22 Proven Digital SAT Strategies You Should Start Using Now
Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, especially with the new digital format. But understanding the test structure and adjusting your approach can lead to significant score improvements.
This guide outlines 22 essential strategies—organized by section—to help you perform at your peak on the digital SAT.
General Digital SAT Study Strategies
1. Rule Out Three Wrong Choices
On every SAT question, only one answer is correct. The rest must be incorrect for specific reasons. This is why mastering process of elimination is critical. Rather than searching for the correct answer, focus on identifying why each of the others is wrong—especially in the Reading and Writing section.
Train yourself to be methodical and skeptical. Even if options seem similar or subjective, there’s always one objectively right answer.
2. Analyze Every Mistake
Improvement starts with understanding where you went wrong. For each error you make, ask:
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- Was it a content gap?
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- Did time pressure affect your answer?
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- Did you misunderstand the question?
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- Was it a careless slip?
Review each mistake thoroughly to spot trends and patterns—then fix them. This habit is key to meaningful progress.
3. Get Comfortable with the Bluebook App
The digital SAT is taken entirely on a computer using College Board’s Bluebook software. Whether you use a school device or bring your own laptop or tablet, download and familiarize yourself with the app well ahead of test day.
Learn how to answer, review, and navigate between questions efficiently. Comfort with the interface boosts both speed and confidence.
4. Take Full-Length Digital Practice Tests
Using Bluebook, you can take official College Board digital practice tests—six are available for free. Simulate real test conditions by taking them timed and in one sitting.
Spread these tests out over your prep period so you can measure your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.
5. Learn the Built-In Tools
Bluebook includes helpful tools like a digital notepad and the ability to strike through answer options. You can also mark questions to revisit later and move freely within a module.
The timer at the top keeps track of remaining time (which can be hidden if it causes anxiety). Familiarity with these features saves time and keeps you focused.
Reading and Writing Section Tips
6. Use Connotation and Context Clues
For vocabulary-in-context and inference questions, recognize whether a passage has a positive or negative tone. This helps you eliminate choices.
Look beyond the quoted line—check surrounding sentences and transition words like “however” or “although” to get the full picture.
7. Read Actively and Attentively
Though digital SAT passages are shorter, they can be dense or tricky. Always read carefully—skim-reading might cost you easy points.
Practice with real SAT-style passages to build your reading speed and comprehension under timed conditions.
8. Don’t Skip Passage Intros
Some passages start with a brief context blurb. These introductions can help you understand the speaker, setting, or purpose. Skipping them may leave you confused or cost you points.
9. Try to Enjoy the Reading
Staying mentally engaged helps with retention. If you approach the passages with curiosity or interest—even if they’re about unfamiliar topics—you’ll understand and recall the material better.
10. Master SAT Grammar Rules
The SAT consistently tests specific grammar topics. Don’t rely on intuition or what “sounds right”—learn the rules.
Knowing these grammar standards helps you quickly eliminate incorrect choices and reduces second-guessing.
11. Be Skeptical of “NO CHANGE”
Don’t default to choosing “NO CHANGE” on too many grammar questions. Statistically, it’s correct only about 1 in 4 times. If you’re selecting it often, review your answers for overlooked errors.
However, don’t be afraid to pick it when it’s clearly correct.
12. Favor Concise Answers
When two options are grammatically accurate, the SAT usually prefers the clearer, more concise one. Avoid redundancy and wordiness.
For example, “famous and well-known” is longer but means the same as just “famous”—so choose the simpler version.
Math Section Strategies
13. Fill Knowledge Gaps First
Content weakness is the #1 reason students struggle with SAT Math. Focus on mastering core concepts—algebra, functions, word problems, geometry—before drilling practice questions.
You can’t out-practice a lack of understanding.
14. Reattempt Missed Problems Before Reading Explanations
Instead of immediately checking the answer key when you get a math question wrong, try solving it again from scratch.
This builds a deeper understanding and reinforces correct methods better than just reading a solution.
15. Highlight What You’re Solving For
Write down exactly what the question is asking—especially if there are multiple steps. This keeps you focused and avoids careless mistakes like solving for the wrong variable.
16. Don’t Over-Memorize Formulas
Good news—essential formulas (like those for circles, triangles, and volume) are provided in the digital SAT’s reference section. You don’t need to memorize all of them.
Know the basics, but don’t waste time cramming every formula you’ve ever seen.
17. Learn the Desmos Graphing Calculator
The digital SAT includes an on-screen Desmos calculator. It can graph equations, solve for intercepts, and do much more.
Use it during your practice sessions to become familiar with its functions so you can make the most of it during the actual test.
18. Don’t Neglect Geometry or Trigonometry
While these topics only make up about 15% of SAT Math, they’re still important—especially since the digital version increased their presence.
Brush up on key concepts like SOHCAHTOA, radians, volume, and triangles. Skipping them could mean missing out on easy points.
Test Day Tactics
19. Pack Everything the Night Before
Reduce test-day stress by preparing in advance. Here’s your checklist:
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- Admission ticket
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- Valid photo ID
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- #2 pencils and eraser
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- Calculator (if not using the online one)
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- Water and snacks
Lay it all out the night before so you’re not scrambling in the morning.
20. Don’t Get Stuck on Tough Questions
If a question stumps you, skip it and move on. Time is limited, and it’s better to return later than waste several minutes stuck.
Use these general time guidelines:
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- Math: ~70 seconds per question
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- Reading/Writing: ~90 seconds per question
Mark uncertain questions and revisit them if time allows.
21. Review Your Work
If you finish early, don’t zone out—go back and check your answers. Focus first on the ones you flagged earlier, then work through the rest if time permits.
A quick double-check could catch a simple mistake and earn you more points.
22. Stay Focused and Calm
If you hit a tough patch, don’t panic. Skip, mark, and come back later. Keep your mindset flexible and focused. Remember: it’s okay to work out of order.
Breathe, reset, and take it one question at a time.
Final Thoughts
These 22 strategies can dramatically improve your performance on the digital SAT:
General Tips
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- Eliminate incorrect answers
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- Analyze your mistakes
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- Master the Bluebook interface
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- Take full-length practice tests
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- Explore all new tools
Reading & Writing Tips
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- Use connotation/context clues
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- Read actively
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- Don’t skip intros
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- Stay mentally engaged
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- Learn grammar rules
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- Double-check “NO CHANGE” picks
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- Choose clarity and brevity
Math Tips
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- Address weak content areas
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- Re-solve incorrect problems
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- Write down what you’re solving
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- Use the formula sheet wisely
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- Practice with Desmos
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- Study geometry/trig
Test Day
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- Prepare your materials
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- Manage time by skipping tough questions
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- Double-check answers
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- Stay calm throughout
By consistently applying these techniques, you’ll not only boost your SAT scores—you’ll also walk into test day more prepared and confident.
