As of 2024, the SAT has undergone significant changes that every high school student and parent should understand, especially those preparing for college admissions. These updates affect not only the structure and content of the Math section but also bring changes to the entire exam that could influence how students prepare. At Peak Tutoring, we want to ensure our students are fully informed and ready to excel on the new SAT. In this blog post, we’ll break down what’s new and provide actionable tips on how to approach the revamped exam.

The SAT Goes Digital

The SAT has transitioned to a fully digital format, replacing the traditional paper and pencil test. Students now take the entire exam on a computer, a shift that aligns with the increasing digitalization of education and aims to streamline the test-taking process.

Key Points:

• Digital Format: The SAT is now administered on a computer, integrating all testing tools—such as a calculator, countdown timer, and reference sheet—into the digital interface.
• Shorter Test Duration: The total time for the SAT has been reduced to about 2 hours, compared to the previous 3-hour format. Although there are fewer questions, the content remains rigorous.
• Faster Results: Because the test is digital, students can expect to receive their official scores within days, allowing for quicker decisions on college applications and retakes.

Major Changes to the SAT Math Section

The Math section of the SAT has seen several important changes that will impact how students prepare. While the core concepts remain the same, students will interact with the test and encounter questions in new ways.

1. Calculator Use Throughout the Math Section

In the past, the SAT included a “No Calculator” section that tested students’ ability to perform calculations mentally or by hand. The new format eliminates this section, allowing students to use a calculator throughout the entire Math section.

What This Means:

• Students gain more flexibility in tackling complex problems.
• However, it’s still crucial to stay sharp with basic arithmetic and mental math to ensure speed and accuracy.

2. Adaptive Testing

The SAT now features adaptive testing for the Math section. The difficulty of questions adjusts based on how well a student performs during the test. This adaptive model requires a strategic approach to maintain consistent performance throughout the exam.

3. Expanded Focus on Trigonometry and Complex Numbers

The updated SAT Math section includes a slightly expanded focus on advanced topics such as trigonometry and complex numbers. These areas, which cover concepts like sine, cosine, and the imaginary unit iii, now make up a more significant portion of the test.

How to Prepare:

• Students should build a strong understanding of these concepts, as they are likely to appear more frequently.
• Practice problems that involve trigonometric identities and operations with complex numbers will be key to success.

Additional Changes to the SAT

Changes to the SAT aren’t limited to the Math section—other parts of the exam have been modified to reflect a more modern testing experience.

1. Shorter Reading Passages with One Question Each

The Reading section now includes shorter passages, each accompanied by just one question. This change reduces the cognitive load on students and emphasizes critical reading skills. It also exposes students to a wider variety of texts.

2. Digital Reading and Writing Section

Like the Math section, the Reading and Writing section has also gone digital. Students need to become comfortable reading passages and answering questions on a screen, which may require different strategies compared to paper-based tests.

3. Continued Emphasis on Real-World Applications

The SAT continues to emphasize real-world applications of academic concepts, particularly in the Math and Reading sections. The test now focuses even more on assessing students’ readiness for college and careers by requiring them to think critically and apply their knowledge to practical situations.

How to Prepare for the New SAT with Peak Tutoring

At Peak Tutoring, we’re dedicated to helping students succeed on the SAT, no matter how the test evolves. Our tutoring sessions are designed to ensure that students are not only familiar with the content but also comfortable with the new digital format.

Here’s how Peak Tutoring can help:

• Personalized Practice: We offer digital practice tests that simulate the actual SAT experience, helping students adapt to the new format and the adaptive nature of the test.
• Focused Review: Our sessions dive deep into advanced math topics like trigonometry and complex numbers, ensuring students are well-prepared for any question that comes their way.
• Strategic Test-Taking Tips: We teach students how to manage their time effectively, navigate the digital tools, and approach adaptive testing with confidence.

The SAT may be changing, but with the right preparation and support, students can still achieve their best scores. Contact Peak Tutoring today to learn more about our SAT tutoring programs and how we can help you excel on the new digital SAT.