How Will Students Take the Digital SAT?

The SAT has officially entered the digital era, transforming how students across the globe take this important college admissions exam. As of 2024, the SAT is now offered in a fully digital format for all international students and U.S. students starting in 2025. But how exactly will students take the digital SAT? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know — from the technology setup to the test-taking experience.

What Is the Digital SAT?

The digital SAT is a modern version of the classic SAT exam that students complete using a computer or tablet rather than pencil and paper. It is still administered in a secure, proctored testing environment, and it continues to measure key skills in reading, writing, and math.

While the core purpose of the test remains the same — assessing college readiness — the digital version introduces several key changes designed to improve student experience, increase accessibility, and ensure test security.

Where Will Students Take the Digital SAT?

The digital SAT is not taken at home. Students will take it:

  • At designated SAT test centers
  • During SAT School Day at participating high schools

All testing is done in person, with supervision, just like the traditional SAT. The difference is that instead of a paper booklet, students use a school-issued or personal device that runs the Bluebook™ app from College Board.

Devices Used for the Digital SAT

Students can use:

  • A school-provided laptop or tablet
  • Their own personal laptop or tablet
  • A loaner device requested from College Board (if needed)

Important: Devices must be fully charged, and students should bring a charger or power cord. Bluebook must be installed ahead of time, and device setup should be completed at least a few days before test day.

How the Digital SAT Works

The digital SAT is administered through Bluebook, a secure testing platform developed by College Board. Here’s how the test works:

  • Pre-Test Setup: Students log in to Bluebook, complete any required checks, and download test content ahead of time (while connected to Wi-Fi).
  • Test Day Check-In: Students arrive at the test center, go through ID verification, and open the Bluebook app.
  • Adaptive Testing: The SAT is now section-adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of the second module in each section depends on how the student performed in the first module.
  • Timer & Tools: The app includes built-in timers, a calculator (for the entire Math section), a reference sheet, flagging tools, and highlighting features.

What’s on the Digital SAT?

The digital SAT is divided into two major sections:

  1. Reading and Writing (64 minutes total)
    • 2 modules
    • Shorter passages
    • One question per passage
    • Emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and textual analysis
  2. Math (70 minutes total)
    • 2 modules
    • Calculator allowed throughout
    • Algebra, advanced math, geometry, and data analysis

The total testing time is about 2 hours and 14 minutes, which is shorter than the old paper-based SAT.

Key Benefits of the Digital SAT

  1. Faster Results: Students receive scores in days rather than weeks.
  2. More Flexibility: Multiple test dates and school-day testing opportunities.
  3. Shorter Test Experience: Less fatigue with a more streamlined format.
  4. Tools for Support: Built-in calculator, flagging, highlighting, and math reference.

How to Prepare for the Digital SAT

Success on the digital SAT requires both academic preparation and tech readiness. Here’s how students should prepare:

  • Download Bluebook early and complete practice tests using the platform.
  • Review the new format and question styles.
  • Familiarize yourself with on-screen tools.
  • Practice adaptive strategies — pacing is key when questions adjust by difficulty.

College Board also offers free practice tests in Bluebook, and Khan Academy continues to provide targeted SAT practice based on real score data.

What Students Should Bring on Test Day

To ensure a smooth digital SAT experience, students should bring:

  • Fully charged laptop or tablet
  • Power cord or portable charger
  • Admission ticket
  • Approved photo ID
  • Approved calculator (if desired — even though one is built-in)
  • Snacks and water (for the break)

Will Students Need Internet During the Test?

No. Bluebook downloads the test beforehand. Once the test starts, it runs offline. Students only need Wi-Fi before and after the test for:

  • Downloading test content
  • Uploading answers

This reduces the chance of connectivity issues during testing.

How Is the Digital SAT Scored?

Scoring remains the same — a total score out of 1600, with:

  • 800 points for Reading and Writing
  • 800 points for Math

The new adaptive design still allows for accurate scoring across a wide range of abilities. Students receive percentiles and detailed subscores to better understand their performance.

Embracing the Future of Testing

The digital SAT represents a big shift in college admissions testing. It’s designed to be more student-friendly, efficient, and accessible. With the use of secure digital tools and adaptive technology, students have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a streamlined and modern environment.

By understanding how the digital SAT works, what to expect, and how to prepare, students can walk into test day with confidence — ready to succeed in this next evolution of the SAT.