The Digital SAT

The SAT is a widely-used standardized test for college admissions in the United States. Recently, the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, announced that it will be offering a digital version of the test. This new digital SAT will be administered on a computer and will be available to students beginning in the fall of 2023.

There are several advantages to taking the digital SAT. First, the test will be more convenient for students, as they will be able to take it from the comfort of their own home or a testing center. This will be especially useful for students who live in remote or rural areas, or who have disabilities that make it difficult for them to travel to a physical testing location.

Second, the digital SAT will be more efficient and environmentally friendly. The College Board estimates that the switch to a digital format will save over 50 million pages of paper per year. Additionally, the digital test will allow for more accurate scoring and faster results, as the computer will be able to grade the test more quickly than human scorers.

Despite these advantages, there are some concerns about the transition to a digital SAT. Some students may not have access to a computer or a stable internet connection, which could create barriers to taking the test. The College Board has stated that it will work to address these issues by providing computer loan programs and testing centers with internet access for students who need it.

Overall, the switch to a digital SAT is a significant change for students and the College Board. While there may be some challenges to overcome, the digital format has the potential to make the test more convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly.