It can be challenging at first to adjust to the updated format of the Digital SAT, but familiarizing yourself with the new format and resources can help get started with the preparation. Here are three tips, specific to the updated SAT, that are a good place to start practicing!
- Make multiple-choice work for you! The SAT is primarily a multiple-choice test: utilizing logic and reasoning skills to eliminate and pick apart answer choices can help narrow down the options. If two answer choices for a question are exact opposites, it is likely that one of them has to be the answer! In the math section, if you are stuck on a problem, plug-in or graph the answer choices to work backward and find the solution!
- Keep it simple! On the shortened Reading/Writing section of the Digital SAT, you read shorter passages with only one question associated with each. Therefore, there are fewer words to search through when asked to find the author’s purpose or meaning. Don’t read between the lines or make assumptions about the author’s stances or opinions– only answer what the writing specifically states! Be very wary of making any assumptions beyond the passage.
- Be comfortable and familiar with the resources provided! On the updated math section of the SAT, you can use the calculator in every section. In fact, you are provided with a Desmos graphing calculator that provides points and intersections of lines, as well as an embedded calculator for solving lengthy equations. Use your time wisely. Don’t waste time writing out problems that could be solved by graphing. Use the graphing function to solve systems of equations and to find the solutions to quadratic functions!