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5 Simple Tips for Taking the Digital SAT

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5 Simple Tips for Taking the Digital SAT

The days of paper-based SATs are over, and students will now take the SAT on a computer using the CollegeBoards Bluebook application. While the underlying academic content is largely the same, this new testing format requires new strategies, new skills, and new habits.

Here are 5 simple tips to help you be more successful when you take the digital SAT:

  • Hide the timer and decide in advance when to check it. It can be distracting to see the time ticking away, so minimize the timer and check it periodically. It automatically shows up when you have 5 minutes left in a section, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally completely running out of time.
  • Organize your scratch paper. Divide your scratch paper into a grid so that you can keep your work grouped by question. Be sure to write the question number so that you can refer back to your notes if you revisit a problem.
  • Flag challenging problems so that you can easily return to them later if you have time. If you’re not 100% certain, flag it! While you’re at it, use the ‘eliminate answer’ feature when you feel like you have a 50/50 choice – this allows you to see what you were choosing between if you come back to review it.
  • Trust your gut. Only change answers if you find a mistake or learn something new – don’t change an answer based on gut feeling alone. If you have time to check your answers, make sure you answered the question that was actually being asked.
  • Use your break productively. Your break is an opportunity to take care of basic needs – go to the bathroom, hydrate, and eat a snack – and it’s also an opportunity to prepare for what’s coming next. Take this time to gameplan for the Math sections. What formulas do you need to remember? What strategies do you want to keep front-of-mind? What types of mistakes do you need to avoid? Don’t fixate on what has already happened. Instead, focus on what you can control by readying yourself for the second half of the test.

For more tips and resources for taking the Digital SAT, check out our upcoming SAT Bootcamps and info sessions on the Class Calendar, and make sure to read our other dSAT tip blogs!

For personalized, one-on-one sessions with an expert tutor, simply fill out the intake form, and we’ll connect you with a perfect-fit tutor to help you prepare for the new, digital SAT.

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I was referred to Open Door by friends for SAT/ACT test prep for my child. Travis was the instructor and he was great. Their diagnostic process, tutoring and practice testing really helped my student focus on key areas for development, resulting in a significant improvement in actual test scores. I highly recommend their service.
-Acton Parent
I was referred to Open Door by friends for SAT/ACT test prep for my child. Travis was the instructor and he was great. Their diagnostic process, tutoring and practice testing really helped my student focus on key areas for development, resulting in a significant improvement in actual test scores. I highly recommend their service.
-AB Parent

Mehak

She/Her

Open Door Tutor

Math, Sciences

Mehak graduated from UMass Amherst with a dual B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, and a certificate in Biomedicine. Mehak began tutoring at the Learning Resource Center at UMass, helping students in a broad range of subjects, including calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, and Spanish. Through tutoring, she realized her passion for working with students to lead them to success. She believes that every student has the potential to excel, especially in a supportive and encouraging environment. As such, her teaching philosophy revolves around creating a space where students feel comfortable asking for help and asking questions. She finds the most rewarding part of tutoring to be the “aha” moment — when a concept finally clicks for a student. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, you can always find Mehak on a tennis court hitting some balls. If she’s not on a tennis court, then she is probably reading, painting, or spending time with friends.

Tim

He/Him

Open Door Tutor

Math, Physics

A UMass Amherst graduate with a degree in Applied Mathematics, Tim started his career teaching high school math and physics. He continued teaching in a Job Corps program, as well as mixing in some private tutoring. While the majority of Tim’s career has been in high tech as a software and systems engineer, he never strayed far from his teaching roots — always mentoring younger engineers and sharing his expertise whenever possible. Tim’s teaching style is primarily Socratic — engaging in questions and conversation rather than solely explaining topics. He believes the tutoring process is a partnership in which both parties grow and learn. Tim spends his free time caring for his wife’s growing herd of horses, as well as trying, with intermittent success, to improve his golf game.