Test Structure
The Digital SAT consists of a Reading and Writing section and a Math section, each composed of 2 modules (4 modules in total). The test proceeds in the following order:
Scoring
The final score of the Digital SAT is calculated by adding the scores from the Reading and Writing section (out of 800 points) and the Math section (also out of 800 points) for a total maximum score of 1600 points. Since the Digital SAT does not penalize for incorrect answers, it's always better to answer every question.
Reading and Writing Section
- Composed of 2 modules, each containing 22 questions to be answered within 35 minutes.
- Four-option multiple-choice questions only
- 11 question types distributed across 4 content domains
|
Content Domain Craft and Structure |
Question Type ① Words in Context ② Text Structure and Purpose ③ Cross-Text Connections |
Distribution ~28% |
|
Content Domain Information and Ideas |
Question Type ④ Central Ideas and Details ⑤ Command of Textual Evidence ⑥ Command of Quantitative Evidence ⑦ Inferences |
Distribution ~26% |
|
Content Domain Standard English Conventions |
Question Type ⑧ Boundaries ⑨ Form, Structure, and Sense |
Distribution ~26% |
|
Content Domain Expression of Ideas |
Question Type ⑩ Transitions ⑪ Rhetorical Synthesis |
Distribution ~20% |
Source: The Digital SAT Suite of Assessments Specifications Overview (College Board)
The question types appear in order, from ① Words in Context to ⑪ Rhetorical Synthesis.
- Questions on ⑤ Command of Textual Evidence and ⑥ Command of Quantitative Evidence can appear in an alternating order.
- Questions on ⑧ Boundaries and ⑨ Form, Structure, and Sense can appear in an alternating order.
Math Section
- Composed of 2 modules, each containing 22 questions to be answered within 35 minutes.
- Four-option multiple-choice (~75%) + Student-produced response (~25%)
- Various question types distributed across 4 content domains
|
Content Domain Algebra |
Question Type ① Linear equations in one variable ② Linear equations in two variables ③ Linear functions ④ Systems of two linear equations in two variables ⑤ Linear inequalities in one or two variables |
Distribution ~35% |
|
Content Domain Advanced Math |
Question Type ① Equivalent expressions ② Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables ③ Nonlinear functions |
Distribution ~35% |
|
Content Domain Problem Solving and Data Analysis |
Question Type ① Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units ② Percentages ③ One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread ④ Two-variable data: models and scatterplots ⑤ Probability and conditional probability ⑥ Inference from sample statistics and margin of error ⑦ Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments |
Distribution ~15% |
|
Content Domain Geometry and Trigonometry |
Question Type ① Area and volume ② Lines, angles, and triangles ③ Right triangles and trigonometry ④ Circles |
Distribution ~15% |
Source: The Digital SAT Suite of Assessments Specifications Overview (College Board)
The question types appear in order, from ① Linear equations in one variable to ⑪ Circles.
- The types of questions appear randomly, with the number of questions for each type roughly matching the distribution.
- The questions are arranged from easiest to hardest.
- A built-in graphing calculator is available on the entire Math section (Students can also bring their own approved calculator).
Adaptive Testing
In the Digital SAT, the difficulty of the second module in each section is determined by the results of the first module. If you score high in the first module, you will be given a more difficult second module. Conversely, if you score low in the first module, you will be given an easier second module. Keep in mind that if you receive an easier second module, the maximum achievable score will be lower.
※ The diagram above is for illustrative purpose only.