Digital SAT: Changes You Need to Know About

The SAT has undergone several significant changes over the years, and understanding these differences can help students prepare more effectively for the current version of the test.

Many families may be familiar with the SAT and its format from how it worked prior to 2023; students often took the exam in-school, paper/pencil. Since the 2023-2024 application season, though, there have been significant changes in where and how the exam is administered, and exactly what is on it.

Traditionally, the SAT was a static, 1600-point test divided into Reading/Writing and Math sections, with a mandatory essay and questions that often relied on memorization of vocabulary or formulaic problem-solving. The current version (dubbed the Digital SAT), however, is fully digital and adaptive, creating an experience that emphasizes critical thinking, reasoning, and real-world problem-solving over rote knowledge. Taking the test on a computer allows students to use built-in tools like calculators, highlighting, and easy navigation between questions, making it more user-friendly and less dependent on physical test-taking strategies.

The adaptive design of the new exam means that, instead of a fixed set of questions, the difficulty adjusts in real time based on a student’s performance. Correct answers can lead to more challenging questions, while mistakes may result in slightly easier items, helping the test measure skill level more accurately. The content of the SAT has also shifted slightly; Reading and Writing now focus heavily on evidence-based reasoning, comprehension, and analytical thinking, rather than vocab. Math emphasizes algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis through multi-step questions that test understanding rather than memorization. The essay, which was once required and opinion-based, is now optional and focuses on analyzing an author’s argument, reinforcing the test’s emphasis on evaluation and reasoning.

Finally, it is important to note that there has been a change in where the Digital SAT is taken by students, as the Digital SAT is no longer administered by CPS high schools. Instead, since 2025, CPS has administered an ACT test. As such, CPS students must register to take the SAT outside of school. Non-CPS students should be sure to check which exam their school is administering.

Test Prep Chicago is prepared to help your students navigate the changes from the old SAT and the ways of older standardized exams to the new ways of the Digital SAT. In addition to providing students with both a diagnostic and final exam based on the Digital SAT, students in our SAT prep course (which begins this weekend) receive packets of material to fill out pertaining to each section on the exam, which they will review with a tutor, test-taking strategies, and virtual homework assignments. The course begins this weekend and can be enrolled for here; make sure to sign up before slots fill up!

How the ACT & SAT Can Affect Scholarship Opportunities for Students

ACT and SAT scores do more than influence college admissions; they can also play a critical role in scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships consider standardized test scores as part of their eligibility criteria, making strong performance on the ACT or SAT a potential financial advantage.

Some scholarships use ACT or SAT scores as a straightforward cutoff. For example, a scholarship might require a minimum SAT score of 1300 or an ACT composite score of 28 in order to qualify. Students who meet or exceed these thresholds may automatically be considered, while those below the cutoff are ineligible. These types of awards make test performance a clear, measurable factor in scholarship eligibility.

Other scholarships are more holistic, using ACT and SAT scores alongside GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and leadership experience. In these cases, a higher test score can strengthen a student’s overall application, improving their chances of receiving an award, even if it isn’t the sole deciding factor. Some programs weigh test scores heavily, while others use them as a tie-breaker when multiple candidates meet other criteria.

Overall, scholarship requirements can vary widely. Some state and university programs set minimum scores for eligibility, while private organizations may consider a combination of scores and achievements. Early research into scholarship criteria helps students target their preparation and set a target score, ensuring their test performance aligns with potential funding opportunities.

Ultimately, strong ACT or SAT scores can open doors to financial support that makes college more affordable. At Test Prep Chicago, we can help to ensure that students are scoring where they need to in order to be considered for life-changing academic and merit-based scholarships. Although our ACT prep courses have already begun, we have an SAT prep course that is still available for enrollment (click here). We also offer one-day ACT workshops (click here) in advance of April ACT testing dates. Note that TPC is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content. For students looking for a more personalized prep program, TPC offers individual tutoring for students taking either or both the ACT and SAT. Click here to learn more.

A Breakdown of the SAT

Colleges use SAT scores, in addition to students’ grades, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations, to evaluate applicants and determine admissions offers. Scoring well on the SAT can broaden a student’s college opportunities and give students access to academic and merit-based scholarships. To maximize the opportunity that the SAT presents, students should have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and prior knowledge of the types of questions they will encounter. Test Prep Chicago stays up to date with the latest SAT format and question styles, putting us in a strong position to help students prepare effectively. Below is an overview of what students can expect to see on the SAT.

The SAT is a fully digital exam, often referred to as the Digital SAT, that is made up of two main sections: Reading/Writing, and Math. Both sections are divided into 2 equal-length modules, and includes a 10-minute break between sections (but not modules). The SAT now utilizes an adaptive testing format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section depends on how well a student performs on the first module. Strong performance early on can lead to more challenging questions that allow students to demonstrate higher-level skills and earn a higher score. Because of this structure, familiarity with question types and pacing is especially important.

The Reading and Writing section is 64 minutes long and includes 54 questions divided into two modules. Rather than long passages, students will see short passages paired with a single question. These questions assess skills such as grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, vocabulary in context, and reading comprehension. Passages may be drawn from literature, history, social studies, or science, and students are expected to analyze ideas, improve written text, and interpret information efficiently. Time management is critical, as students will have just over one minute per question.

The Math section is 70 minutes long and includes 44 questions, also divided into two modules. Questions focus on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. Many questions are multi-step and require students to apply logical reasoning to real-world scenarios. A built-in graphing calculator is available for the entire math section, and students are expected to know how to use it strategically. Roughly a third of the math questions involve interpreting models such as graphs, tables, or equations, emphasizing both accuracy and efficiency.

With a clear understanding of the SAT’s format and expectations, students can approach test day with confidence. You can view upcoming SAT test dates and register your student for the exam at satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat. Test Prep Chicago is offering an 8-week SAT course (click here to sign up) that lines up perfectly with both the May 2nd and June 6th SAT testing dates. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.