Standardized Testing: Is the Digital SAT Right for You?
In This Guide
If there’s one thing that students dread the most in applying for schools aside from the interviews, it’s the standardized tests. If you want your chances at the top boarding schools to be maximized, you cannot simply choose a test date; you must choose the right test date.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the online SAT is and how it differs from the traditional SAT, as well as whether March is the best test date for boarding school applicants.
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
The digital SAT is an online exam that changes the difficulty of the next question based on the student’s response. Meaning the next questions may be more challenging if they got the first one right. The March SAT is early enough to allow a second attempt but late enough for boarding school applicants applying to schools with January application deadlines.
What is the Digital SAT, and How Is It Different from the Traditional SAT?
Paper-Based vs Online Format
In terms of the media used, the Digital SAT is taken by students online using a device such as a laptop or tablet, unlike the traditional paper-based SAT, where students need to populate the bubble sheets with their responses. This has made the exam more accessible and error-free, without answers not getting read because of incorrect shading.
Sections
Another difference between the digital SAT and the traditional SAT is the sections. The conventional SAT had three main sections: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math, further divided into two sub-sections, which are Math with Calculator and Math Without Calculator. Whereas the online SAT currently has two main sections: Reading and Writing, as well as Math.
The online SAT combined reading and writing and dropped the lengthy passages paired to multiple items in the test that the traditional SAT had before, for shorter passages that are linked to a single question. And with the removal of the Math without Calculator section, the test-taker can now use calculators during the entire math section.
Questions
One of the most notable changes between the digital SAT and the paper-based SAT is the use of adaptive testing. In the traditional SAT, the difficulty of the questions is already fixed and will not depend on whether you get item number one correct. In the digital SAT, on the other hand, if you get the item correct, the following items might be more challenging, but if you get the current item incorrect, the next set might be easier. However, if you get routed to the easier version of Module 2, the highest possible score you could get is around 590 to 600, which prevents you from getting a top-tier score that most schools look for.
How Long Is the Digital SAT and How Is It Scored?
The digital SAT has a shorter duration compared to the traditional SAT. The DSAT lasts approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, while the old SAT is taken by the students for 3 long hours. The new format is shorter by almost an hour compared to the previous one. The DSAT was designed with the intention of making it more accessible, error-free, and focused. In terms of scoring, the DSAT still follows the same standards of the 400-1600 scale.
Taking a diagnostic test to assess and identify gaps and work on them during the preparations can help ease the worry of not having a score that meets the standards of many top-tier boarding schools.
Top Benefits of the Digital SAT for Students
- The shorter test duration helps reduce stress.
- Students can now answer without the fear of incorrectly shading the bubble sheet.
- It helps build skills in navigating other online assessments.
Best Practices for Preparing for the Online SAT Format
- Regularly take online SAT practice tests.
- Develop pacing strategies for the adaptive questions.
- Strengthen the area of
Common Questions Students Ask About the Digital SAT
Q: How is the digital SAT different from the paper SAT?
A: The digital SAT is taken online with a shorter test duration, and the paper SAT uses bubble sheets and takes 3 hours to complete.
Q: How long is the digital SAT?
A: The DSAT is at least 46 minutes shorter than the conventional SAT. It’s typically around 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Q: How does the adaptive testing affect my score?
A: The question difficulty adjusts based on your answers, which allows for a more accurate measurement of your skills.
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Is the March Digital SAT the Right Testing Date for Boarding School Applicants?
The March SAT is best suited for students who have been able to prepare during the winter, are confident taking the real SAT, and would like to get a sense of how they do so that they can take it again if necessary in preparation for the next year’s admission cycle since it would be too late for the standard January deadline of most boarding schools following the traditional admissions timeline. Taking the SAT in the spring is also good so that it does not interfere with extracurricular activities and summer plans.
For rolling admissions schools, on the other hand, taking the March SAT can still improve your admission chances, especially if your test scores are excellent. However, the scores must be submitted immediately once available, since rolling admissions have very limited seats available.
Knowing when to begin test preparation and who to work with to assist your child in developing test-taking strategies is important in getting the best SAT score that will give them a good chance of getting into a very selective boarding school in the country.
Should Students Take the SAT in March or Wait Until May?
If you are debating whether to take the March SAT or the May SAT, here’s what you need to know. March is ideal for students who are fully prepared to take the official test after their preparations during the winter, while May is better for students who need extra time to review. Students and parents should decide when to take the real SAT depending on the student’s readiness and boarding school deadlines.
To make sure that your child receives the support that would help them get scores that meet the standards of elite boarding schools, working with Cardinal Education tutors can guarantee targeted tutoring that addresses ineffective study habits and subject areas where they are weak.
Factors Families Should Consider Before Registering for the March Test Date
Before registering for the March SAT, think about the level of preparation completed during the winter. Do you feel confident? Do you think you’ve prepared enough for the actual test? These are a few of the questions that are helpful when evaluating readiness. If your answer is “yes,” then the next thing that you might want to consider is your schedule in March for both your academic and extracurricular responsibilities.
It’s best to take the test without worrying if a big project has been submitted or if an important club activity will be missed. Another factor families need to consider before registering for the test in March is the alignment with the boarding school application deadlines.
Top Tips for Students Taking the March SAT
- Regularly take online drills to help practice for the actual test.
- Focus the review on the weak areas identified in the diagnostic test.
- Get enough rest and nutrition before the test day.
Best Practices for Planning Your SAT Timeline
- Take note of registration deadlines.
- Make sure to align test dates with boarding school application deadlines.
- Balance test preparation with school and extracurricular responsibilities.
Common Questions Parents Ask About Taking the SAT in March
Q: How quickly will we receive the March SAT scores?
A: The scores are released within 13 to 15 days of when the test was taken.
Q: If my child takes the SAT in March, can they retake it later?
A: Yes, taking the test in March gives students more flexibility to retake it later without feeling rushed.
Q: Is March too early for my child to take the SAT?
A: The March SAT is too late for boarding schools with the standard January deadline of the same year, but it’s still a good time for schools with rolling admissions.
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Plan Your SAT Strategy With Cardinal Education
Understanding when to begin test preparation is a crucial part of the strategic planning for competitive boarding school admissions.
At Cardinal Education, we help families beyond just building a strong boarding school list. Our consultants offer expert admission guidance that helps make your child stand out from the competitive applicant pool. As an elite educational consulting firm, our team offers expert support through tutoring, academic coaching, interview preparation, and multi-year educational planning so the students are positioned to thrive in competitive environments.
Start your boarding school journey with confidence. Contact us today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the digital SAT harder than the traditional SAT?
The online SAT is not necessarily harder than the conventional SAT, but the adaptive format may feel different. Regular practice with digital tests is essential to help students develop appropriate pacing and test-taking strategies.
What is the test duration of the digital SAT?
Unlike the traditional paper-based SAT that lasts for 180 minutes, the digital SAT is much shorter. The duration is typically around 134 minutes, which is 46 minutes shorter than the previous format. The shorter exam was introduced to make the test less stressful.
Do boarding schools require the SAT for admission?
Most boarding schools are test-optional. However, there are still selective schools that require applicants to send their test information. Families should always visit the school website for an updated list of the application requirements.
Do boarding school admissions officers focus heavily on SAT scores?
SAT scores, or test scores in general, are just one component of the admissions process. Highly competitive boarding schools evaluate for grades, personal essays, teacher recommendations, interview performance, character, and overall fit with the school’s core values.
