2024 will see a lot of significant changes to the SAT exam: What students should know

NEW DELHI: Many US kids take the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), a standardized exam, as part of the college admission process. Students’ reading, writing, and arithmetic abilities are evaluated on the SAT, which has a score range of 400 to 1600. But starting in 2024, the SAT will undergo some significant modifications that will have an impact on how students study and take the exam.

The following are some of the key updates that students should be aware of:
There will be no analog SAT. Students in the United States will begin taking the SAT in March 2024 using the Bluebook app on either their own or the school’s computers or tablets. With the exception of some students with impairments, the paper-and-pencil format will no longer be offered. More security, quicker scoring, and more scheduling and location flexibility are all made possible by the digital format. On the other hand, some students can have issues with exam anxiety, device compatibility, or internet connection.
It will be an adaptive SAT. Because the digital SAT will use a segment adaptive paradigm, the questions’ level of difficulty will change based on how well students do. Each student will begin with a somewhat challenging segment, and depending on how they respond, they will advance to a harder or easier section. The exam will be more effective and tailored thanks to the adaptive model, but it will also be more difficult and unexpected. Every question will have a big influence on the students’ final score, therefore they must give it their all on each one.
There will be new and shorter question formats on the SAT. The reading and writing portions of the digital SAT will have condensed passages and questions, and all parts will use new question forms. The reading and writing assignments will span a greater variety of genres and subjects and be limited to 150 words each. Rhetorical synthesis, inference, textual evidence, and more will all be included in the new question designs. Students’ critical thinking abilities will be put to the test by these adjustments, which will also force them to adjust to new tactics and styles.
Calculators will be allowed in the math portion of the SAT. The digital SAT will let students to use calculators on every math question, in contrast to the traditional SAT, which features a math component that isn’t meant for calculator usage. Some students may find the arithmetic portion simpler as a result, but it will also place a greater emphasis on thinking and problem-solving abilities. It is essential that students understand the appropriate usage of calculators and avoid over-reliance on them.
There will be a variety of restricted prep resources for the SAT. Compared to the paper SAT, the digital SAT will have fewer and distinct practice exams and resources. While the College Board will provide some digital practice exams and tools, they may not be sufficient or accurate to the real examination. It will be necessary for students to look for additional digital preparation resources from websites, apps, and books. They must also practice in real-world settings and get acquainted with the digital format and interface.
In 2024, the SAT will undergo a transformation, and students must be aware of this and ready for the new digital, adaptive exam. There are benefits and drawbacks to the redesigned SAT, and students will need to modify their study strategies and exam-taking techniques. Students may still meet their college objectives and get their highest grades by being aware of the changes and making use of the tools that are available to them.
What impact do SAT results have on getting into college?
As a standardized tool to evaluate candidates’ intellectual preparedness for undergraduate programs, SAT scores have long been a major factor in the American college admissions process. How SAT results may affect college admissions is as follows:
Admissions requirements: A lot of schools and institutions utilize SAT scores as one of their requirements for admission. Excellent results may improve an applicant’s standing by proving their academic aptitude and preparedness for courses at the college level.
Opportunities for scholarships: In addition to admissions, students with excellent SAT scores may be eligible for financial assistance and scholarships. SAT scores are a major factor in determining whether colleges and outside scholarship organizations will provide financial aid.
Comparative analysis: SAT scores provide institutions a consistent measure to evaluate candidates with varied educational backgrounds, especially considering the variance in high school grading systems. This aids in the assessment of students’ likelihood of succeeding in their academic programs by admissions personnel.
Eligibility per program and college: Some extremely selective programs or universities may have minimum required SAT scores. If a candidate meets or exceeds these requirements, they may be qualified for these programs.
Test-optional policies: With the increasing prevalence of test-optional policies, which give candidates the option of not submitting their SAT results, the impact of SAT scores on admissions has changed. Although there is less of a need to score well, having great SAT results may still help an application, especially to test-optional colleges.
Holistic admissions: A lot of colleges use a holistic review method, taking into account not just the SAT results but also the high school GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and reference letters. In this case, an applicant’s credentials and potential are assessed in more detail, with SAT scores serving as one element of that analysis.
College-preparedness: High SAT scores may be a further indication of intellectual capacity and readiness for college for pupils whose high school records may not accurately represent their academic aptitude.
Although each school has a different SAT weighting, candidates who achieve competitive scores may have an edge over others throughout the admissions process. Nonetheless, students now have more freedom in how they showcase their academic achievements to universities thanks to the growing acceptance of test-optional rules.