Introduction
The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standard test held by the US and marks a pivotal moment in the lives of students transitioning to college. A standard test serves as a mechanism to test students based on their academic skills and potential. It allows the students to ponder their future goals and presents a data point in front of the colleges for comparison.
The SAT’s structure is designed so students can easily ace it once their fundamentals are clear. It is set to shift from the traditional pen and paper to digital in international and US test centers by spring 2024. Ranging from an easy to medium level, the SAT broadly consists of these sections: Reading, writing, and Mathematics.
Below is the summarized structure of Digital SAT :
CATEGORY | READING AND WRITING | MATHEMATICS |
Time Allotted | 64 minutes | 70 minutes |
Time per stage | I module - 32 minutes II module - 32 minutes | I module - 35 minutes II module - 35 minutes |
No. of questions | 54 (25 operational and 2 pre-test questions each) | 44 ( 20 operational questions and 2 pre-tests questions each) |
Question type used | Discrete, multiple-choice-questions | Discrete, multiple-choice-questions, student-produced response |
Total Questions | 98 questions | |
Total Time | 134 minutes |
Like its predecessor, Digital Sat tests the reading, writing, and math sections on similar core topics. It still requires a good command of analyzing the text, emphasis on high-utility words in context, and using multiple-choice and student-produced response questions in the math section.
The changes have been made; the paper now lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours. There is more time per question. Implementing the Digital SAT has also reduced the chances of compromising the sanctity of the exam.
Digital SAT is conducted in 2 modules or multistage adaptive SAT wherein the first module consists of easy, medium and difficult questions while the questions in the second module adapt themselves on the basis of the student’s performance in the first module. Hence, the questions in the second module can be more or less difficult than the previous section. This personalized question bank allows efficient assessment.
The digital testing application allows its applicants to mark questions for review, access a calculator, a reference sheet for basic math formulas, on screen answer eliminator and the option of hiding a test timer, which alerts only 5 minutes before the time limit of each module.
Section Wise Analysis
Reading and Writing:
Consists of 2 modules, lasting 32 minutes each
Single Reading and Writing section instead of separate Reading and Writing and Language Tests
A single (discrete) question is associated with each passage
Sectional scores scale between 200-800, in 10 point intervals
Questions on the Reading and Writing Section represent one of four content domains:
Craft and Structure - Assesses the knowledge and abilities required to comprehend and apply high-utility words and phrases in context,
Information and Ideas - Assesses the ability to locate, analyze, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics
Standard English Conventions - measures the capacity to modify texts to adhere to the fundamental rules of Standard English sentence structure, use, and punctuation
Expression of Ideas - Assesses the ability to edit texts and increase written expression effectiveness.
Mathematics:
Consists of 2 modules lasting 35 minutes each
focuses on key elements of algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry
Sectional scores scale between 200-800, in 10 point intervals
Conclusion
The SAT is a crucial part of the college application process, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a manageable and even rewarding experience. Remember, the SAT is just one aspect of your college application. Colleges consider many factors, including your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. So, while a good SAT score is important, it’s not the sole determinant of your college admission prospects.
Don’t limit yourself and explore the best combination of opportunities you have. Here at Hello Study Global, we guide you to success by providing counselling and training for exams like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, SAT, ACT, IELTS, and TOEFL. We are there with you at every step, from course selection to admission.
Comments