Considering the fact that you’ve landed on this article, I’m going to take a wild guess and assume that either you have to give your SAT soon or are juggling with the idea of giving it. That much said, you probably already have an idea of what the SAT actually is but either way we’ll begin with that.
The SAT Digital is a new version of the SAT test that uses computers. It’s different from the old paper test. With the SAT Digital, questions can change based on how you answer them, making the test fairer. It’s easier to use and more flexible because you can take it on a computer. Plus, you get your scores right away, along with helpful feedback to understand how you did. This test isn’t just about checking what you know; it’s also about helping you get better at the things you’re not so good at.
WHAT IS THE SAT?
The Scholastic Aptitude Test, widely known by its acronym SAT is a standardized test to measure students’ abilities and how prepared they are for university. The SAT test also helps universities by providing them with a common test they can compare applicants by. People who plan to apply abroad, especially in the US, often take this test. Firstly, it may provide you an advantage over other applicants if you’re applying somewhere in Pakistan. And secondly, for some universities, it is simply listed as a requirement for an applicant to have the SAT as a part of their educational qualifications.
SAT FORMAT
The SAT syllabus as of now (2024) is divided into three sections. The SAT itself is generally supposed to test your math and English skills and the three sections are divided accordingly; reading, writing, and math. Math is divided into further two sections, one for attempting questions with a calculator and the other for attempting questions without a calculator. To attempt all of these sections, a candidate is given a total of three hours and fifty minutes.
The format of the SAT Digital follows a similar structure to the traditional SAT exam, but it’s taken on a computer instead of with pencil and paper. It includes sections like Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Questions may be presented in various formats, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or drag-and-drop. One big difference is that the digital version can adapt the difficulty level of questions based on how you answer, making it more personalized. You’ll also find tools like highlighting and marking to help you navigate through the test. Overall, it’s designed to be user-friendly and provide a smoother testing experience.
BREAKDOWN
READING SECTION
This section contains 5 passages that are chosen from topics such as literature, social science, history, and natural science. After reading the passage you are given 52 multiple-choice questions you are required to answer. The time limit for this section is 65 minutes. To ensure you compensate for weaknesses in other sections it is important you score well in this section. Rather than trying to get all the right answers, instead, use the process of elimination to separate the correct answer. If you can identify three wrong answers, then there you go, and you automatically have your answer. Other than this just focus on reading the question and passage carefully as examiners try and make the exam as confusing as possible. With trick questions, and MCQs that may be entirely the same thing except for a one-word difference it is important you come prepared. Practice is truly key here. Try and attempt as many questions and past papers you can before you give the actual exam
WRITING SECTION
The writing section of the SAT consists of four passages, each having eleven multiple choice questions related to it a candidate must answer. This totals up to forty-four questions in the entire section. The time limit for attempting all of these is thirty-five minutes. The SAT tests grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary used contextually. Since the SAT is taken globally multiple times in a year, they make sure to avoid asking questions with a higher difficulty level. Instead, examiners try and trick you by phrasing a question differently or asking them in strange ways. However, it all links back to the basic concepts you have studied. If you have prepared accordingly and have strong concepts then these should be a breeze for you. With this, the evidence-based reading and writing section is concluded.
MATHEMATICS
This section has a total of fifty-eight questions. These are further divided into a no calculator section and a calculator section.
NO CALCULATOR SECTION
This section has twenty questions and calculators are not allowed. Out of these twenty questions, fifteen are MCQs, and five are grid-in questions meaning they don’t provide you with possible answer choices. Grid-in questions require you to calculate the questions yourself and then write it inside said grid.
CALCULATOR SECTION
This section allows candidates to use calculators and has a total of thirty-eight questions. Out of thirty-eight questions, thirty are multiple choice questions and the rest of the eight are grid-in questions.
All said both of these sections combined together to test mathematical concepts such as algebra, arithmetic, probability, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry to name a few. The mathematical section of the SAT simply requires practice, there isn’t much else to make sure you ace this section. Start preparation early and do as many practice questions as you can.
SO WHAT’S THE TAKEAWAY?
Taking the SAT for the first time can be scary, especially when it’s something many schools in Pakistan do not teach as a part of their curriculum. Despite this, as long as you start preparation early and have your strategies on hand you should be fine. As a first-timer, you may be likely to score less than those who have taken the test before. Taking the SAT has also become a common occurrence and many students give them multiple times to improve their scores. Whether you are a first timer or have given the SAT before, it always helps to be prepared. Good luck!
If you are worried about what to do next? Take this Aptitude Test and Career Guidance to take a better decision.