College Admissions

A Deep Dive into the New Digital SAT

The Digital SAT® (DSAT) marks a testing transformation that aims to enhance accessibility and streamline the examination process. If you don’t already know—beginning in spring 2024 across America, and spring 2023 for international students, SAT testers will take the test on a computer!

Some students have already taken the Digital PSAT® (DPSAT). If you haven’t taken it yet, learn more about navigating the DPSAT; and if you have, you may still have questions about what the DSAT has in store. Below we share five key features of the digital exam. So, let’s dive in!

Digital-First

The DSAT represents a pivotal shift in the SAT format, from the traditional paper-and-pencil administration to a digital interface. The DSAT operates through the custom-built Bluebook™ application developed by the College Board.

Accessibility-Forward

Students can take the test on their own approved Windows or Mac device, iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook, or they can take it on a device borrowed from the College Board. Moreover, the DSAT is designed to provide an uninterrupted testing experience even in the event of internet connectivity issues.

Adaptive

Like the DPSAT, the DSAT uses multistage adaptive design, meaning that how you fare on the questions in the first module will determine which questions you see in the second. Each section has two modules. If you get a lot of correct answers in the first module, you’ll see overall more difficult questions in the second. Your score on the section will be based on how you do on all questions across both modules.

Multiple-Choice (Mostly)

Most of the questions on the DSAT are multiple-choice. Some of the math questions, however, will ask you to enter your answer. As you progress through the exam, remember that there is no penalty for guessing, so if you’re not sure of an answer, take your best guess! If you can eliminate even one of the answer choices, you will increase your chance of getting the question right.

Streamlined

The DSAT features a condensed timeline, clocking in at a cool 2 hours and 24 minutes (a reduction from the three-hour paper-and-pencil test). The content structure has been revamped too, with the Reading and Writing sections now combined into a single section. The DSAT consists of one Reading and Writing section (with two 32-minute modules) and one Math section (with two 35-minute Math modules). Between the sections, there is a ten-minute break.

As you get ready for the DSAT, take a free practice test! Work on familiarizing yourself with the exam's unique features, such as the built-in Desmos® calculator, along with its time-management tools, including visible timers and question flags for later review.

Through courses, books, tutoring, and other resources, The Princeton Review is here to support students on this exciting pathway to college success.

Want to learn more about the DSAT? Watch our webinar!