By: Justice Jones and Chelsea Williams

How to Best Prepare for the Updated Online SAT

The SAT is one of the most important tests that high school students will take, and with its recent move to an online format, students must adapt their preparation strategies to meet the new challenges. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to preparing for the updated online SAT, focusing on building confidence, leveraging strengths, and applying practical strategies that ensure success.

What is the Structure of the Digital SAT?

The digital “computer adaptive” SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, consisting of 98 questions across two main sections: (1) Reading and Writing, and (2) Math. Each section is divided into two modules of equal length, with a 10-minute break between the sections.

The structure of the test is as follows:

Reading and Writing Section: (1 minute, 11 seconds per question)
- Module 1: 32 minutes | 27 questions
- Module 2: 32 minutes | 27 questions
Break: 10 minutes

Math Section: (1 minute, 35 seconds per question)
- Module 1: 35 minutes | 22 questions
- Module 2: 35 minutes | 22 questions

Understanding the test’s format is crucial for developing effective time management strategies and ensuring you are prepared for the digital tools and interface.

What Does “Computer Adaptive” Mean for the Digital SAT?

The digital SAT is a computer-adaptive test, which means that your performance on Module 1 determines the difficulty level of Module 2. Both the Reading and Writing section and the Math section consist of two modules.

Here’s how the adaptive structure works:

• Module 1 includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions, with a medium average difficulty.

• Module 2 is tailored based on how you performed in Module 1. If you perform well in the first module, you’ll encounter harder questions in the second module. Conversely, if you struggle with Module 1, Module 2 will present easier questions.

This adaptive approach rewards strong performance early on, as more challenging questions in Module 2 can lead to a higher overall score. Understanding this can help you approach the test strategically, ensuring that you remain focused and perform well in the first module of each section.

By knowing the structure and adaptive nature of the digital SAT, you can tailor your preparation to not only build confidence but also refine your test-taking strategies for maximum success.

Step 1: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Building Confidence

Before diving into the specifics of SAT preparation, it’s crucial to address any limiting beliefs that might hinder your performance. Limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or assumptions that can undermine your confidence, such as “I’m not a good test-taker” or “I always struggle with math.” To begin, reflect on your past experiences with tests and identify what makes you nervous. Is it the time constraints, certain subjects, or the fear of the unknown? Once you’ve pinpointed these areas, work on reframing your mindset. Instead of thinking, “I’m bad at math,” replace it with, “I can improve my math skills with the right practice.”

Confidence-building is not just about mental preparation; it’s also about seeing progress in your practice. Celebrate small victories along the way, whether it’s mastering a challenging grammar rule or completing a practice section within the time limit. These positive reinforcements will help build the confidence needed to tackle the test head-on.

Step 2: Understanding the Structure of the Online SAT

The online SAT has introduced some changes that require new strategies. The test still consists of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections, but the format and timing have been updated to fit the digital platform.

Reading Section: The Reading section is often considered the most challenging. It includes passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences. The key to success here is active reading and time management. Break the passage into manageable chunks, such as reading two paragraphs at a time, and always mark where you left off. If you get lost, don’t hesitate to go back and reread.

Writing and Language Section: This section tests your ability to revise and edit texts. It includes questions on grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. Some of these questions are subjective, making them more difficult. A common strategy is to eliminate answers based on your initial thoughts without letting the options dictate your decision. Then, go back and eliminate based on what you see in the text.

Math Section: The Math section is predictable in terms of content. It’s divided into easy, medium, and hard questions, with each section requiring different levels of time and effort. The key to success is to gain time on the easier questions so that you have more time for the harder ones.

For the online format, ensure you’re comfortable with the digital interface. Familiarize yourself with the tools available, such as the calculator and the flagging feature that allows you to mark questions for review.

Step 3: Creating your Test-Taking Profile and Tailoring Your Strategy

Every student is unique, and effective test preparation must take into account individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Start by creating your test-taking profile through an interview or discussion with your test prep tutor. Answer questions like, “What makes you nervous about testing?” and “Which subjects do you enjoy the most?” Understanding your experiences and perceptions will help you tailor your test-taking profile.

For example, if you excel in math but struggle with reading comprehension, you can allocate more time to practicing reading strategies while maintaining your confidence in math. The goal is to build on strengths while addressing areas of concern.

Step 4: Take a Full-Length Practice Test and Review Your Results

Taking a full-length practice test is one of the best ways to prepare for your digital SAT. College Board offers several full-length practice tests for free through Bluebook™, its official SAT testing platform. For students using paper-based accommodations, full-length linear practice tests are also available for download.

To get the most out of your practice test, follow these steps:

1. Simulate Test Day Conditions: Download Bluebook on the device you plan to use on test day, and take the practice test at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, following the section timing guidelines. Use all the resources that will be available to you on the actual test, including the digital tools such as the on-screen graphing calculator for math sections. Treat this practice test as if it’s the real SAT—only take breaks as they are scheduled, avoid using your cell phone or other distractions, and fully engage with the tools provided. This will help you become familiar with the structure, pacing, and experience of the test, ensuring you’re ready to use all available resources efficiently on test day.

2. Review Your Results: After completing the test, go to mypractice.collegeboard.org using the same login information as Bluebook to review the questions you answered incorrectly. Take time to read the explanations of the correct answers, as this will help you identify patterns in the types of questions or skills that need improvement. Reviewing your mistakes is essential for focusing your study efforts on areas that need the most attention.

3. Focus on Improvement: Your practice test results are highly predictive of your actual SAT score, especially when taken within a couple of weeks before your test date. Use these results to guide your study plan as you approach the real test. By focusing on your weaker areas, you can maximize your potential on test day.

4. Build Confidence Through Practice: Not only does taking a full-length practice test help you gauge your progress, but it also builds your SAT test-taking confidence. The more familiar you are with the timing and structure of the test, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel when taking the actual SAT.

By practicing under real test conditions, you can work on managing your time, maintaining focus, and dealing with the inevitable mental fatigue that comes with a long exam. Download Bluebook here to get started.

Step 5: Study with Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy

In addition to practice tests, College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free, personalized SAT prep resources. Official Digital SAT Prep is a comprehensive and tailored program that adapts to your individual needs. After completing a practice test, you can explore every question you answered on Khan Academy to focus on concepts you struggle with the most.

We recommend dedicating 20- 30 hours of preparation time for your first SAT. Spread this time over several weeks leading up to the test, focusing on reviewing concepts and question types that challenge you. The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with the test and the better your chances of success on test day.

By following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to SAT success. Remember, confidence comes from preparation, so start early, practice consistently, and use the resources available to you. Whether you’re just beginning your SAT journey or looking to improve an existing score, these strategies will help you achieve your best possible results.

Test Prep for Life: Developing Transferable Skills

Test preparation is not just about the SAT—it’s about developing skills that will serve students throughout their academic and professional lives. Every test a student has ever taken, and every test they will take, follows certain patterns. By recognizing these patterns and applying strategic thinking, students can improve not only their SAT scores but also their overall test-taking abilities.

Math Skills: Math is one of the most predictable sections. With 44 questions divided into two 35-minute modules (70 minutes), students have approximately one minute and 59 seconds per question. The difficulty increases as you progress through the section, so it’s vital to gain time on the easier questions.

Start by assessing which math topics the student finds easy or difficult. Go through a set of easy, medium, and hard questions, and ask the student to identify which ones look the easiest and which seem the hardest. Do this exercise three times to identify any patterns. This will help the student recognize which types of questions to tackle first and which to save for later.

Reading Skills: The Reading section requires a more sensitive approach. With 54 questions divided into two 32-minute modules (64 minutes), students have approximately one minute and 19 seconds per question. Since reading comprehension is highly variable, it’s important to control the test by focusing on preferences. Ask the student which reading genres they prefer, and encourage them to tackle those passages first. For passages they don’t enjoy, work through them faster or save them for last.

Encourage the student to skip questions that are too challenging and return to them later. This not only saves time but also reduces stress. Additionally, reading in small chunks and answering questions incrementally can help maintain focus and comprehension.

Science Skills: The Science section, although not a standalone part of the SAT, is often integrated into the Reading or Math sections. It requires data interpretation and critical thinking. The key here is micro-reading—understanding small pieces of information quickly.

Encourage students to skip one question per passage or even skip an entire passage if it seems too difficult. This approach prevents them from getting stuck and wasting valuable time.

Developing Effective Test-Taking Habits

Success on the SAT is not just about mastering content; it’s also about developing effective test-taking habits. These habits include time management, strategic guessing, and maintaining focus under pressure.

Time Management: Timing is everything on the SAT. Students should practice writing down the time they start each section at the top of their scratch paper and periodically check to see if they’re on track. If they find themselves falling behind, they should skip questions to catch up. The goal is to finish the test without rushing through the last few questions.

Strategic Guessing: Educate students on the importance of strategic guessing. If they’re unsure about an answer, they should have a predetermined guessing strategy, such as always choosing the third answer option when in doubt. This reduces the time spent agonizing over difficult questions and increases the likelihood of earning points through educated guesses.

Maintaining Focus: The digital format of the SAT can be distracting, so it’s important to stay focused. Teach students to block out distractions and concentrate solely on the test. This might include practicing mindfulness techniques or setting up a distraction-free environment during practice sessions.

Implementing a Study Schedule

Consistent practice is key to success on the SAT. Encourage students to study in short, focused sessions—15 to 20 minutes, four times a week. This prevents burnout and allows for better retention of information. Starting your preparation early will allow you to spread your study sessions out over a longer period, making them more manageable and less stressful.

When should I prepare for the SAT?

It’s best to start practicing for the SAT early so you have enough time to prepare and, ideally, take the test more than once. A recommended timeline is to begin preparing in the spring of your sophomore year or during the summer after. This early start allows you to take your first SAT in the fall or early spring of your junior year, giving you time to retake the test if needed.

Many students, however, begin their SAT prep in the fall of their junior year and take their first test in the spring. This timeline still provides an opportunity to retake the SAT during the senior year if needed, but starting earlier gives you more flexibility and a less stressful preparation window.

Building an Effective Study Plan

Assignments should be designed to reinforce what has been learned and build confidence. For example, assign practice questions that gradually increase in difficulty, or have students complete timed sections to simulate the actual test day. By taking small but consistent steps, students will feel more in control of the test.

In addition to practice questions, incorporate test prep affirmations, meditation, and visualization exercises, especially in the final week before the test. These techniques help reduce anxiety and reinforce a positive mindset, preparing both the mind and body for success on test day.

A well-planned timeline ensures you have the time and resources to build up skills and confidence before the test, allowing for multiple test attempts if needed to achieve your best score.

Conclusion: Starting with Motivation

The most successful test-takers are those who are motivated and confident in their abilities. Start your preparation by setting clear, achievable goals and maintaining a positive outlook. Remember, the SAT is just one step in your academic journey, and with the right preparation, you can approach it with confidence and skill.

Whether you’re a student or a tutor, understanding the updated online SAT and developing a personalized, strategic approach to preparation will ensure that you’re ready to achieve your best possible score.

Discussion Question:

Join the conversation and participate with the 24/7 College Admissions community by answering the DQ in the comment section below:

Now that we’ve covered key strategies for preparing for the updated online SAT—starting early, understanding the test structure, using adaptive testing to your advantage, and managing your study schedule—how would you design a study plan that works best for you?

Consider:

When would you begin your SAT prep, and why?
What specific resources (e.g., Bluebook, Khan Academy) would you use to strengthen your weak areas and reinforce your strengths?
How would you adjust your study plan as you get closer to the test date?
What methods would you use to manage stress and stay motivated?

Did you know the earlier you start the college application process, the easier it is? If you are ready to start thinking about the college application process, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists and learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan for yourself or your teen.