In this article, Lana’s Test Prep Program Manager breaks down the top ten must-knows for the Digital SAT in 2024.
To all Lana Learn newcomers, hi! My name is Matt Estabrook. I’m the Test Prep Program Manager at Lana Learn in Washington, DC, and I’m excited to share the expertise we’ve cultivated over our 14-year history providing Test Prep to K-12 students and teachers. With the shift to the Digital SAT from the traditional pencil-and-paper format, it can feel overwhelming for educators who strive to serve their students with up-to-date knowledge about the SAT. At Lana, we strive to serve students and educators alike with efficient, cutting-edge strategies that prepare us for success. In this article, I will be sharing our top ten must-knows for the Digital SAT in the coming school year. Here’s what you should know to thrive in your SAT prep journey:
1. Say hello to Bluebook!
Bluebook is the software used by the College Board to administer the SAT exam. It’s more than just a test-taking application though – it’s a one-stop shop for free SAT prep. Within Bluebook, there are 6 full-length practice tests that simulate the real SAT and provide students with data on their performance. Bluebook can be installed on any computer as well as Apple iPads. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Bluebook and prepare your students by having them take practice exams on the app!
2. Passages are much, much shorter.
Gone are the days of the 700-word passages with several accompanying questions. Now, each reading passage on the Reading & Writing section of the SAT is no more than 150 words and is assigned to its own question. Students can now spend less time annotating long passages and focus on individual questions. You can prepare your students for getting through these passages quickly by running practice drills for short sets of SAT reading questions.
3. Goodbye, essay!
Except for certain states requiring it for the SAT School Day, the essay portion is no longer part of the normal SAT exam. While writing practice is essential for student success in reading, educators preparing students for the normal SAT no longer have to worry about the SAT essay.
4. Same content, new tools!
As an educator who grew up in the days of the pencil and paper format for the SAT, one of my biggest concerns about the shift to the Digital SAT was the ability to annotate and perform scratch work. Bluebook has more than made up for this difference by providing numerous test-taking tools. Test-takers have full access to tools such as the Highlights & Notes tool, which allows one to annotate text on all reading passages. Additionally, students can cross out answers, mark questions for later review, and access reference sheets for formulas at any time during the test. Throughout the entire Math section, students have access to the popular graphing calculator tool, Desmos. These tools make the Digital SAT easier to mark up than ever before. Plus, students are still allowed to use scratch paper if they desire.
5. Accommodations for English Learners
The Digital SAT has maintained its accommodations for students who are English Learners. EL students have access to translated test directions, 50% extended testing time, and can use approved bilingual word-to-word dictionaries on the SAT.
6. The SAT requirement for college may be coming back.
Numerous colleges and universities across the United States made their admissions process “test-optional” for the SAT to accommodate for the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some schools are still test-optional, several colleges are planning to reinstate the SAT admissions requirement. It is especially critical that students in their earlier years of high school prepare for the SAT, because by the time they graduate, they may need the SAT to apply to their dream school. As educators, it’s critical for us to communicate the value of the SAT to students in accomplishing their goals.
7. Professional Development leads to student success.
Given the recent changes to the SAT and the test-optional climate disappearing, it is important to make sure all staff are aware of the new facts about the SAT. Additionally, it is crucial for teachers to integrate SAT prep into their curriculum. Thankfully, there has never been an easier time to integrate the SAT into daily lessons. Teachers can find resources on Khan Academy, the SAT Suite Question Bank, and on Bluebook itself – all for free. What is critical for any school is to ensure that all teachers are aware of these resources and using them. Through professional development, schools can train their teachers to integrate SAT prep into their lesson plans. Click here to learn more about Lana’s SAT Professional Development offerings.
8. Data is your friend.
When considering how your school can improve its SAT Prep, make use of students’ performance data. After students take the PSAT, their schools receive score reports that break down their performance. These reports not only show the difference between their Reading & Writing and Math scores, but show which question types students succeeded on and which ones need improvement. Tailor your SAT Prep to meet students’ needs, and you will maximize their performance. Focus on their areas of growth to ensure they are getting the practice they need to succeed.
9. Practice makes perfect!
The best way to get better at the SAT is by taking the SAT. Taking full-length practices has been, and always will be, the most effective way of improving scores. When you combine full-length practice tests with review sessions, short drills of questions, and personalized feedback, you maximize student progress. Be mindful, however, of not over-testing – elevated stress levels can negatively impact performance. Schedule regular practice sessions at intervals that work for students, and they will improve.
10. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Whenever I conduct an SAT Prep course with students, I always use the metaphor of sprinting vs. distance-running. When we sprint, we use our energy up all at once in a short amount of time. However, marathon runners maintain a steady pace to not use up all their energy. The SAT may not be as long as it used to be, but it is still a 3-hour time commitment. Remind your students to be efficient, and practice finding that steady pace. Be mindful of students’ stress levels and prioritize students’ ability to focus for longer and longer stretches of time. The more a student knows what to expect from the SAT, the more likely they are to accomplish their scoring goals. Make sure to communicate as much as you can about the SAT, and encourage a growth mindset for your students.
We hope that these tips help you find success in your SAT Prep journey! If you are interested in exploring SAT Prep Programs with Lana Learn, please feel free to get in touch with us here.