How to Study for the Digital SAT (Includes Free Resources!)

The digital SAT has a new format, new software and new ways to study! Keep reading to discover some helpful tips and resources to help you study for the digital SAT!

What is the digital SAT? 

The SAT is a college-entrance and standardized exam that some colleges require for admission or scholarship consideration. The SAT is a multiple-choice test that tests students on math and evidence-based reading and writing skills. Your SAT score will be used in addition to other factors such as GPA and extracurricular activities to determine if you will receive admission from a college or university.

Starting in 2024, the SAT has become digital! Meaning, it will be only administered online via a computer or other testing device. No written format will be given out to students unless they have specific testing accommodations.

Don’t miss: 2025-2026 SAT test dates

What is the digital SAT format? 

The digital SAT is made up of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Below is a chart detailing the time allowed and number of questions for each section.

The digital SAT uses adaptive testing which means the questions you see on the exam will depend on how you answered the prior questions. So, the first module of each section will contain a range of easy, medium and hard questions. Based on the student’s performance on the first module, the second module will either be more or less difficult.

Remember there is no penalty for guessing! It is better to guess than leave your response blank.

Tips for studying for the digital SAT

So, how should someone study for this new digital SAT?

Ask yourself if the SAT is right for you 

To begin you should reflect to see if the SAT is worth it for your personal circumstances and goals to take! Many colleges and universities have become test-optional or even test-free. So, research schools and programs that interest you to determine if taking the SAT is the right choice for you.

Check out: The complete guide to test-optional colleges

Set a goal

Setting a goal will help you study for the SAT. You can decide on a goal score to help you focus on achieving that goal. You can also set smaller goals such as how many days a week you will study or how many practice tests you will take. Ultimately, goal-setting can help you stay focused and reach your goals!

Don’t miss: What is a high SAT score? 

Create a study plan 

Having a study plan can help you stay on track to reach your SAT goals. By breaking up your studying into smaller chunks it can make it more manageable to study even through your busy schedule of extracurricular activities and studying for your high school classes.

Here is an example of a study plan for the SAT:

This example study plan is a more digestible way to study rather than cramming for hours straight a few nights before the SAT. In fact, you can increase your study times as each week passes to ensure that you are ready for the real SAT.

You should be starting your study plan 2-3 months prior to the SAT to give yourself enough time and flexibility to study before you need to take the exam.

Don’t miss: When should you take the SAT or ACT? 

Pay attention in class 

Paying attention in class is one of the best things you can do to help you study for the SAT! Although you are probably not taking SAT-catered classes in your high school, simply paying attention to the material you are learning can be extremely helpful. For example, the SAT math section tests students on algebra, geometry and trigonometry. So, if you are currently taking one of those classes you can focus on the other subjects in your outside-of-school SAT studying without having to worry too much about the subject matter you are learning in school.

Check out: What classes should I take senior year of high school? 

Familiarize yourself with the online format 

Becoming familiar with the format of the SAT will help you greatly! In order to become familiar, you should explore the Bluebook software and take practice tests in a simulated environment. Research tips and tricks in the SAT format such as the digital calculator or scrap paper so you will maximize the resources available to you.

Free resources for studying for the digital SAT 

Bluebook practice tests

Taking practice tests through Bluebook will help you simulate the real SAT testing experience. These practice tests have a time limit just like a real test. However, students can pause their timer if necessary (which you cannot do during the real SAT). All of the tools available to students during the real SAT are available in the Bluebook practice tests. These practice tests are free for students to take and are the best way to become familiar with the format of the digital SAT.

My practice

My practice is a tool used by the College Board which allows students who have taken a Bluebook practice test to log in to view their score results and practice test questions, answers and explanations. This will be extremely helpful in showing you where your strengths and weaknesses lie to help target your studying prior to taking the real SAT.

Khan Academy 

An official partner with the College Board, Khan Academy provides free SAT practice and prep materials for students. Khan Academy offers thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons and test-taking tips. Be sure to scroll through the resources they offer to help you prepare for the SAT!

Related: What is Khan Academy? Everything you need to know 

Tips from a recent digital SAT taker

I took the dSAT in August of 2024. The biggest advantage of the digital SAT in comparison to the on-paper SAT is the online calculator called “Desmos.” Not only can you use this calculator to solve many long problems in only a few seconds, but you also have the option to bring the calculator you are accustomed to and use them both to your benefit. A big downside of the dSAT is you must have a computer approved by Collegeboard to download the test taking program called Bluebook. While this is an easy step for anyone who has a computer that is allowed, I have a personal Chromebook, Therefore,  I had to obtain a school-issued Chromebook over the summer, which was a challenge.

Resources I used:

I studied for the dSAT by creating a Khan Academy account and completing practice problems. I then bought the Princeton 2025 edition dSAT textbook to use their practice tests. Throughout my studying, I took practice tests and then used Khan Academy to study topics I got wrong, and then took a new test repeating this process every few days. When I finally obtained a school-owned computer that had the bluebook programming, I was able to use their practice materials. Their practice tests were exact to the format of the actual SAT and it gives you a score estimate.

Two days before my test, the College Board released an update that not only provides you with your tested score, but also analytics as to what specific techniques you could improve on. In total, I studied for around two months: In that time I took two Princeton Review practice tests, three bluebook practice tests, and only took the actual dSATs once.

Final advice

If I were to take the dSATs again, I would definitely take many of the Bluebook College Board practice tests, use the new analytics to see what I need to improve on, and use Khan Academy to strengthen those skills. I highly recommend anyone taking it to do the same, and to familiarize yourself with Desmos because it helped save me a lot of time on questions.

Ellie Gilmore | High school, junior

Key Takeaways

• The SAT has gone “digital,” meaning it will be taken completely online
• To help you study for the SAT you should ask yourself if the SAT is right for you, set a goal, create a study plan, pay attention in class and familiarize yourself with the online format
• There are many free resources available to help you study for the SAT including Bluebook practice tests, My practice and Khan Academy
• In order to get the best score you can on the SAT, you should be familiar with the new online tools and format and be continuously taking practice tests!

Frequently asked questions about studying for the digital SAT