The standardized SAT test is set to go fully digital in the United States starting March 9, marking a departure from its traditional pencil-and-paper format. The revamped test will also be shorter and adaptive, tailoring the difficulty of questions based on student performance in each section.
Internationally, over 220,000 students have already taken the digital version over the past year, according to the College Board, the non-profit organization behind the SAT. Citing feedback, a College Board spokesperson noted that 84% of students and 99% of staff expressed a preference for the digital format over its predecessor.
Originally conceived nearly a century ago and widely administered by the 1950s, the SAT faced challenges during the COVID-19 crisis as higher education institutions across the country adopted test-optional policies. However, recent updates to the exam, coupled with elite colleges like Yale, Dartmouth, and MIT reinstating standardized test scores in admissions, have reignited discussions about the SAT’s relevance.
Critics argue that despite the changes, the SAT is unlikely to address persistent issues such as the gender gap, with girls historically scoring lower than boys. Economically disadvantaged students, individuals of color, and those with learning differences have also faced challenges on the exam. Skeptics question the test’s predictive accuracy for college success, particularly for young women, who comprise just under 60% of higher education students.
Supporters of the new SAT highlight its advantages, including a shorter duration that may benefit students with learning differences. The adaptive nature of the test aims to reduce test-taking anxiety, while the digital format could level the playing field in math, providing all students with access to the same built-in online calculator. Advocates suggest that utilizing the test in admissions could offer a competitive edge to underrepresented groups excelling on it.
Both proponents and opponents agree that the true impact of the new SAT remains uncertain until its domestic debut and subsequent data collection. The question lingers: Will the updated SAT be a game-changer or merely a continuation of the status quo for the nearly 2 million students who annually undertake the test?
