Is the digital SAT harder than the paper version?

Not really. The content—algebra, grammar, reading passages—remains the same. What does change is the format. The digital SAT uses adaptive testing, meaning how you perform on the first set of questions influences the difficulty of the next. Some students love this—it can feel more tailored and less overwhelming. Others might miss the linear pacing of the paper test. So is it harder? Not inherently. It’s just... different. If you’re someone who thrives on a screen and likes shorter, more focused sessions, you might find it even easier. The key is to practice both and see which format makes you feel more confident and in control.

Can I take the digital SAT or ACT at home?

Sadly, no pajama testing allowed. Even though the exams are digital, they’re still high-stakes and need to be taken in person at approved testing centers. For the SAT, students can bring a personal laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed, or borrow a device if needed. The ACT’s digital format is offered on computers provided by the test center. But no, you can’t roll out of bed, grab your laptop, and take the test from your couch (yet). Security is still a top concern, so all testing is proctored, whether you’re clicking through questions or just filling in bubbles.

Do colleges prefer one format over the other?

Nope. Not even a little. Colleges couldn’t care less whether you used a mouse or a pencil because they only care about the number on your score report. That said, there’s nothing to worry about the format. Digital and paper formats are considered equally valid and reliable. So if you’re stressing over whether admissions officers will raise an eyebrow at your digital SAT, relax—they won’t. What matters most is how you perform, not how you tested. Choose the format that helps you do your best, because that’s what colleges are looking for: strong scores that reflect your skills, not your stationery preferences.

Should I take the paper version or the digital version of the SAT/ACT?

It really comes down to how your brain works best. If you’re someone who likes underlining passages, flipping pages, and working things out by hand, the paper version might be your jam (at least while it’s still around). But if you're more at home on a screen, like clicking between sections, and want faster results, digital could be a game-changer. Try both practice formats to see which feels more natural. Of course, this isn’t about loyalty to paper or love for tech; it’s more about choosing the format that helps you stay focused, think clearly, and knock the test out of the park.

Digital SAT & ACT 2024-2025: Key Changes & What Students Need to Know

Farewell, scantrons, and sharpened #2 pencils. The SAT and ACT are getting a glow-up—fully digital, fully different, and fully changing the way we test, prep, and panic. Whether you’re a seasoned multiple-choice ninja or just stepping into the test-prep jungle, it’s time to toss the old playbook and plug in a new strategy.

Why Are the SAT and ACT Going Digital? Top Reasons for the Shift

From faster results to adaptive questions, digital testing is being pitched as more student-friendly, more efficient, and—let’s face it—more modern. The shift also comes in response to pandemic-era remote learning and increased calls for accessibility.

Meaning, shorter tests, built-in calculators, and font-size adjustments that don’t require jumping through administrative hoops. It’s also a way for testing companies to stay relevant in a world where colleges are rethinking the role of standardized exams.

Benefits of the Digital Shift: Key Reasons for SAT/ACT Changes

Technological readiness in schools
Faster scoring turnaround
Improved security and testing flexibility

How is the Digital SAT Different from the Original SAT?

A lot, actually. The digital SAT isn’t just the paper test slapped onto a screen—it’s been redesigned with a new rhythm, a new format, and a whole new set of strategies. Here’s what you need to know before you log in and level up.

The Shorter Digital SAT: Less Test Time, More Focus

Let’s start with the good news: you’re spending less time in test-day purgatory. The new digital SAT clocks in at around 2 hours and 14 minutes, shaving off nearly 45 minutes from the old-school version. That means less burnout, more focus, and maybe even time for brunch afterward. It’s tighter, leaner, and built for speed.

Adaptive Testing Explained: How the Digital SAT Adjusts

The test is now multistage adaptive, which is a fancy way of saying: how well you do in the first part of a section determines how hard the second part is. If you crush the first module, the next one gets tougher. Struggle a bit? The test adapts to give you questions more suited to your level. It’s kind of like a video game that scales with your skill, except instead of fighting dragons, you’re battling algebra and reading comprehension.

Quick Results: Get Your Digital SAT Scores in Days

No more checking your inbox every five minutes for two weeks straight. With the digital format, you’ll get your scores back in just a few days. That means quicker decisions, faster feedback, and way less time in academic limbo. You’ll know where you stand before the stress has time to settle in.

Digital SAT Tech Tools to Master

Built-in Calculator: A graphing calculator is available throughout the entire Math section.
Annotation Features: Highlight and flag questions for review.
On-Screen Timer: Helps you manage time better.

Digital ACT Updates 2025: What to Expect from the Online Exam

While the SAT went full digital diva, the ACT is taking a more “choose your own adventure” approach. It’s not ditching paper just yet—but big changes are still on the way.

Digital vs. Paper ACT: Your Format Choices

Starting in April 2025, students will get to pick their option: traditional paper or sleek digital. So if you love scribbling in margins and physically flipping pages, paper’s still got your back.

Prefer clicking your way through questions with zero risk of pencil smudges? The digital version is ready for liftoff. Flexibility is the name of the game—at least for now.

Improved User Experience: Digital ACT Interface Upgrades

The digital ACT brings a modernized look with handy features like easy navigation, question flagging, and a cleaner layout that actually makes sense. It’s the kind of tech upgrade that feels like someone finally listened to student feedback—less clunky, more intuitive, and slightly less rage-inducing when you’re 45 minutes into a science section.

How the Digital ACT Structure Remains Unchanged

Unlike the SAT, the ACT isn’t playing the adaptive game. It doesn’t matter whether you’re testing on paper or screen because the format, timing, and question types are staying put. That means your study strategies won’t need a total overhaul—just a little digital warm-up if you’re switching formats.

Preparing for the Digital ACT: Essential Tips for Students

Practice in the Digital Format: Get comfortable navigating questions on a screen.
Time Yourself Differently: Adaptive tests may change pacing strategies.
Know Your Device: Make sure your tech meets requirements and you’re familiar with the layout.
Utilize Online Resources and Test Prep programs: Leverage practice materials provided by the College Board and ACT to align with the new formats.

But if you’re having trouble self-studying or learning the ropes yourself, one-on-one test prep programs with comprehensive practice tests are always available! You can check Cardinal Education’s test prep services here.

Will Colleges View Digital Scores Differently?

Nope. A digital 1400 is still a 1400. Colleges don’t care whether you clicked or bubbled your way through the test—as long as the score is official, it counts the same. Your results show up just like they always have, with no asterisk saying “scored on a laptop instead of paper.”

What might change, though, is who feels more confident taking the test. Students who grew up typing papers and tapping through apps might feel right at home on the digital version, especially with built-in tools like calculators and timers. It’s not about giving anyone an unfair edge—it’s about meeting students where they already are: online, on-screen, and on the move.

Is the Digital SAT/ACT Right for You?

The digital transition offers a more streamlined and flexible testing experience. However, it requires students to adapt their preparation strategies to succeed in the new format.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Going Digital

Pros	Cons
Faster scores – Days, not weeks	Tech issues – Wi-Fi drops = heart drops
Shorter test time	Screen fatigue – Eyes vs. pixels
Built-in tools – Calculator, timer, flagging	No scratch paper (on some versions) – Say goodbye to margin doodles
Adaptive format (SAT) – More personalized	Adaptive format (SAT) – More pressure to crush that first section
Modern interface – Clean, clickable, less clunky	Device required – Not everyone has equal access
More accessibility options	Takes getting used to – New test, new vibe

Like any upgrade, going digital comes with its perks and pitfalls. Whether you’re excited about faster scores or side-eyeing the potential for tech glitches, the key is to know what you’re walking into—and prep accordingly. The future of testing might be online, but your success still depends on how you show up, not just how you click.

Get High Test Scores with Cardinal Education’s Expert Help

Understanding the digital SAT and ACT is crucial for effective preparation. Embrace the changes, utilize available resources, and develop a strategic approach to achieve your best score.

Need help navigating the switch? Cardinal Education’s test prep offers SAT/ACT practice tests tailored to the digital format so that you can feel confident on screen and on test day. Contact our top academic tutors today and get a custom test prep plan designed to boost your SAT/ACT score—and your confidence.

Like what you see here? We are happy to permit you to use our material as long as you link back! Please refer to us as the Cardinal Education Blog.

Boosting Your SAT/ACT Scores: Test Prep Tips and Academic Tutoring Resources

Retaking the SAT/ACT: What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the digital SAT harder than the paper version?
Not really. The content—algebra, grammar, reading passages—remains the same. What does change is the format. The digital SAT uses adaptive testing, meaning how you perform on the first set of questions influences the difficulty of the next. Some students love this—it can feel more tailored and less overwhelming. Others might miss the linear pacing of the paper test. So is it harder? Not inherently. It’s just… different. If you’re someone who thrives on a screen and likes shorter, more focused sessions, you might find it even easier. The key is to practice both and see which format makes you feel more confident and in control.
Can I take the digital SAT or ACT at home?
Sadly, no pajama testing allowed. Even though the exams are digital, they’re still high-stakes and need to be taken in person at approved testing centers. For the SAT, students can bring a personal laptop or tablet with the Bluebook app installed, or borrow a device if needed. The ACT’s digital format is offered on computers provided by the test center. But no, you can’t roll out of bed, grab your laptop, and take the test from your couch (yet). Security is still a top concern, so all testing is proctored, whether you’re clicking through questions or just filling in bubbles.
Do colleges prefer one format over the other?
Nope. Not even a little. Colleges couldn’t care less whether you used a mouse or a pencil because they only care about the number on your score report. That said, there’s nothing to worry about the format. Digital and paper formats are considered equally valid and reliable. So if you’re stressing over whether admissions officers will raise an eyebrow at your digital SAT, relax—they won’t. What matters most is how you perform, not how you tested. Choose the format that helps you do your best, because that’s what colleges are looking for: strong scores that reflect your skills, not your stationery preferences.
Should I take the paper version or the digital version of the SAT/ACT?
It really comes down to how your brain works best. If you’re someone who likes underlining passages, flipping pages, and working things out by hand, the paper version might be your jam (at least while it’s still around). But if you’re more at home on a screen, like clicking between sections, and want faster results, digital could be a game-changer. Try both practice formats to see which feels more natural. Of course, this isn’t about loyalty to paper or love for tech; it’s more about choosing the format that helps you stay focused, think clearly, and knock the test out of the park.