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SAT are going digital in 2023 to enhance the access, quality and delivery of the test to students across the world. Digital SAT will be shorter and more concise, utilising state-of-the-art technology to develop a more equitable environment for the test and make it a more favourable experience for all students.
Speaking about the digital SAT, Jeremiah Quinlan, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale University, affirmed that it will be a win for all students, especially international applicants.
“The new format will be more familiar, and the test easier to administer, more accessible and secure,” Quinlan added.
A number of universities consider SAT scores as a key factor in confirming college readiness.
“We use the test score and student’s exam marks first to determine English proficiency and if the student can do the work. Once that answer is yes, we look at the other parts of their application," Quinlan explained.
A pilot of the new format was conducted in March 2022 which received high appreciation from the US and international students as well as test proctors. A vast majority (85 percent) of the participating students noted that the testing experience was either good or excellent.
Bisr Kaur Jauhar, a student at Strawberry Fields High School in Chandigarh, India, lauded the pilot of the digital SAT.
“It was very convenient, and I was less stressed out. It definitely took away a lot of the pressure that comes with the SAT," the student said.
Shorter duration, faster results
According to reports, the student-friendly test will be shorter—around two hours instead of three. Furthermore, students will be given more time to answer each question. There will be shorter reading passages to reflect a wide range of topics. Students are allowed to use calculators during the math section. They will be provided the facility within the testing app.
In addition, test takers will be able to see the remaining time while taking the test. They will be able to flag test questions that may need additional time and they could go back to solve them.
“It was really efficient. I loved that I could easily return to questions that I had flagged,” said Claudina Vaqueiro, a pilot participant and student at The American School Foundation of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Adapting to ongoing changes
This digital SAT has come at a critical time when schools across the world are shifting to innovative ways to enhance digital learning in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This generation of students are digital natives. This is a platform they are not only familiar with but live on 24/7. I think because of that there’s going to be confidence that is built into taking this new format," said Kelly Walter, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions for Boston University. “
The SAT is a significant passport test which ensures access to global higher education institutions for international students looking forward to pursuing a postsecondary degree. During the survey, 83 percent of students expressed the need for options for submitting standardised test scores for university admissions and scholarships across the world.
“I’m looking forward to being able to tell students it will be a better experience for them,” said John Barnhill, Florida State University Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Enhanced success for students
Students aiming to take the SAT will be able to use their own laptop, school-issued device or a loaned device from the College Board for the test.
The digital SAT has been designed to ensure that students don't lose the progress of the test or time if there are some issues connecting with the internet. It is particularly crucial for students giving the test from rural and low-income areas, especially after the pandemic circumstances.
Meanwhile, Testing will continue to take place at secure test centres and students will be given real-time technical support on any issues during the test day. The digital format will also be able to accommodate students with disabilities and special needs.
“Everything from downloading the app, to setting up the devices, to actually taking the SAT went really smoothly. I was a lot less stressed," said Aidan Bimbrahw, a student at The British School New Delhi, India.
At the same time, students will be able to receive their test scores within days, giving them ample time to decide from their choices and how to use their scores to the full capacity. They will have necessary time for taking a retest, if needed.
More flexibility and security
Being shorter, more secure and more flexible, digital SAT will provide a better experience to both test takers and those administering the test. SAT takers outside the US will have about seven opportunities to take the exam every year, rather than five previously. It provides more opportunities to students to identify and address key areas of improvement. Each student will be given a unique test form to minimise any possible chances of cancellation of tests due to security concerns.
“The digital SAT is efficient, easy, and most importantly convenient,” said Sudarshana Shukla, Digital SAT Pilot Test Center Coordinator at The Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, India.
Shukla added that international shipping used to be a huge task as well as a security challenge for administrators. The new format will resolve the problem, allowing administrators to securely monitor the test process.
“Monitoring a student's progress during the test was reassuring, and effective in reaching out to a student in case of a technical problem. The test day was hassle-free," Shukla added.
Students can join the upcoming webinars on Digital SAT Update for International Students on March 31 or April 1.
SOURCE: Gulf News