The Score, Issue #24: Debunking Digital SAT Myths, Part 1.
dSAT Reading: Easier, Harder, or Just Different?
Greetings, Quiz Hackers, and welcome to another edition of The Score! As the final paper SAT administration draws near, there's considerable buzz surrounding the new, digital SAT (dSAT). Alongside this growing anticipation, rumors are rife. This edition of The Score marks the start of a multi-part series dedicated to distinguishing dSAT facts from myths. First up for discussion: the notion that the new reading section will be "nerfed."
Is dSAT Reading Truly Easier?
The growing narrative suggests the dSAT might be easier, especially when it comes to the Reading & Writing section. However, I’m not so sure. Below are a few reasons that I caution against assuming it will be less difficult.
Beyond Superficial Changes – Understanding Test Duration
The dSAT's Reading section, and the test overall, is significantly shorter, while also allowing more time per question. At first glance, these changes seem to suggest an easier test.
However, I’m not convinced that will end up proving true. Rather, the efficiencies of adaptive testing and Item Response Theory, made possible by the dSAT being computerized, enable the College Board to assess your abilities with greater precision in less time.
A shorter exam reduces the likelihood of mistakes due to mental fatigue, ensuring scores that truly reflect a student's skills. So, while the test may indeed be less physically exhausting, the underlying intellectual rigor remains.
Shorter Passages, Same Challenge
On the digital SAT, each question is paired with its own passage, typically brief, spanning just one or two paragraphs. However, it's misleading to suggest this shift substantially changes SAT Reading's core design.
Even on the paper SAT, pinpointing the right answer often necessitated a focused analysis of relatively short text segments. The dSAT's shorter passages simply underscore what has always been the central, albeit frequently overlooked, objective of SAT Reading: meticulous scrutiny of discreet text sections.
As with the overall length of the test as a whole, conflating passage length with rigor is a mistake. The reason for the dSAT’s shorter Reading passages is functional: lengthier passages would demand excessive scrolling between the question and the passage, which is prohibitively distracting.
Changes in Passage and Question Types
The notorious “Historical Documents” passage, known for its archaic language, will soon be no more. The challenging Citation Pair questions are also being retired. While at first these omissions might seem to reduce the dSAT’s difficulty, the reality is more nuanced.
The dSAT will still incorporate older literature, including poetry. Additionally, the new test will have more “Command of Evidence” questions, which I've termed “Logical Operations” questions. These questions require students to either strengthen or weaken a claim, or derive a logical conclusion from given premises. The intricacies of the logic can be tough to sort out. From my experience helping students with Logical Operations questions, many find them a formidable challenge.
Preparing for the Digital Transition
If you’re banking on dSAT Reading being significantly easier, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. In any case, the new version of the SAT will undeniably be different. Effective prep is critical.
At Quiz Hacker Test Prep, I share powerful, proven strategies and practice questions based on years of successful SAT tutoring. I've helped hundreds of students achieve exceptional score gains. Now you can access the same winning strategies I teach in private sessions, but at a fraction of the cost. Don't miss out on this chance to reach your fullest potential. Start with a free 7-day trial or go premium to unlock my complete archive of score-skyrocketing dSAT resources.
Stay tuned for the next issue of The Score, where I'll dive further into the revamped dSAT Reading & Writing sections, spotlighting the significant changes in vocabulary questions. Until then, stay sharp and remember to Prep Smarter!
~ Dave Walker