New Digital SAT Exam Debuts: Students Share Their Experience and Preferences

As students across the U.S. prepare for the SAT season, a new era begins as they take the college admissions test digitally for the first time. This marks a significant departure from the traditional pencil-and-paper format that has been in place for nearly a century.

Digital Transition

Amid the digital shift, students are adjusting to the change, with some expressing initial reluctance but ultimately finding the transition manageable. The introduction of a timer function has been particularly well-received, helping students stay on track without the need to constantly monitor the time.

Standardized Test Debate

The move to a digital format comes at a time when standardized tests, including the SAT, are facing increased scrutiny. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with ongoing concerns about the fairness of the exams, has led many colleges to reassess their testing requirements. While some highly selective institutions have opted to resume requiring SAT or ACT scores, the test-optional trend continues to gain momentum.

Equity and Access

Amid debates about equity and access, supporters of standardized testing emphasize the role of these exams in identifying promising students who may not have access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. Additionally, the SAT is seen as a potential advantage for students in the increasingly test-optional landscape of college admissions.

Challenges for Low-Income Students

For students from low-income backgrounds, the SAT can present significant challenges. Access to intensive test preparation, which is often necessary to achieve competitive scores, is limited for many low-income individuals. While the digital test offers certain advantages, such as a shorter duration and adaptive questioning, the underlying disparities in access to resources remain a concern.

Addressing Inequities

Test administrators have highlighted efforts to address inequities within their control, such as providing built-in calculators and free practice exams. However, the broader debate around standardized testing and its potential biases continues, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on test performance.

Student Perspectives

Students share diverse experiences with the digital SAT, noting both advantages and challenges. While some appreciate the familiarity and reduced anxiety associated with the digital format, others highlight limitations in marking up problems and passages compared to the traditional paper test.