How is the Digital SAT different from the paper SAT?

Question

With the rollout of the fully Digital SAT, there have also been changes!

Answer 1

The digital SAT has a shorter test time because the student only has to answer one passage instead of the old SAT exam that had 4 passages. You can use a calculator to do the math section that are on both modules---There are 2 modules and there are questions in both reading and writing in both instead two different sections.

Thus you must take modules 1 and 2. There is a similarity of difficulty. The first module is static; the 2nd module is called adaptive because it is based on how well you performed on the first module..The reading is short and easier to answer. The math focuses on linear functions.

Answer 2

In the spring of 2024, College Board rolled out the fully-digital SAT for all SAT takers. But it's not just a change in form (from paper to digital)--it's also a change in format and content.

First, the DSAT is shorter than the old SAT, lasting around 2 hours instead of 3.

Second, instead of the old division into Reading, Writing, No Calculator Math and Calculator Math sections, the new DSAT is divided into two sections, each with 2 modules:

1. Modules 1 & 2 of the Reading and Writing Section (meaning that questions on both reading and writing are in each module, instead of being divided into two "subjects")
2. Modules 1 & 2 of the Math Section

The first Module in each section is static, meaning that all test-takers all take a Module 1 of similar difficulty. The second Module in each section, however, is "adaptive," meaning that the second Module is based on your performance on the first Module.

Third, there are changes in the way that questions are asked on the Reading and Writing Section. Instead of 4 passages and a paired passage with 11-12 questions for each passage, the text selections are much shorter and one question is asked per passage. This makes it easier for students to target their response.

Fourth, test-takers can use a calculator on both Math Modules. There's also a greater emphasis on linear algebra in the new DSAT.