With all the news about the new digital SAT, you may be wondering if you can take the SAT online now. However, now that it's possible to take the SAT on a computer, that doesn't mean you can take the exam at home or any time you log onto the internet.
What is taking the digital SAT like and how is it different from taking the SAT online? This guide will answer all your questions!
What the Digital SAT Looks Like
On January 25, 2022, the College Board announced that the SAT would be undergoing significant changes, including becoming a computer-based test instead of one you take with pencil and paper. These changes rolled out in 2023 for international students and 2024 for US students. Currently, everyone now takes the digital version of the SAT unless you qualify for testing accommodations that allow you to take the exam with pencil and paper.
Even thought the SAT has gone digital, many major aspects of the test have stayed the same, including the general format and content, as well as the scoring scale out of 1600. But how is the digital SAT different from the paper-based SAT? Below are the key changes. You can also learn more by reading our in-depth guide to the digital SAT.
You Still Have a Set Test Date and Location
Don't start thinking you can take the digital SAT in the comfort of your own home. The computerized test is still administered at set test centers and on specific dates.
The exam can either be taken on a computer at the testing center, or you can bring your own laptop from home (although some testing centers/schools may require you to take the test on their computers only). Students who don't have access to a computer or laptop will be loaned one by the College Board to take the SAT.
If you’re bringing your own device, it must be able to connect to Wi-Fi. (If the internet goes down during the SAT, your work will be saved, and you won't lose time on the test.) It must also be running approved operating systems and have a certain amount of free space available; you can review the specifications for individual devices here.
Whether you’re using a testing site/school device or your own, you’ll also be allowed to bring your own mouse. And if you’re using a tablet, you can bring a keyboard, although you cannot use an external keyboard if using a laptop. If you’re using a school- or testing site–provided computer, you’ll just need to check that any external advice you plan to bring is compatible.
It's Shorter Than the Paper-Based SAT
The pencil-and-paper exam took approximately 3 hours; the digital SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete and offers more time to answer each question.
For example, passages in the Reading and Writing section will be shorter, and you’ll have to answer only a single question per passage. And because questions across the entire test will be more direct and concise, you’ll be better able to concentrate on each question and have more time to answer it.
The Entire Test Is Taken on a Computer
Obviously, since this is now a digital SAT, you'll be taking the exam on a computer. See the images below to get a sense of the format for both sections of the test. These sample questions come from Khan Academy, which has partnered with the College Board to provide official practice materials. (Learn more about digital practice materials in the next section.)
Reading & Writing
You can see the total time in the top left and the time remaining in the top right. Each page includes one passage (on the left) and its associated questions (on the right). On the bottom, directions are on the left and navigation is on the right.
Compared to the paper SAT, Reading & Writing questions on the digital SAT have several differences:
- The Reading and Writing & Language sections on the paper SAT have been combined into a single section (Reading & Writing) on the digital SAT
- Passages are shorter
- Each passage has only one question tied to it
- Passages cover a wider range of topics
Math
Since there are no passages, each math question is on its own page. There's also more information in the bottom left, including a link to the formulas provided with the test. Also, for the digital SAT, you'll be able to use an onscreen calculator for the entire section, as opposed to the no-calculator and calculator sections the paper version of SAT Math used to have.
Digital SAT Resources That Are Available Online
The closest you can get to taking the actual digital SAT is the free, full-length practice exams in Bluebook, College Board’s online testing platform. The six available practice tests provide you with a sneak peek of the interface, format, and scoring of the online test, so they’re a very useful tool as you prepare for the digital format.
To access the practice exams, download the free Bluebook Exams app. You’ll want to install the program on your laptop or tablet rather than on your phone so you can best approximate the experience of taking the digital SAT.
The College Board also offers a free test prep program through Khan Academy. It includes full official practice tests, extra practice questions, and helpful math review videos. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer much guidance for the reading and writing sections, so I would recommend supplementing it with a more strategy-focused guide.
There are also a lot of unofficial SAT materials, of varying quality, available online. PrepScholar has both excellent free resources (just scroll through the topics on the right sidebar to find what you're looking for) and a best-in-class adaptive SAT prep program.
Testing Accommodations
If you were hoping to take the SAT online now because you have a learning difficulty or physical disability or cannot reach any of the available test centers, the College Board offers accommodations that can make the test more manageable for you.
If You Struggle With the Digital Test
If you have a learning disability, visual impairment, or other condition that makes the digital format of the test challenging for you, you may qualify for SSD accommodations. These can include taking the SAT with pencil and paper, using a larger bubble sheet, or even having a scribe record your answers for you.
If You Can't Reach a Test Center
If the nearest SAT testing center is more than 75 miles from your home, you can request testing closer to your home. Should the College Board grant your request, they'll set up a more conveniently located testing center.
Keep in mind that there are some exceptions: you can't request closer-to-home testing when registering late or in India and Pakistan.
What's Next?
Do you have other questions about registering for the SAT? Check out our full guide to the process (with pictures), read up on the admission ticket, and learn how much the test costs.
Make sure you know what to expect on test day, including how long the test takes, the test instructions, and the rules you must follow.
