SAT Administration and Technology
The SAT: A Digital Test
As of 2024, the SAT is a digital exam for students located in the United States and around the world. The transition from a paper and pencil exam to a digital one resulted in several beneficial changes to test-takers. The digital exam is significantly shorter than the previous version of the SAT at only 2 hours and 14 minutes long (excluding one 10-minute break). Thanks to computer adaptive testing, there are fewer sections and fewer questions within each section. The SAT now consists of only two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section contains two modules for a total of four modules. Due to computer adaptive testing, the questions you answer correctly in the first module determine the difficulty of the questions you receive in the second module, which in turn affects the scores you receive.
Test-takers can answer questions in whatever order they prefer within a given module, and you can change your answer as many times as you like, provided the time to complete the module has not run out. There is no longer an experimental section on the SAT; instead, experimental questions are embedded in each module. An on-screen graphing calculator is provided for student use, and a calculator can now be used on the entire Math section. Scores are received within roughly two weeks after completing the exam, which is a notable improvement from the three to six weeks it previously took to receive scores. And, as we will examine a little later, a digital SAT makes it easier than ever to implement accommodations for students with disabilities.
Reasons Why the SAT Went Digital
The College Board cited numerous reasons for its transition away from paper-based tests in favor of digital tests completed on computers, including increased test security and a faster turnaround time between completing the exam and receiving test scores. Under the previous paper-and-pencil method, one compromised test form could mean voiding scores for an entire group of students. By using a digital testing format, every student completes a unique version of the test, making it nearly impossible to share answers.
Over the past few years, there have been instances of paper record forms being lost or mishandled, and completing the test on a computer removes any need to transport test booklets and answer sheets, further improving the security of the test. Receiving SAT scores used to take weeks after testing had been completed, but with the switch to digital format, answers are scored and scores are provided to students in under two weeks, eliminating the lengthy waiting period and allowing students to make faster decisions informed by their performance on the test.
It is also important to note that the digital SAT has been designed so that if a student loses power or their connection to the internet during testing, neither their work nor time will not be lost in the process of reconnecting.
Registering for the SAT
The SAT can be taken at a student's high school or local testing center. If you are taking the exam at your school, you will be given information on how to register by your teacher or counselor. If your school does not offer the SAT, if you missed testing day at your school, or if you have already taken the SAT at your school and wish to take it again, you can take the test at a test center. The SAT is offered at test centers seven times per year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. International testing dates tend to be similar, but students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these dates and to check them regularly, as they are subject to change.
The easiest way to register for the SAT is via the College Board website. Test-takers must create an account and register for themselves, as this task cannot be completed by teachers or parents. Registration should include the student's full legal name, the name and code of their high school, grade level, gender, date of birth, and a recognizable photograph. In order to be admitted to the testing center, students must present a government- or school-issued identification and admission ticket (printed out with registration) that exactly matches the information provided at registration. Students may also register for the SAT by mail, and some types of students are required to do so (including children under 13, those unable to upload photos, or registrants from countries with internet access restrictions).
Use of Technology While Taking the SAT
The digital SAT can be taken on a personal laptop or tablet, as well as a school-managed laptop, tablet, or Chromebook. Students will need to download the College Board's Bluebook application in order to take the exam. After being checked in, students will be assigned a seat by the test center proctor. They will log onto the center's WiFi and open the Bluebook application, which will provide further instructions. The proctor will give each student a start code. Once the code is entered, the exam will begin. The Bluebook application automatically tracks the time remaining in each module. Given that each student is timed individually on their device, everyone will take their break and finish their exam at slightly different times. If a problem occurs during the exam, students may raise their hand, and the proctor will do their best to offer assistance.
Students may bring their own calculators to the exam rather than using the on-screen calculator that is provided, but only approved calculators may be used. Calculators that feature a QWERTY keyboard, require paper tape, make noise, or require a power cord are not permitted.
The following types of technology are strictly prohibited while taking the SAT:
- Mobile phones. You may use your phone to check in and show your admission ticket, although the College Board recommends printing your ticket and bringing a paper copy. If you bring your phone, it will either be collected by test center staff until the exam is completed or you will be shown where to store it until you have completed the exam.
- Smartwatches, fitness trackers, or any type of wearable technology. Simple digital non-smartphone watches or analog watches are acceptable.
- Wireless earbuds
- Timers of any kind
- Any item with a camera capable of taking photographs.
SAT Technology for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities that impact their ability to take the SAT may request certain accommodations that make use of available technology. These requests must be made well in advance of the test date and must satisfy the College Board's policies for students with disabilities. The College Board currently lists 11 types of disabilities for which accomodations may be requested, including:
- ADHD
- Austism Spectrum Disorders
- Communications Disorders
- Head Injuries
- Hearing Impairment
- Learning Disorders
- Other Disabilities
- Physical or Medical Disability
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Tic Disorders or Tourette's
- Visual Impairments
Students applying for accommodations should note that simply because they have been given a disabled status by their local school board does not automatically mean they will receive testing accommodations while taking the SAT, just as having a 504 plan or IEP in place is no guarantee of receiving accommodations. Each student must complete the College Board's approval process, which is entirely separate from anything that has been completed for your high school.
With the transition to a digital version of the SAT, students who are granted accommodations can utilize them more easily than ever. If you are approved for extended testing time, you will receive a digital exam programmed with the approved amount of extended time per section. If you are approved for additional time related to math, you will received extended time on the Math section. If you are approved for extended time related to reading, you will receive additional time on the entire exam.
If a student requires larger print, they can use the embedded “zoom” function in the Bluebook application. If you are approved for text-to-speech, you can use the embedded function included in the Bluebook application. If a student is approved for a screen reader, they can use their own assistive technology software or the software that is part of the operating system on their testing device. For all types of assistive technology, you will simply open and start your device or software before opening the Bluebook application, then you can open Bluebook and begin testing.
The College Board provides helpful information detailing the process of requesting SAT accommodations on their website. Students are advised to become familiar with this resource far in advance of taking the exam, as some of the required paperwork may take time to obtain and/or complete.
SAT Preparation Technology
As administration of the SAT moves to embrace available technology, it is important to note that technology has been helping students prepare for the test for years and will continue to play an important role in SAT preparation. A number of private test prep companies offer online SAT instruction, either in virtual classroom format or in private, one-on-one tutoring sessions. Pre-recorded video lessons are available over the internet, in some cases free of charge. SAT prep software can also be acquired from a variety of organizations, and it is usually either inexpensive or free.
These types of programs allow students to practice SAT exercises, receive feedback, and assess the skills and testing areas most in need of improvement. Students using these sorts of technological aids must ensure that the materials they acquire are relevant to the current version of the SAT. The dramatic changes to the test have rendered a large number of electronic teaching tools obsolete, and it is not always easy to tell the difference between old and new when viewing products sold by an on-site or online vendor.
We encourage students and their families to do their own research, including speaking with those who have used specific test prep products or worked with test prep companies. Guidance counselors and other school administration personnel can also offer feedback on the best ways to study for the most current version of the exam, ensuring precious time is not wasted and students are able to prepare for the SAT with confidence.
In addition, the College Board provides SAT preparation through their Bluebook application. On this app, students can visit the “Prepare and Practice” section. If you select “Test Preview,” you can view the format of the SAT, the directions, and the question types without being timed. You can also see the available in-app tools that can be used during testing. Students can also select “Full-Length Practice,” which allows you to take official practice tests. When you take a practice test through Bluebook, you will be timed and the app will simulate a real testing experience.
Once a student has completed a full-length practice test, they can click on “My Practice” after loggin into the College Board website. Here you can view the score details of your practice test, including a breakdown of each question. At the top of the Score Details page, there is a link to “explore every question on Khan Academy.” By clicking this link, students can access Khan Academy's official practice test review for that particular test, which provides detailed explanations for every question, in addition to links that lead to lessons for each question type. There are no additional fees for practice tests or for the information provided by Khan Academy, which maintains a long-standing partnership with the College Board.