As technology advances, it is no surprise that standardized testing will change with the rest of the world. Students have officially taken their last written SAT and will now begin taking digital tests. Changes to the test include shorter test length, shorter reading passages, and questions that are more in line with the school curriculum. Several scholars took the digital test and have shared their viewpoints and experiences.

Caitlyn Polozola said, “Regardless of the changes, the test was still very challenging and was not accurate in what is taught in our math classes.” 

Anthony Lopez, 11th grade, shared that he prefers to take tests with paper and pencil because it can be difficult to stare at screens for long periods of time. He described the reading/writing sections as easiest because the excerpts were not as long, and it was easier to find what the question was asking. When asked what advice he wanted to share with people who have never taken the test, Anthony Said, “Study! Even if you’re prepared, keep studying as much as possible.”

Sophia Rivera, 11th grade, described her experience with the digital SAT as more accessible than she thought it would be. Furthermore, she explained that the adaptive testing helped her have questions that fit her skill level. Sophia said, “Overall, I think that the digital SAT is good because it offers personalized testing for everyone.”

Jillian Wilson, 11th grade, who has taken the written and digital tests, described the English portion as easier but the math as harder. Jillian said, “The two tests were different because the English were much simpler, which was surprising, and you could take breaks whenever needed. You would just lose time, and you could leave as soon as you were done.” After being asked what an important thing to know before taking the test she said, “Take as many of the practice tests as possible because they can help you get used to the format. Also, all the students are in the same room, so be prepared for a lot of people.” 

With the new changes to the SAT and the way the test is now taken, the responses of others who have taken it can help us understand how to take the new test and how to prepare. Even though no experience with the SAT will be the same, the more we know about it the better we can be.