NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT:
The What, When, and How of the Digital SAT
PRESENTED BY
Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.
JULY 2025
Founder & CEO, Winward Academy
WINWARDACADEMY.COM
2
01
Overview of Changes
02
SAT Structure & Scoring
03
Digital SAT Interface
04
How to Best Prepare
05
Accommodations
Agenda
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Overview of Changes
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
01
3
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Overview of Digital SAT
Reading and Writing and Math Modules
4
BRIEF PAUSE
READING AND WRITING SECTION
Module 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
32
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
27
Module 2
Adaptive: easier or harder based on performance in Module 1
32
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
27
MATH SECTION
Module 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
BRIEF PAUSE
35
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
22
Module 2
Adaptive: easier or harder based on performance in Module 1
35
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
22
USING A CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED ON BOTH MODULES
2
“PRE-TEST” QUESTIONS IN EACH MODULE
*These are not scored
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
SAT Scoring Breakdown
5
200–800
POINTS
POSSIBLE
Reading & Writing
MATH
200–800
POINTS
POSSIBLE
Calculated as Reading and Writing + Math
(400–1600 POSSIBLE SCORE)
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
SAT: Module Details
6
| READING AND WRITING MODULES COLLEGE READY SCORE - 480 | MATH MODULES COLLEGE READY SCORE - 530 |
TIMING | 64 MINUTES
| 70 MINUTES
|
QUESTIONS | 54 QUESTIONS
| 44 QUESTIONS
|
TIME PER QUESTION | 1.2 min per question, �both stages | 1.6 min per question,�both stages |
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Digital SAT Test Day
Comparing Regular Time vs. Extended Time
THE DIGITAL SAT (dSAT)�WAS DESIGNED TO APPEAL�TO STUDENTS.
7
Digital SAT: Regular Time
4 Sections, 2 Hours and 14 Minutes
Digital SAT: 1.5 Extended Time
4 Sections, 3 Hours and 22 Minutes
Reading �& Writing 1
�Math 1
27 QUESTIONS
22 QUESTIONS
10 MINUTE BREAK
27 QUESTIONS
22 QUESTIONS
10 MINUTE BREAK*
32MIN
35MIN
35MIN
48MIN
48MIN
53MIN
41MIN
32MIN
27 QUESTIONS
Reading �& Writing 2
�Math 2
22 QUESTIONS
27 QUESTIONS
Reading �& Writing 1
�Math 1
Reading �& Writing 2
�Math 2
53MIN
22 QUESTIONS
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
SAT Structure & Scoring
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
02
8
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
9
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
10
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
11
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Exam Structure & Scoring
Adaptive scoring module breakdown for the Reading and Writing section
12
READING AND WRITING EXAM SECTION
POSSIBLE SCORE
~450–800
POSSIBLE SCORE
~200–600
> 65% Accuracy
MODULE 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
8 EASY QUESTIONS
9 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
8 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
Get 18 or more right (out of 27),�go to the harder module 2
Get fewer than 18 right (out of 27),�go to the easier module
< 65% Accuracy
12 EASY QUESTIONS
10 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
3 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
MODULE 2
Harder
Easier
MODULE 2
3 EASY QUESTIONS
11 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
11 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Exam Structure & Scoring
Adaptive scoring module breakdown for the Math section
13
MATH EXAM SECTION
POSSIBLE SCORE
~450–800
POSSIBLE SCORE
~200–600
> 60% Accuracy
MODULE 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
6 EASY QUESTIONS
8 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
6 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
Get 13 or more right (out of 22),�go to the harder module 2
Get fewer than 13 right (out of 22),�go to the easier module 2
< 60% Accuracy
10 EASY QUESTIONS
8 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
2 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
MODULE 2
Harder
Easier
MODULE 2
2 EASY QUESTIONS
9 MEDIUM QUESTIONS
9 HARD QUESTIONS
2 UNSCORED QUESTIONS
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Exam Structure & Scoring
Introduction to Item Response Theory scoring
14
ITEM RESPONSE THEORY (IRT)
WHAT DOES IRT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION?
Method of developing and scoring tests with �questions (items) of different difficulty levels
Purpose: To effectively differentiate test-takers in �terms of ability on an underlying trait (i.e., math skills)
Number of questions answered correctly
Difficulty of each question
Probability of answering correctly—based on item difficulty and test-taker ability
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Digital SAT Interface
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
03
15
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Digital SAT Interface
Bluebook app
BLUEBOOK APP �HTTPS://BLUEBOOK.APP.COLLEGEBOARD.ORG
16
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Digital SAT Interface
Key test taking features
GENERAL dSAT INTERFACE FEATURES:
dSAT MATH INTERFACE FEATURES:
17
Bookmark Question
View/Hide Timer
Annotate Notes
Eliminate Answers
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Digital SAT Interface
Math modules
GRID-INS
CALCULATORS
18
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
How to Best Prepare
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
04
19
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
How to Best Prepare
What to practice in advance
Familiarize yourself with the features before the day of the exam
Learn how to utilize the Desmos calculator and where to access the reference sheets
PRACTICE WITH BLUEBOOK AND ONLINE FORMAT
PRACTICE YOUR SCRATCH PAPER STRATEGY
Students are only allowed five sheets �of paper - be efficient
Fold or draw grids to keep work organized by question
Number your work as you go
20
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Accommodations
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
05
21
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Accommodations
Updates regarding access to individual �testing accommodations
ACCOMMODATIONS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE �FOR THE DIGITAL SAT
22
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT:
Deep Dive on the Reading & Writing Modules
PRESENTED BY
Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.
JULY 2025
Founder & CEO, Winward Academy
WINWARDACADEMY.COM
Deep Dive on the �Reading and Writing Modules
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
01
24
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Reading and
Writing Modules
Exam Scoring and Structure
25
BRIEF PAUSE
READING AND WRITING SECTION
Module 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
32
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
27
Module 2
Adaptive: easier or harder based on performance in Module 1
32
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
27
2 “PRE-TEST” QUESTIONS IN EACH MODULE
*These are not scored
READING AND WRITING QUESTIONS ARE INTERMINGLED �WITHIN EACH MODULE
READING AND WRITING PASSAGES
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Reading and Writing Passages Then Vs. Now
26
PENCIL-AND-PAPER EXAMPLE PASSAGE
DIGITAL EXAMPLE PASSAGE
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Reading and Writing Modules
The 4 Reading and Writing domains (1.2 minutes/question)
STANDARD ENGLISH CONVENTIONS
(~26% OF EXAM 11-15 QUESTIONS)
CRAFT & STRUCTURE
(~28% OF EXAM 13-15 QUESTIONS)
INFORMATION & IDEAS
(~26% OF EXAM 12-14 QUESTIONS)
EXPRESSION OF IDEAS
(~20% OF EXAM 8-12 QUESTIONS)
27
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Example Questions from the Four R&W Domains
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
02
28
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Craft & Structure
Skill: Vocabulary
29
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Craft & Structure
Skill: Text structure & purpose
30
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Craft & Structure
Skill: Text structure & purpose
31
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Craft & Structure
Skill: Cross-text comparisons
32
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Information & Ideas
Skill: Central ideas and details
33
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Information & Ideas
Skill: Command of evidence
34
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Information & Ideas
Skill: Inferences
35
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Standard English Conventions
Skill: Boundaries
36
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Standard English Conventions
Skill: Form and structure
37
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Standard English Conventions
Skill: Form and structure
38
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Expression of Ideas
Skill: Transitions
39
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Expression of Ideas
Skill: Rhetorical synthesis
40
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Reading and Writing Modules
In comparison to pencil-and-paper SAT, the digital SAT has…
41
LESS
MORE
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Reading and �Writing Modules
Observations to keep in mind
42
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT:
Deep Dive on the Math Modules
PRESENTED BY
Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.
JULY 2025
Founder & CEO, Winward Academy
WINWARDACADEMY.COM
Deep Dive on the�Math Modules
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
01
44
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Math Modules
Exam Scoring and Structure
45
BRIEF PAUSE
MATH SECTION
Module 1
A blend of easy, medium, �and hard questions
35
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
22
Module 2
Adaptive: easier or harder based on performance in Module 1
35
MINUTES
QUESTIONS
22
USING A CALCULATOR IS ALLOWED ON BOTH MODULES
2 “PRE-TEST” QUESTIONS IN EACH MODULE
*These are not scored
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Math Modules
Key information about student-produced response questions
46
ANSWER | ACCEPTABLE WAYS �TO ENTER ANSWER | UNACCEPTABLE: �WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT |
3.5 | 3.5 3.50 7/2 | 31/2 3 1/2 |
⅔ | 2/3 .6666 .6667 0.666 0.667 | 0.66 .66 0.67 .67 |
-⅓ | -1/3 -.3333 -0.333 | -.33 -0.33 |
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Math Modules
The 4 Math domains (1.6 minutes/question)
ADVANCED MATH
(~35% OF EXAM 13-15 QUESTIONS)
ALGEBRA
(~35% OF EXAM 13-15 QUESTIONS)
PROBLEM-SOLVING & DATA ANALYSIS
(~15% OF EXAM 5-7 QUESTIONS)
GEOMETRY & TRIGONOMETRY
(~15% OF EXAM 5-7 QUESTIONS)
47
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Example Questions from the Four Math Domains
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SAT
02
48
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Algebra
Skill: Linear equations in one variable
49
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Algebra
Skill: Linear equations in two variables
50
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Algebra
Skill: Linear functions
51
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Algebra
Skill: Systems of two linear equations in two variables
52
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Algebra
Skill: Linear inequalities in one or two variables
53
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Advanced Math
Skill: Equivalent expressions
54
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Advanced Math
Skill: Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
55
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Advanced Math
Skill: Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
56
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Advanced Math
Skill: Nonlinear functions
57
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
58
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Percentages
59
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: One-variable data - distributions and measures of center and spread
60
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Two-variable data - models and scatterplots
61
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Probability and conditional probability
62
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
63
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Skill: Evaluating statistical claims from observational studies and experiments
64
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Geometry & Trigonometry
Skill: Area and volume formulas
65
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Geometry & Trigonometry
Skill: Lines, angles, and triangles
66
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Geometry & Trigonometry
Skill: Right triangles and trigonometry
67
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Domain: Geometry & Trigonometry
Skill: Circles
68
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®
Thank You!
Please ask any questions and reach out to me any time for support.
jennifer@winwardacademy.com
Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, Winward Academy
Follow us:
WINWARDACADEMY.COM
EVERYONE’S PRIVATE TUTOR ®