This past year, the SAT went fully digital. This new platform created some changes with the system, including an adaptive formatting that alters the difficulty of the questions based on your answers to previous ones. Since it is a unique format, it requires some testing skills that are a bit different from what was seen with the traditional SAT paper-format. Keep reading to find my top 5 tips for the new Digital SAT!
P.S. - These are helpful for studying from the Digital PSAT as well!
Know the Format!
The Digital SAT has four modules: 2 Reading & Writing, and 2 Math. The first module for each section will contain base level questions that are used to determine your difficulty for the second module. For instance, after I answer the questions on the first module of Reading & Writing, the application will immediately evaluate the answers and open the second module, which will be harder or about the same difficulty depending on how I answered the first set of questions.
Don't be daunted by this format, and don't worry about how difficult you find the second module! Everything is meant to create the best possible score and maximize your points.
Use this infographic above to see the changes between the paper SAT and the Digital SAT in terms of timing and the number of questions.
With the Digital SAT, you are allowed to use a calculator for both Math modules and the Desmos graphic calculator will be embedded into every question for your personal use.
Take A Diagnostic Practice!
Once you register to take the SAT, you can use your College Board Login credentials to access Bluebook, the testing platform for the SAT. Bluebook can only be accessed on certain types of devices, like laptops and iPads, so be sure you have a device that it will be accessible on.
On Bluebook, you can find 6 different practice tests that simulate the testing style. After taking each test, you can login in to College Board's SAT Suite and read a complete report on your score.
I recommend taking one practice test in its entirety. You will then be able to access the score breakdown for the test and see where you may be struggling, especially in specific concepts.
College Board will also recommend specific exercises from Khan Academy (an official partner organization of College Board) that align with these concepts! I'll be getting to that in a moment.
Creating A Study Plan
Your study plan is crucial! Many individuals find that 2-3 months of studying is a minimum before taking the DSAT. That being said, having a busy school and extracurricular schedule can make it difficult to find times to study.
The best way to address this issue is by creating a schedule that you know you can stick to. I recommend using these categories in your study plan:
Vocabulary Words: 15-20 minutes per day
Math Formulas: 10 minutes per day
1-2 hours a week for Math
1-2 hours a week for Reading/Writing
Saturday - Practice Test Day!
Sunday - Review Practice Test
Here is a sample schedule!
Khan Academy has an excellent breakdown of creating an effective study plan and how to best prepare for the DSAT. Check this out, here!
A study schedule will help you stay focused and on track for success in taking the DSAT!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
This section will cover a list of helpful resources and practice material for the DSAT.
Union County Library has many free prep books for the DSAT!
Many of these prep books include additional practice tests and hundreds of practice questions!
Find a list of them, here.
As I mentioned earlier, Khan Academy has a practice quiz for each and every concept on the DSAT.
You can track your progress and see areas for improvement.
It also has videos and helpful tips for explaining each topic!
College Board has a free question bank of practice questions!
You can set your preferences for the questions, including their section, difficulty, and topic.
The bank provides correct answers and explanations as well!
There are a large number of questions in the bank - don't let that intimidate you! Practice what will help you.
YouTube
YouTube has an endless number of DSAT prep videos!
Whether you're looking for an explanation of a specific topic, a crash course on grammar, or a general math tips video, YouTube has plenty of video options you can watch!
I recommend creating a list of all the videos you would like to watch, and coordinating these within your study plan as well.
Stay Consistent!
Practice is only helpful if you can stay consistent with it. This doesn't just apply to academics but also to sports, hobbies, and more! Make sure you are allocating time in your schedule for preparing.
Use your study plan and the resources you have to maximize your potential! You can achieve your goal score if you are willing to put the necessary time and effort into it.
Of course, don't stress out too much! Get plenty of rest and take a break when you need it.
Best of luck on your studying!
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