Last Saturday, March 9th, was a historical day for SAT test-takers: the first fully-digital test was administered. The digital SAT, run through CollegeBoard’s software Bluebook, is the culmination of years of trials to ensure the experience goes as smoothly as possible, and CollegeBoard has finally done away with pencil-and-paper. But what do OHSers think about the new exam?
“For me it was easier,” says Turiya Misra (‘26), “but I think that the digital SAT needs a lot of improvement– it feels weirdly timed, and the questions feel odd and outdated.” Misra mentioned the Desmos graphing calculator, a controversial new addition integrated into Bluebook itself, to be an overly-handy aid. “I could solve problems I didn’t really know how to do algebraically just by using the geometric knowledge I had and graphing it on Desmos. Desmos was kind of an overpowered tool.”
Julia Holmes (25’), on the other hand, praised the updated format. “Overall, it seems like the digital test is more efficient and, frankly, I’m surprised it has taken the College Board so long to make the transition given that we’ve been living in a digital era for some time now!”
Holmes also mentioned the changes to the format of questions themselves: namely, the removal of long passages in the Reading and Writing section. “I would argue that the diversity in passages gives the student an advantage – what if you had a hard time grasping the long paper SAT passage? – at least you know there will only be one question about any given passage.”
Regarding the impact the new digital SAT will have on college admissions, OHS College Counseling director Dr. Adam Lips, says there hasn’t been enough time to see what said impact will be. “Because this is the first time that they’re doing this new format, it’s difficult to know how things will change.”
The fact that it’s more accessible may provide them with some justification to start requiring the exams again.
— Dr. Adam Lips
He also noted that the new format may lead many colleges to retract their test-optional status. “I think that colleges will be reactive to [the SAT]. During COVID, there was this real move toward test-optional, and I think ultimately admissions officers may like these exams. The fact that it’s more accessible may provide them with some justification to start requiring the exams again.”
Regardless of whether you think the new format and changes to the SAT are good or bad, it’s indisputable that this is a landmark change to the age-old college admissions exam. Scores release today, and one thing is for certain: colleges will certainly be reevaluating the SAT.