Why the SAT?
The Idaho State Department of Education reached an agreement with College Board, the provider of the SAT, to have all high school juniors take the SAT for free in Spring each year.
I heard the SAT recently went digital? Is that true?
Yes! The digital SAT exam will be computer adaptive. An adaptive test means that students will each get an SAT that is customized to their performance. The better they do on the first section, the harder the questions they’ll get for the second—but also the more points each one will be worth. (There’s still no penalty for guessing, but it behooves you to answer as accurately as possible on that first section so that you can maximize your opportunities on the second.)
The test will be shorter.
Testing fatigue is real, and we know that it’s tough to stay focused for three hours. Well, your dreams have been answered: the new version of the test will be closer to two-ish hours. Less time will be needed overall for exam setup and pre-test instructions (everyone’s favorite!), currently done by an in-person SAT monitor. In addition, the new exam will have shorter reading passages and more direct questions.
The no-calculator section is being removed. You can still bring your own calculator, but the new digital test levels the playing field by providing a digital calculator inside the testing system.
Where can I get help with the SAT?
College Board and Khan Academy have put together SAT study materials. The link below includes:
- Free test prep for all students
- Personalized practice plans
- Thousands of practice questions, videos, and lessons
- Eight full-length practice tests