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SATs Transition to Digital Format, Sparking Mixed Reactions Among Students

The digital SAT, now an hour shorter, aims to modernize the exam process but faces scrutiny over equity concerns.

  • For the first time, students across the U.S. will take the SAT on computers and tablets, moving away from the traditional pencil-and-paper format.
  • The digital SAT is designed to be more convenient with features like a built-in timer and advanced calculator, but some students miss the tangibility of paper.
  • Critics argue the digital format doesn't address longstanding equity issues, as the SAT is said to favor students from high-income families.
  • A select number of colleges are reinstating SAT or ACT score requirements, believing these tests help identify promising students from diverse backgrounds.
  • The College Board defends the digital SAT, stating it mirrors performance differences seen in standardized assessments across the U.S.
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