Why the SATs going digital matters — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
- Part 1 Why the SATs going digital matters — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
- Part 2Getting the scholarships you need — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
Show Notes
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02:53Taking the SAT and ACT despite testTests like the SAT and ACT are still crucial for college admissions. Studies show that test scores double the chances of admission, and impact scholarship opportunities. Plus, some colleges are reinstating test requirements, making it a key factor for future applicants.
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06:24The impact of test optional policies on college admissionsTest-optional policies have led to a surge in college applications, making admission more competitive. Furthermore, these policies have increased median scores and lowered acceptance rates.
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07:42Benefits of the SAT going digitalThe digital version of the SAT is adaptive and can gauge a student's ability level with fewer questions. With only 98 questions and a shorter testing time of two hours and 14 minutes, the digital format aims to reduce test anxiety and offer a more comfortable experience for students.
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09:53The adaptive nature of the Digital SATThe Digital SAT is adaptive module by module. If a student performs well in a module, theyll encounter a harder module next, and if they struggle, they face an easier module. However, harder modules increase the chance of achieving higher scores.
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11:38The Digital SAT and test anxiety reductionThe Digital SAT helps with test anxiety by offering more time per question and being a shorter exam overall. Students can hide the timer within the testing app and receive a warning when five minutes are left, thus reducing test anxiety.
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13:03Digital SAT score processing timeThe Digital SAT offers a faster turnaround time for scores compared to the paper version. While paper scores take two to three weeks, the digital version shortens the process to about one to two weeks.
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13:39Commencement date of the Digital SATThe first digital version of the SAT in the United States will be administered on March 9, 2024. The last official paper-based SAT was in December 2023.
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14:19Preparation for the new Digital SATStudents should familiarize themselves with the testing app, including features like the timer button and digital tools such as the calculator and reference sheet. College Board's free Blue Book app provides practice questions and official SAT exams for effective preparation.
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14:56Content changes within the Digital SATTopics like imaginary numbers, complex trigonometry, and obscure vocabulary have been removed. While the Digital SAT is shorter and easier, students must take the time to learn the new content as the exam is graded on a less forgiving curve than the paper-based SAT.
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16:33Resources for Digital SAT preparationFree resources like College Board's Blue Book app and Khan Academy's lesson plans for the digital SAT are valuable. Additionally, low-cost options include the College Board's official Digital SAT study guide and the upcoming "Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook".
Quotes
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"Theres over $5 billion in merit-based scholarships from universities, private companies, and the government. But you're automatically out of the running for many of these scholarships if you don't have a test score." - Shaan Patel
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"The chances of a student getting into a test-optional college is almost double when they have a test score versus when they do not have a test score. " - Shaan Patel
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"The Digital SAT only has 98 questions compared to 160-200 in previous paper versions. It's only two hours and 14 minutes of testing time, a nice change for students who struggle with concentrating for three to four hours." - Shaan Patel
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"The digital version of the SAT is adaptive, which means it gets harder or easier. The modules will get harder or easier as students get more or less questions correct." - Shaan Patel
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"Though the Digital SAT is shorter and easier, students must invest time to learn new content. Graded on a less forgiving curve than the paper-based SAT, achieving top-tier scores may be more challenging." - Shaan Patel
- Part 1 Why the SATs going digital matters — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
- Part 2Getting the scholarships you need — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
Up Next:
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Part 1Why the SATs going digital matters — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
Shaan Patel, Founder of Prep Expert, delves into the SAT going digital and securing scholarships. The SAT has been paper-based for almost 100 years, but it’s going digital for the first time. This change brings a multitude of advantages for students and parents, including adjusted content that allows students more time per question, and the option to hide the timer, reducing test anxiety. Today, Shaan discusses why the SAT going digital matters.
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Part 2Getting the scholarships you need — Shaan Patel // Prep Expert
Shaan Patel, Founder of Prep Expert, delves into the SAT going digital and securing scholarships. When it comes to higher education, scholarships can be the key to unlocking opportunities without the burden of hefty tuition bills. From third-party scholarships to merit-based aid from universities, there are several options to make the pursuit of a college education more accessible and less financially daunting. Today, Shaan discusses how to get the scholarships you need.
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