Brevard SAT testing goes digital this year, but you'll still need to be there in person to test
For the first time ever, starting this weekend, Brevard students will take the SAT without paper or a No. 2 pencil.
The test, the scores of which are commonly used for college and university applications and scholarships, is going digital this year, according to Kaplan, Inc., a global educational services company. Instead of using the traditional papers and scantron, they'll be administered on laptops or tablets via an app called Bluebook, according to the College Board.
The shift to digital testing was announced by College Board in 2022, with international students making the shift in 2023. This year is the first time US-based students will use the updated test.
Russell Bruhn, spokesperson for Brevard Public Schools, said the process likely won't change much, in that students will still need to be present at their school or a testing center to take the test.
However, there are some key differences that make the new test unique. Here's what you need to know about the tests, which will be held this Saturday, and again in May and June. You can register to take the SAT on the College Board's website.
You'll have 2 hours to complete the test, not 3
There are two reasons for the abbreviated time allotment: The test is adaptive, and it also contains shorter reading passages.
Both the verbal and math sections have two modules, the second of which is dependent on how the test taker performs on the first module. A weaker performance on the first module yields an easier set of questions for the second module, while a stronger performance will result in harder questions.
The shorter reading passages will have only one question per passage, making it quicker to work through.
Should I bring a calculator?
While test takers have been allowed to use calculators from home on certain parts of the SAT in the past, there's no need to bring a calculator this year. Bluebook has a calculator built into it that test takers may use for the entire math section.
More: Brevard Schools is creating the 2024-2025 student code of conduct. Here are the big changes
You'll get your scores back faster
In previous years, it took several weeks to get a score report. However, with the digital SAT, test takers are expected to receive their scores in a few days, according to Kaplan.
Despite changes, new test remains similar to previous version
The main purpose of the SAT remains the same despite its new format: It measures a test taker's knowledge and skills for college. Each test taker will be scored on a 1600-point scale.
Students must be in person at school or a test center to take the test, just like in the past. Free test practice resources are still offered online, and accommodations are available on testing day.
Do colleges still require SAT scores?
Not every college or university requires SAT scores for admission anymore. According to Forbes, this trend was accelerated due to remote learning during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 2,000 accredited colleges and universities had removed testing requirements from their admission criteria as of 2024, according to The National Center for Fair & Open Testing. However, Forbes reported that submitting your scores to a test-optional college can still help improve your chances of getting in.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SAT goes digital, but Brevard students still need to be on site to test
