Our Test Prep Program Manager, Matt, remarks on the critical insights he’s learned from conducting Fall SAT Courses this year.
As the new school year begins, so does a new chapter for me at Lana. I’m proud to announce that I am now the Test Prep Program Manager for Lana in Washington, DC. With my new responsibilities, I’ve had the pleasure of conducting in-person programming at Digital Pioneers Academy through United Planning Organization, and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy. Given my experience as an SAT and ACT Tutor, it’s been elucidating to see how the exams have changed. Read on to learn critical insights about the SAT this year!
Digital Format Leads to New Opportunities – and New Distractions
Now that the SAT is conducted digitally, technology integration is a must for educators preparing students for the exam. By showing students how to use Desmos, an online graphing calculator tool, instructors can prepare students for the new calculator used on the SAT. However, it is crucial that instructors are aware of potential distractions in class.
It may seem counterproductive given the new digital format of the SAT, but technology use should be minimized. If left unmonitored, students can become distracted by YouTube, online flash games, and limitless internet content. While a powerful tool, the internet can be a distraction during sessions. There are wonderful tools that assist students with accessing content on the SAT, such as a magnifying glass and annotation tool. However, is crucial to communicate with students that AI tools such as ChatGPT will not be available to them on the SAT. Instructors should consider limiting technology use to Bluebook practice tests to avoid distractions. By using Bluebook, students will see the exact version of the Desmos calculator that they will on the official SAT.
Test-Optional May Not be Permanent
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities across the United States made the SAT and ACT optional for admissions. As a result, students may be under the impression that the SAT is less important for being admitted to college. However, several colleges and universities have announced plans to reinstate the SAT or ACT requirements, and the number of schools following suit is growing. It is critical to communicate with students that the SAT could still matter for getting into their dream school. If we want to ensure our students’ success, we must prepare them for any future of testing requirements.
SAT Content has Changed, but Only in Length
One of the biggest changes in transitioning to the SAT is the length of the test and the question passages. The test is now just over 2 hours instead of 3, and the reading passages are now no more than 150 words. A recent College Board study demonstrated that these changes were welcome, with 84% of students reporting that they preferred the Digital SAT in 2024. While the test is shorter, the content of the SAT remains largely the same. For instructors, this means that there is less of a need to update content that they have found reliable in the past. The exam still tests students in areas such as identifying central ideas, standard English conventions, and geometry. By integrating the key content areas of the SAT into curriculum, schools can maximize students’ performance on the Digital SAT.
Looking Ahead
I am beyond excited for Test Prep at Lana this year. With programs shaping up at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and Sandy Spring Friends School, it’s going to be a busy, but fun year. I hope that these critical insights can assist educators investing in the SAT this year!