10-minute break. The Writing & Language section was completed second and contained 44 questions to be answered over 35 minutes. The Math (no calculator) section was completed third and as its name specifies, calculators were not permitted on this section of the test. Test-takers were given 25 minutes to answer 20 questions; afterwards, they received a 5-minute break. The fourth and final section was the Math (calculator) section, where a calculator could be used to answer 38 questions in 55 minutes.
Test-takers were not given much time to answer each question, with the time-per-question breaking down as follows:
- Reading section: 75 seconds per question
- Writing & Language section: 48 seconds per question
- Math (no calculator) section: 75 seconds per question
- Math (calculator) section: 87 seconds per question
The paper-based SAT contained four long reading passages and one comparison reading passage, with approximately 10 questions per passage for a total of roughly 50 questions. Each question on the paper SAT had four answer choices, and some questions also featured grid-in response options. The overall test was scored between 400-1600. After tests were taken, they were packed up and shipped to scoring centers, and test-takers received their scores anywhere from three to six weeks after taking the exam. The last paper SAT taken by international students occurred on December 3rd, 2022, and the last paper SAT taken by students in the U.S. occurred on December 2nd, 2023.
The Digital SAT
The digital version of the SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, excluding one 10-minute break. The test contains 98 questions divided across two sections:
- Reading & Writing
- Math
Each section contains two modules for a total of four modules. Reading & Writing Module 1 is completed first and contains 27 questions to be completed over 32 minutes. Reading & Writing Module 2 is completed second and contains 27 questions test-takers must answer within 32 minutes. This means test-takers have a total of 64 minutes to complete 54 questions in the Reading & Writing section. After this there is a 10-minute break, then the third section completed is Math Module 1, featuring 22 questions to be answered in 35 minutes. Math Module 2 is the fourth and last module to be completed and also contains 22 questions that must be answered in 35 minutes. For the Math section, test-takers have a total of 70 minutes to answer 44 questions. A calculator may be used on the entire Math section, and an on-screen graphing calculator is provided.
The digital SAT is a computer adaptive exam, which means the difficulty of the questions you receive are based on how you answer questions as you proceed through the test. If you perform well on your first Reading & Writing or Math module, you will receive more challenging questions on your second Reading & Writing or Math module. If, however, you struggle on your first module of a section, your second module will contain less challenging questions. With computer adaptive testing, fewer questions are required to assess your individual knowledge and skills, which means fewer questions in each section and a shorter exam overall.
Test-takers are given the following amount of time to answer each question:
- Reading & Writing section: 71 seconds per question
- Math section: 95 seconds per question
The digital SAT contains 54 short reading passages with one question per passage for a total of 54 questions. Each question has four answer choices, and some questions contain spaces for student-supplied answers. The test is scored between 400-1600. After a test is taken, it is submitted electronically for scoring, and scores are received within 14 days of completing the exam. The first digital SAT was taken internationally on March 11th, 2023, and in the U.S. on March 9th, 2024.
The digital SAT can be taken on a personal Windows or Mac laptop or tablet, as well as a school-managed Chromebook. If a student does not have access to any of these devices, they may request to borrow one from the College Board. If they are approved, they will be loaned an electronic test-taking device on the day of their exam. It should also be noted that the digital SAT has been designed so that if a power outage occurs or a student loses their connection to the internet during testing, neither their work nor time will be lost in the process of reconnecting.
Reasons Why the SAT Went Digital
According to the College Board, the owner and administrator of the SAT, there were numerous reasons that factored into the decision to transition away from a paper-based test. These reasons included increased test security and faster score reporting time.
With the paper version of the exam, one compromised test form could mean voiding scores for an entire group of test-takers. With a digital format, every student receives a unique version of the SAT, making it almost impossible to cheat or share answers. Over the years, there have been several instances of paper record forms being lost, stolen, or mishandled, resulting in students needing to take the exam again through no fault of their own. With the digital SAT, there is no need for test booklets and answer sheets, nor any need to transport them to scoring centers, greatly increasing test security while reducing the time between completing the exam and receiving scores.
Side-By-Side SAT Comparison
The table below provides a summary of differences between the paper-based SAT and the digital SAT.
| Paper SAT | Digital SAT | |
| Length of Test (excluding breaks) | 3 hours | 2 hours 14 minutes |
| Number of Test Questions | 154 | 98 |
| Number of Sections | 4 | 2 |
| Number of Breaks | 2 (one 10-minute break and one 5-minute break) | 1 10-minute break |
| Number of Answer Choices | 4 | 4 |
| Calculator Allowed on Math sections | Allowed on one Math section, not allowed on the other Math section | Allowed on entire Math section |
| Total Score Range | 400-1600 | 400-1600 |
| Time Per Question | Reading: 75 seconds Writing & Language: 48 seconds Math (no calc): 75 seconds Math (calc): 87 seconds | Reading & Writing: 71 seconds Math: 95 seconds |
| Computer Adaptive | No | Yes |
| Time to Receive Scores | 3-6 weeks | Under 14 days |
As you can see from the above comparison, many aspects of the SAT have changed during the transition from a paper-and-pencil exam to a digital one. A few things, however, remain the same. Test-takers must still register with the College Board to take the SAT at a test center, and the scoring system remains between 400-1600. Additionally, the SAT remains an important part of completing high school and applying to college. While many colleges and universities became “test optional” during the Covid-19 pandemic, most of them have returned to requiring either the SAT or the ACT as part of a complete application. And even if a college does not require the SAT for admission, many scholarships and sources of financial aid are based on an SAT score.
Another aspect of the SAT that has not changed is the need for thorough preparation. Proper preparation for the SAT remains critically important, which means students should allow themselves plenty of time to study before taking the exam. Most students first take the SAT in their junior year of high school, then again in their senior year in order to achieve their highest score. Given the changes in format and content to the test, students should ensure that whatever preparation materials they use apply to the newest version of the SAT so they do not waste their time learning outdated information or question-specific strategies that no longer apply.
One welcome feature of the digital SAT is the opportunity to take digital practice exams. This is done by downloading the Bluebook application, which is the official College Board app for taking the SAT. On this app, students can become familiar with embedded features before test day, as well as take practice exams that are timed and scored just like the real SAT will be. While the practice tests do not specifically provide test prep tips or problem-solving strategies, they do provide the correct answer for every question while also highlighting the content and skills involved in answering that question. Once you have identified the content and/or skills you struggle most with, you can target these skills in the College Board Student Question Bank and answer questions focused specifically on content from the Reading & Writing and/or Math sections.
The College Board also maintains a longstanding partnership with Khan Academy, and students who take practice tests through the Bluebook app can review these tests through Khan Academy, which will break each question down and provide detailed explanations for arriving at the correct answer, as well as links to relevant lessons on specific topics. While this is incredibly helpful for understanding specific questions, it may not provide enough instruction on developing test-taking or time-management skills, which is why test prep books, group courses, or private tutoring can be especially helpful when it comes to preparing for the SAT.
The more customized your test preparation can be, the greater the likelihood you will enhance the strengths you already possess while also improving in any weak areas, thereby earning your highest score possible. At Manhattan Review, we offer cutting-edge test prep options available in person or online, and our expert tutors look forward to helping you understand everything you need to know to master the SAT and attend the college or university of your dreams. Contact us today to see how we can design an SAT prep program that’s just right for you and all your test-taking needs.