Why the SAT has never been more valuable for students

SAT test scores play a crucial role in the admissions process for thousands of colleges and universities globally. Many schools around the world use SAT scores as an equitable measure to evaluate students whose grades and transcripts might hold different weight in different places.

Not only does the exam remain globally relevant for students, the new digital SAT format was built specifically with global test takers in mind. It includes enhanced features that make the testing experience faster, easier and less stressful for students.

Since the digital SAT launched internationally in March, more than 100,000 students in 179 countries have taken the test and given it high praise. In fact, more than 80% of students who had previously taken the written SAT reported a better experience with the digital SAT.

“The digital SAT was very straightforward, simple and quick,” said Waleed Freija, a student at American School of Doha in Qatar. “The tools and application were responsive and easy to use.” 

 

Setting up students for success 

There’s never been a better time to take the SAT as an international student.

Sharing SAT scores with colleges and universities enables students to put forward a more comprehensive application package. Choosing to share scores gives the student greater influence on what schools see, and how they are evaluated.

“We use the test score and student’s exam marks first to determine English proficiency and if the student can do the work,” Jeremiah Quinlan, dean of undergraduate admissions and financial aid at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, explained. “Once that answer is yes, we look at the other parts of their application.”

The SAT is a valuable opportunity for students to practice – and even enhance – their English vocabularies, as well as prepare for university-level work. Strong scores can also provide students access to scholarship opportunities and study abroad programs down the line.

 

Shorter passages, faster results

The new, streamlined digital SAT ensures students will have a positive test-taking experience. It takes full advantage of a digital test and incorporates several significant student-friendly changes.

It is shorter—around two hours rather than three—and students have more time to answer each question. Its content is more globally and academically relevant, and reflects a broader range of topics. Personal calculators are now permitted throughout the entire math section and the built-in calculator is provided within the testing app.

“The passages were much shorter and easier to comprehend … [which] made me much less stressed,” said Omar Abdul Kader, a student at The International School of Choueifat–Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

Test takers can easily view how much time is remaining, add virtual notes and flag questions that require additional time. And because the SAT is now administered seven times a year, students have additional opportunities to study and improve their scores.

“Simply put: the shorter exam made for happier students and proctors, and saved time and trees,” said Victoria Hill, a SAT proctor at Bishop's College School in Sherbrooke, Canada.

Adjusting to evolving needs

The new digital format best reflects the way students currently learn and test at universities around the world. This shift comes at a critical time when schools all over the world are finding innovative ways to support online learning post-pandemic.

“I much prefer the digital SAT format,” said Manuel Vallejo, a student at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. “It’s so much easier to concentrate and I didn't get bored or feel the urge to start looking around the test room, like before.”

It also solves other challenges, from shipping logistics to students bringing the proper No. 2 pencils. “It was quick, efficient, and much less stressful. It’s a big improvement and an excellent example of how technology can be used to streamline and improve a process,” said Brendan Bourne, a SAT coordinator at Yew Chung International School in Qingdao, China.

 

A smooth, seamless test experience

With today’s SAT, students can now take the test using their own laptop or tablet, a school-issued device or a free, loaned device from the College Board. Testing will continue to be proctored at secure test centers and real-time technical support is provided in the event of any test day issues.

Over 95% of students indicated they felt comfortable testing on their own digital device. “It was really easy to set up,” said Heather Evans, a student at American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico. “It was also quieter since there was no flipping pages, which made it a lot easier to focus.”

The SAT can also easily provide accommodations to students with disabilities and special needs. Many reported less anxiety because of the more efficient and user-friendly format. 

“Everything from downloading the app, to setting up our devices, to actually taking the SAT went really smoothly,” said Aidan Bimbrahw, a student at The British School New Delhi, New Delhi, India. “I was a lot less stressed.”

Free practice test resources available

College Board offers a wide range of free practice test resources, including full-length practice tests, sample test questions and a test day checklist, to ensure students feel prepared and ready on test day. These high-quality, whole practice exams can offer students a good idea of the types of questions they’ll receive and can help them feel more confident and comfortable on and approaching test day.

“The questions weren’t that much different from the Bluebook practice tests,” said Lina Abdelrahman, a student from Al Oruba International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, “I wasn’t nervous, which made the test experience excellent.”

Click now to learn more about the SAT and register for the next SAT exam date.