Navigating the Digital SAT: What Parents Should Know to Help Their Students Succeed
By: Alexander Chip, Founder, Top Score Education
Let’s be honest—standardized tests can be intimidating. And when those tests change, it can feel like even more of a challenge. We get it! The new digital SAT has sparked its share of questions from students and parents alike, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect. But the good news? With a little guidance, your student can be well-prepared and confident on test day.
Now that the digital SAT has been administered for six months, we have some solid insights to share. This blog will walk you through what we’ve learned so far about the test’s Content and Format—and, most importantly, how to help your student make the most of their preparation.
1. Content: What’s on the Test?
The digital SAT still focuses on the same essential areas: math, reading, and grammar. The College Board, the organization behind the SAT, has done a good job of sticking to its promises about what the test generally covers. However, some things don’t always match the practice materials the College Board has released.
What We’re Seeing:
Math and Grammar: Overall, the content in the official practice tests in College Board’s Bluebook app and College Board-approved practice in Khan Academy reflects what’s on the real exam. But many students have found the official SAT to be more difficult than the practice versions and the PSAT they took at school.
Vocabulary and Transitions: Students who aren’t big readers have struggled with the vocabulary and transition questions, on which they need to understand the flow of an argument and follow subtle context clues.
Advanced Math: The hardest math questions on the real test often feel much tougher than what students see in official practice problems.
What You Can Do:
Start with Free Resources: We recommend using the College Board’s official resources for core prep. These are high-quality and available for free at:
For High Achievers: If your student is aiming for a score of 1300+ to get into more selective colleges, they might need extra help beyond the free materials. Websites like Test Innovators, ScoreSmart, and MathChops offer additional practice with higher-level questions.
2. Format: What’s New with the Digital SAT?
Switching to a digital format has mostly been a smooth process. Students are now taking the test on computers or tablets, using the College Board’s Bluebook software, which includes some helpful tools like a built-in calculator and the ability to highlight and annotate.
What We’ve Learned:
Desmos Calculator: This tool is a game-changer for many students. It’s built into the test, and students who know how to use it well gain a big advantage, especially on harder math questions.
Reading on a Screen: While the digital format itself hasn’t caused many technical issues, students tend to make more careless mistakes when they’re reading on a screen instead of paper. They’re not writing as much or making notes in the same way, and that can lead to skipped steps in math or missed details in reading.
Fewer Questions, Bigger Stakes: With fewer questions on the test, every mistake counts more. The test is also adaptive, meaning that students who perform better on the first half of the exam will get a harder second half (with higher score potential). If they rush through the first set of questions, they could limit their score ceiling without realizing it.
How to Help Your Student:
Master the Desmos Calculator: Encourage your student to get comfortable with the Desmos calculator. They can practice with free online tutorials like this one on YouTube.
Practice Test Discipline: It’s common for students to assume they’ll be “more careful on test day,” but that’s not something you want to leave to chance. Remind your student to practice the same way they’ll take the test, using a step-by-step approach for math and actively reading and highlighting key information during the reading section.
Don’t Rush the Early Questions: The first set of questions is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of the test. Rushing through them could lead to mistakes that are hard to recover from later. Encourage your student to slow down and focus, especially at the start.
Final Thoughts for Illuminos Families
The digital SAT has its quirks, but it’s nothing your student can’t handle with the right preparation. The key is to understand the changes, practice smart, and make use of all the tools available. With help from Illuminos and Top Score Education, your student can feel confident walking into test day.
By using the right resources, mastering the Desmos calculator, and practicing test discipline, your student can turn this new format into an advantage. Remember, preparation is key—and with a thoughtful plan, the digital SAT can be another step toward your student’s success.
FAQs
1. Is the digital SAT harder than the paper version?
Not exactly. The content is similar, but students report that the real test feels a bit tougher than the practice versions, especially in the math.
2. How important is learning the Desmos calculator?
It’s essential! Knowing how to use the Desmos calculator can make a huge difference in the math section, especially with trickier questions.
3. Should my student only use the free prep materials?
The free materials are great for most students. However, if your student is aiming for a high score (1300+), we recommend supplementing with additional, more challenging resources.
4. How can my student avoid careless mistakes?
Encourage them to practice exactly as they plan to test. Careless mistakes often happen when students rush or skip steps, so slowing down and being thorough is key.
5. What’s the biggest change with the digital SAT?
The adaptive nature of the test is new, meaning the difficulty level changes based on how well students do in the first set of questions. This makes the beginning of the test even more important!