America’s First National Digital SAT Scores Are In. Now what?

Hey guys, it’s Eric at Solution Prep. The first digital SAT has officially debuted in America, and scores have finally arrived! After fielding endless questions from students, parents, and educators alike about whether the digital SAT would be easier, we now have our answer: absolutely not.

Let’s clarify why. If the SAT became easier, everyone would earn higher scores. And if everyone has the highest SAT score possible, suddenly everyone’s getting into Harvard, right? Clearly, that’s not feasible.

How is the Digital SAT Scored?

The SAT remains curved, meaning your score isn’t solely based on the number of questions you get correct but how your performance compares to everyone else taking the test nationwide that day. Understanding how to score digital SAT effectively involves grasping the new module-based structure.

Each Reading and Writing module includes 27 questions. You need approximately 18 correct answers in module one to progress to the more challenging module two. Fail to hit that benchmark, and you’ll face an easier second module.

For Math, each module contains 22 questions, and you must correctly answer around 15 in module one to proceed to the harder module two. If you fall short, you’ll tackle an easier second module.

Understanding the Digital SAT Score Range

If you’re directed to the easier module two in either section, the digital SAT score range available to you in that subject will be between 200 and 650. However, reaching the harder second module sets you within the higher digital SAT score range of 400 to 800.

The digital SAT scoring is nuanced, with considerable overlap. Yes, your total correct answers matter, but importantly, the difficulty level of the second module significantly impacts your scoring potential. Thus, navigating effectively between modules is crucial in achieving the SAT max score of 1600.

Experimental Questions: Why Not All Questions Count

Another critical point is that not every question you answer on test day counts towards your final score. Out of the 54 Reading and Writing questions and the 44 Math questions you tackle, some are experimental: which is to say, used by the College Board to shape future tests. Your questions today may be someone else’s experimental questions tomorrow.

Surprises from the First Digital SAT

After this first digital SAT administration in America, students have reported on platforms like Reddit and TikTok that the harder math module was notably tougher than any materials provided by the College Board in their official Blue Book or Blue Book app. This unforeseen jump in difficulty makes achieving the highest SAT score possible more challenging.

While this unexpected difficulty spike was disappointing and arguably unfair to students and educators, it’s crucial to remain adaptable. The SAT max score remains 1600, but achieving that perfect score now requires even more targeted preparation and flexibility.

Moving Forward

Despite initial frustrations, there’s always an opportunity to improve. Upcoming test dates in May and June offer juniors another chance to refine their skills and boost their scores before senior year. Sophomores have an even broader window to prepare strategically throughout their junior year.

At Solution Prep, we understand these challenges and are committed to helping students navigate the complexities of scoring high on the digital SAT. With the right approach and resources, understanding how to score digital SAT effectively and aiming for the highest SAT score possible remains within your reach.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and remember, achieving your personal best score is always possible with the right preparation and mindset.