It’s been almost a year since the College Board launched its new Digital SAT. While students, parents, teachers, and tutors have acclimated to the shorter test, Bluebook app, and DESMOS calculator, there are still a few things we are learning more about. The new Digital SAT’s adaptive test format—the difficulty level of questions students must answer adjusts based on a student’s performance—is one of the biggest remaining question marks. What does that mean for students? Adaptive testing means questions are weighted, with some questions worth more than others. So, to ensure that you have the best chance to earn a top score, learn more about how weighting works and what strategies will help you make the most of it.
What You Need to Know About Weighting
The Digital SAT has four modules: Module 1 (Reading and Writing), Module 2 (Reading and Writing), Module 1 (Math), and Module 2 (Math). How students perform on Module 1 will determine whether they move on the easier or harder version of Module 2. Those who get sorted into the higher level of Module 2 will answer more difficult questions that are worth more than the easier questions in the lower level Module 2. So, even if two students answer the same number of questions correctly in Module 2, the student who was placed in the higher level module is guaranteed a higher score on the test.
Does that mean harder questions are worth more than easier questions? It’s complicated. The Digital SAT scoring system is based on something called Item Response Theory (IRT), a framework of statistical models that uses test questions or “items” to estimate a student’s ability level. That’s why two students can answer the same number of questions correctly, but ultimately earn different scores: the student who answers more difficult questions will earn a higher score than a student who answers the same number of easy questions.
Strategy Suggestions
- Emphasize easy questions. The most important thing you can do to give yourself the best chance of earning a high score on the Digital SAT is to answer as many easy questions correctly as you can. Doing well on difficult questions is important, too, but poor performance on easy questions is more indicative of a lack of underlying ability. So, by missing as few easy questions as possible in Module 1, you will be able to move on to the higher level Module 2 where you may answer more questions incorrectly but your correct answers will be worth more.
- Get to know the format of the test. Because the difficulty level of the questions you answer correctly can affect your score more than the number of questions you answer correctly, it’s important to know where you will encounter each type of question. Each of the Reading and Writing and Math modules are arranged from easiest to hardest. You will be administered the higher level Module 2 with more difficult questions if you answer about two-thirds of the questions in Module 1 correctly.
- Answer with care. Don’t lose valuable points by misunderstanding what a question is asking or rushing through some of the answer choices. Careless mistakes like these can cost you, especially on easier questions. You should be particularly focused during Module 1 because missing easy questions there will cost you more, including the chance to move on to the more difficult (and rewarding!) Module 2.
- Don’t mess with Student-Produced Responses. These math questions are worth more because no multiple choice options means you can’t guess. Students who answer these questions correctly know their stuff! Make sure your test prep plan includes plenty of practice for these items, so you’re ready to tackle them on test day.
- Focus on your weak spots. Your test prep plan should aim to address the skills and concepts that you struggle with the most, whether those question types are easy or difficult. Before getting started with test prep, take a full practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. With this valuable information, you can create a study plan that will help you answer more questions with confidence.
- Practice pays off. The more familiar and comfortable you get with the Digital SAT, the less stress you will feel on test day. Not only will you be a pro at using the Bluebook app’s digital tools like the DESMOS calculator and annotation tools, but you will also be able to monitor your progress and target specific topics to review and practice. The College Board offers free Digital SAT practice tests on its Bluebook app.
How A+ Can Help
Since the Digital SAT’s adaptive testing format does mean that some questions will have a greater impact on your score than others, your test prep plan should include mastering test-taking strategies that help you maximize your scoring potential, which starts with knowing where you stand. Register for one of our free proctored practice tests to receive a complete Digital SAT score report and a consultation. If you decide to enroll in our SAT tutoring program, our tutors at A+ Test Prep and Tutoring will provide the personalized guidance and support needed to capitalize students’ strengths and address any weaknesses, enabling them to better manage their time and correctly answer questions more likely to boost their score.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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