Meet The Digital SAT: STRUCTURE
For nearly a century, the SAT has been revised on a regular basis to reflect educational priorities in reading, writing, and math. However, every version of the test has shared one fundamental trait–it was administered on paper. Not anymore! The newest version of the SAT has been rebuilt from the ground up to embody the first truly digital expression of this assessment, as opposed to current computer-based presentations of the paper-and-pencil SAT and ACT. Such a dramatic departure from the norm demands careful consideration of all the elements of testing we typically take for granted: 1. WHERE? The digital SAT and PSAT will still, at least for the near future, be administered at conventional test centers, which usually means high schools. 2. WHEN? Again, the immediate future of the digital SAT will follow the current practice of morning administrations on national test dates, along with various Sunday and school-day administrations.…
Meet The Digital SAT: INTRODUCTION
Every decade, it seems, gets its own version of the SAT. This exam–one of America’s most influential and controversial tests–has endeavored to reflect college readiness and the nation’s educational priorities since 1926. The newest revision charts a bold path to the future of standardized assessments while still channeling the reading, writing, and quantitative problem solving priorities that have been foundational to SAT success for nearly a century. The most visible and glaring change will be an entirely digital SAT and PSAT for just about every student. The dSAT, as the new version of the test is known, has been the only SAT available outside the United States since March 2023. Domestic students will experience the revised exam in two stages: October 2023: Students will take the digital PSAT. March 2024: Students will begin taking the digital SAT. At this time, College Board holds that the switch from the current version…
When PSAT Scores Come Back
The beginning of December can be a very busy time for anyone connected with test prep or college planning. Why? That’s when students start to get their PSAT scores back and, consequently, when parents get to see their child’s PSAT scores. For many families, this marks the official beginning of a year or more of test-related angst and pressure. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re a parent who hasn’t yet learned what these scores mean and what your next steps should be, consider these tips to get you through the initial discovery of your child’s PSAT score: Other than for National Merit and related scholarship consideration, your child’s PSAT score means nothing! In fact, a 10th grader’s PSAT score is not even used for National Merit Scholarship competition. While the PSAT does offer a useful baseline to predict future SAT performance, it is, for all intents and purposes,…
Am I a National Merit Scholarship Contender?
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which was established in 1955, over 1.5 million students in about 21,000 high schools enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year, with about 50,000 entrants qualifying for program recognition, and approximately 8,050 outstanding students receiving scholarships valued collectively at over $35 million for college undergraduate study. The primary way students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), almost always in 11th grade. For many students, a shot at scholarship recognition may be the only good reason to sit for the PSAT. After all, the PSAT is not relevant in college admissions, is not exactly a practice SAT, and doesn’t provide test scores early enough in junior year for many students to act on. That said, there are plenty…
The Digital Future of the SAT
That the SAT changes substantially every ten years or so is not news. College Board’s newest announcement, however, takes the test into entirely new territory: With input from educators and students, College Board is adapting the SAT® Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, PSAT™ 8/9) to ensure we continue to meet their evolving needs. The digital SAT will allow every student—regardless of where they go to high school—to access opportunities and scholarships. While the SAT is largely optional for college admissions, we want it to be the best possible option for students to show their strengths. Considering that ACT added computer-based testing for international and some school day testing years ago, the idea of a digital entrance exam is hardly novel. But ACT’s experience with unrealistic deadlines and operational challenges suggest we consider College Board’s timeline as more aspirational than assured. Last year, I listed a number of questions…
Practice PSAT – Chariot Learning (9/26/21)
Take a official, full length test under proctored conditions at the Chariot Learning office. Take a official, full length practice PSAT under proctored conditions online, and find out your score as soon as you are done! Registrants will take a full PSAT under the guidance of an expert proctor, who will then help everyone score their tests. What should you have ready when the test starts? A printed copy of the provided test (Either from your Official Guide or a provided pdf) A printed answer grid Pencils Calculator Snacks and water >> REGISTER NOW!