The Scholastic Aptitude Test (otherwise known as the SAT) is a college admissions test created in 1926. This test has traditionally been done on paper, but starting in 2024 the test will become digital, as originally announced in November 2021. 

Priscilla Rodriguez, vice president of College Readiness Assessments at College Board, said, “The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant.”

Some major changes to the soon-to-be digital test include a one-hour decrease of the test duration, shorter and more varied reading passages, more time for answering questions, the allowance of calculators for the entire math section, and quicker test results. 

“In 2022, it makes sense for more and more things within the college admissions process to transition to electronic versions…This way will allow for a more seamless administration for staff and students. In addition, I think students will appreciate the fact that the time spent taking the exam will be shorter, so they may have an easier time focusing throughout the entirety of the exam than before,” Steven Casamento, Pascack Hills guidance counselor and SAT coordinator said.

To some, these changes are advantageous and reflect the significance of the SAT because it may help to make the test more accurate and appropriate for a greater number of students. 

Hills junior Meher Baath said, “These changes to the SAT are better because the reading section can be hard, and the test helps everyone instead of certain individuals since there are some people who need more time for questions or need a calculator for math. It makes the SAT beneficial for everyone, not just certain people.”

However, almost all of these beneficial changes to the SAT can still be made on paper. The changes to the digital exam will make the test more relevant to today’s students, but the concept of the SAT being done on computers offers its own disadvantages as well.

Technology is never flawless; it will sometimes glitch, have poor connection to WiFi, or be unable to save certain changes. When the SAT becomes digital, there is the risk of the computer unsuccessfully saving the students’ answers, the test glitching while the student takes the test, and more. 

Casamento also said, “I know there are many students who would prefer still having the old school pencil and paper exams. I anticipate that there is a chance for stress to come along with the possibility that at any time technology can crash but as with anything new, adapting will come with just as many challenges as there are advantages and advancements.”

Not only that, but the computer may decrease test takers’ focus and cause them to perform worse on the test, despite the shorter test duration. 

Hills junior Sammy Lazar said, “Staring at the screen for hours can make people’s eyes hurt. Now, people are always using their phones and computers, so more technology can be harmful to our eyes.”

The fact that the SAT is going to be done on computers offers various downsides that would be avoided if the SAT remained on paper, such as technological difficulties and eye discomfort. However, when running smoothly, the new version of the SAT is more convenient and advantageous, whether it be through it operating more easily or becoming a more accurate representation of students’ test-taking abilities.