Recently, there have been many new updates made for college-related standardized tests, including the PSAT and SAT. In recent years, CollegeBoard has already removed the SAT essay section as well as SAT subject tests, and is now continuing to strip down the test itself.
The first large update is the PSAT and SAT will be administered digitally starting in 2024. Despite its digital format, students will still need to take the test in a proctored test location, not simply at home. According to the Vice President of College Readiness Assessments at CollegeBoard, Priscilla Rodriguez, “The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant.”
Secondly, the SAT is going to be a two-hour long test instead of three. There will be shorter reading passages, and the entire math section will allow a calculator. CollegeBoard argues that this will be beneficial to test-takers, since they will be able to receive their scores in days instead of weeks.
Recently, more new updates have been released regarding the new online format. In terms of technological problems, all student progress will be saved automatically so work on the test is not lost. Also, the system that will be used to give the online test will give a unique test for every test-taker to eliminate cheating.
Luckily for the current freshmen, they and future grades will have the opportunity to take this new and improved test. CollegeBoard seems to keep eliminating more and more aspects of the PSAT & SAT, tests that are already highly controversial. These moves beg the question: will college entrance exams fall out of use altogether?
Sources:
https://edsource.org/updates/college-board-announces-new-digital-sat-exams
