Preparing for the Digital SAT can feel overwhelming, especially with countless test-prep companies promising “shortcuts” and “secrets.” The truth is, there are no hidden tricks. The SAT is designed to measure what you’ve already learned—not to confuse you.
To help you approach test day with confidence, Test Prep Pundits has compiled 10 practical strategies every student should know before sitting for the Digital SAT:
1. Manage Your Time Wisely
The digital SAT includes a timer you can display or hide. For Reading and Writing, you’ll get roughly 1 minute 11 seconds per question, while Math allows about 1 minute 35 seconds per question. Aim to complete 8–9 Reading and Writing questions or 6–7 Math questions every 10 minutes. If you find yourself stuck, use the Mark for Review option and return later instead of wasting time.
2. Use Annotations to Your Advantage
Each Reading and Writing passage comes with a single question. Use the highlighting and note-taking tools to underline key details or jot quick reminders. This makes it easier to identify evidence and avoid missing important points.
3. Don’t Look for Patterns in Answer Choices
Every answer option—A, B, C, or D—has an equal chance of being correct. Don’t waste time second-guessing patterns in your responses. Instead, use the Option Eliminator tool to cross out wrong answers and boost your odds of choosing correctly.
4. Navigate Freely Within Modules
Although the SAT is adaptive between modules, the questions within a single module remain fixed. That means you can move back and forth within the module to check or change your answers before time runs out.
5. Focus on Solving, Not Difficulty
Whether a question is easy or hard doesn’t matter. Don’t spend mental energy trying to label the difficulty—just concentrate on solving each question with your best effort.
6. Make Smart Guesses
Leaving an answer blank guarantees zero points, but an educated guess could earn you credit. If you can eliminate even one incorrect answer, your chances of guessing correctly increase significantly.
7. Master the Calculator and Reference Tools
The digital SAT provides access to the Desmos graphing calculator and built-in reference sheets for Math. Familiarize yourself with these before test day. If you prefer to use your own approved calculator, practice extensively with it so you feel comfortable.
8. Take a Full-Length Practice Test in Bluebook™
Doing a complete timed test in the official Bluebook app helps you understand pacing, stamina, and the overall digital format. If you qualify for accommodations, practice with them as well so you know what to expect.
9. Target Your Weak Areas
After completing a practice test, review your results on mypractice.collegeboard.org. You’ll get detailed explanations for every question. Then, use Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy® and the Skills Insight™ tool to strengthen the topics where you struggled the most.
10. Stay Calm and Confident
The night before your test, get a full night’s sleep. On test morning, eat a balanced breakfast, take deep breaths, and trust your preparation. A calm mindset can make all the difference in your performance.
Final Thought
If you’ve already taken the digital PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 8/9, you’ve had a taste of the testing experience. Use that familiarity to your advantage, and remember: success on the SAT comes from consistent practice and smart strategy—not “secret hacks.”
At Test Prep Pundits, we specialize in guiding students through every stage of their SAT journey, ensuring you walk into test day prepared and confident.
