Top 10 Test Taking Tips for the Digital SAT
Discover the top 10 test taking tips for the Digital SAT to ace pacing, use digital tools wisely, manage time effectively, and perform your best under exam conditions.
The Digital SAT invites a new test-taking experience, and knowing the top tips for the Digital SAT can boost your confidence and score. In this essential guide, you’ll learn how to pace yourself, master built-in tools, and stay composed—all critical for excelling on this digital, adaptive format.
1. Pace Yourself Wisely
The Digital SAT includes an on-screen timer you can monitor. Reading and Writing questions allow roughly 1 minute 11 seconds each, while Math questions average about 1 minute 35 seconds. After about 10 minutes, aim to have answered around 8–9 Reading and Writing questions or 6–7 Math questions. Remember: question difficulty can vary, so be flexible with your pacing.
2. Leverage Built-in Digital Tools Effectively
The platform offers a suite of helpful tools: a timer, question flagger for revisiting tricky questions, annotation features for notes, and an integrated graphing calculator. Familiarize yourself with these tools before test day to enhance efficiency.
3. Understand Each Question Before Answering
Take a moment to fully interpret what each question is asking—especially in Math. Misreading a prompt can turn an easy question into an incorrect answer. Slow comprehension here is more valuable than hasty guesses.
4. Return to Tough Questions Later
It’s okay to skip a question and return to it later. Use the flagging feature to mark difficult items and focus on questions you can answer quickly. This strategy keeps your momentum going.
5. Use the Full Time Strategically
This isn’t a speed race—accuracy matters more than speed. Use the full allotted time to review answers and catch careless mistakes. Rushing can cost valuable points.
6. Expect No Penalty for Guessing
There’s no downside to guessing, so don’t leave any question blank. An educated or random guess gives you a chance to earn points you’d otherwise forgo.
7. Manage Test Anxiety and Wellbeing
Stay relaxed heading into test day. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and maintain a calm mindset. A clear head allows you to stay focused and perform at your best.
8. Practice with the Digital Format Ahead of Time
Take practice tests using the same digital platform you’ll use on test day. This helps you navigate the interface, tools, and pacing without surprises. Familiarity breeds confidence.
9. Know How Adaptive Modules Work
Your performance in Module 1 determines the difficulty of Module 2. A strong start unlocks a tougher—and higher scoring—second module. Focus your best attention early.
10. Reflect on Every Experience
Write down details about what worked and what didn’t—your pacing, stress points, or problem types that slowed you down. Use these insights to refine your prep and avoid repeating mistakes.
Quick Reference Table
| Tip # | Test Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pace yourself effectively |
| 2 | Master digital tools (timer, flag, annotation, calculator) |
| 3 | Understand each question fully |
| 4 | Flag and return to hard questions |
| 5 | Use full time—don’t rush |
| 6 | Always guess; there’s no penalty |
| 7 | Prioritize rest and mental calm |
| 8 | Practice with the digital format |
| 9 | Take Module 1 seriously—adaptive format |
| 10 | Reflect and refine after each test |
Final Thoughts
The Digital SAT is a streamlined, adaptive test that rewards strategic pacing, digital fluency, and composure. By using these top 10 tips—mastering pacing, tools, adaptive behavior, and reflective preparation—you’ll be well-positioned to maximize your score.