SAT Session Study Guide: The Digital SAT and You

The Digital SAT: Overview and Interface

  • Test Length and Composition

    • Total duration: 2 hours, 14 minutes (plus a 10-minute break).
    • Structure: 2 sections (Reading and Writing; Math), each split into two modules (Total: 4 modules).
    • The Multi-Stage Adaptive Model
      • The first module of each section is the "Routing Module."
      • Performance on the Routing Module determines the difficulty level of Module 2.
      • Cumulative Score Range: 400–1600
      • Section Score Range: 200–800 for each.
      • Note: The 1600 score is only accessible if a student is routed to the "harder" second module.

  • Interface and Tools

    • Digital Tools: Built-in Desmos graphing calculator, text annotation, timer, zoom, and a "cross-out" tool for elimination.
    • Assistive Navigation: Users can flag questions for review or use the module review screen to check completion status.

The SAT Math Section

  • Structure and Content

    • Question Count: 22 questions per module (20 scored, 2 unscored research questions).
    • Time: 35 minutes per module (1.5 minutes per question).
    • Question Types: Multiple-choice (75\%) and Student-Produced Responses (SPRs) (25\%).
    • Four Major Content Areas:
      1. Algebra
      2. Advanced Math
      3. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
      4. Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Algebraic Principles

    • Linear Equations: Isolating variables by clearing fractions, distributing, and combining like terms.
    • Systems of Equations:
      • Substitution: Best when one variable has a coefficient of 1.
      • Combination: Useful for eliminating variables with identical absolute coefficients.
    • Possible Solutions:
      • One solution: Lines intersect.
      • No solution: Lines are parallel (m1 = m2, b1 \neq b2).
      • Infinite solutions: Both equations describe the identical line.

  • Advanced Math: Quadratics and Functions

    • Quadratics Formats:
      • Standard Form: y = ax^{2} + bx + c (c is the y-intercept).
      • Factored Form: y = a(x - m)(x - n) (m, n are zeros).
      • Vertex Form: y = a(x - h)^{2} + k ((h, k) is the vertex).
    • Solving Methods:
      • Quadratic Formula: x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^{2} - 4ac}}{2a}
      • Discriminant (b^{2} - 4ac): >0 (2 real solutions), =0 (1 real solution), <0 (0 real solutions).
    • Absolute Value: Represents distance from zero on a number line. Always check for extraneous solutions if the equation involves a variable on both sides.

  • Geometry and Trigonometry

    • Parallel Lines and Transversals: Acute angles are equal; obtuse angles are equal; one acute plus one obtuse equals 180^{\circ}.
    • Right Triangles:
      • Pythagorean Theorem: a^{2} + b^{2} = c^{2}.
      • Pythagorean Triples: (3, 4, 5), (5, 12, 13).
      • Special Right Triangles: 45:45:90 (x, x, x\sqrt{2}) and 30:60:90 (x, x\sqrt{3}, 2x).
    • Circles:
      • Equation: (x - h)^{2} + (y - k)^{2} = r^{2}.
      • Radians to Degrees: \pi radians = 180^{\circ}.
      • Proportions: \frac{\text{central angle}}{360^{\circ}} = \frac{\text{arc length}}{2\pi r} = \frac{\text{sector area}}{\pi r^{2}}.

  • Problem-Solving Strategies

    • Backsolving: Starting with choice (B) or (C) to test values in the original equation.
    • Picking Numbers: Replacing variables with manageable numbers (e.g., 100 for percents).

The Reading and Writing Section

  • Section Basics

    • Question Count: 27 questions per module (25 scored, 2 unscored).
    • Time: 32 minutes per module (1 minute and 10 seconds per question).
    • Passage Topics: Literature, History, Humanities, and Science.

  • Question Categories and Strategies

    • Main Idea/Purpose: The correct answer must reflect the entire text, not just a detail. Look for the "why" (function).
    • Words in Context: Use context clues and transition words to predict the definition before looking at choices.
    • Command of Evidence (Textual/Quantitative):
      • Textual: Identify the claim/hypothesis and find the quote that directly supports/weakens it.
      • Quantitative: Analyze charts/graphs. The end of the passage usually contains the assertion that needs data support.
    • Rhetorical Synthesis (Combining Notes): Focus on the specific student goal provided in the prompt (e.g., "emphasize a similarity").
    • Inference: Determine a conclusion that is logically supported but not explicitly stated.

  • Standard English Conventions

    • Sentence Boundaries: Avoid run-ons and fragments. Connect independent clauses with a period, semicolon, or a comma plus FANBOYS.
    • Verb Agreement: Verbs must match the subject in person/number and follow the established tense of the passage.
    • Pronouns: Must have a clear antecedent and agree in number.
    • Modifiers: Descriptive phrases must be adjacent to the noun they modify (beware of dangling modifiers at the start of sentences).

  • Expression of Ideas: Transitions

    • Contrast: (However, Nevertheless, By Contrast).
    • Continuation/Emphasis: (Furthermore, Specifically, Indeed, For Instance).
    • Cause-and-Effect: (Therefore, Consequently, So).
    • Sequential: (First, Finally, Subsequently).

Test Pacing and Mindset

  • Triage Strategy
    • Step 1: Immediate easy questions.
    • Step 2: Doable but time-consuming questions.
    • Step 3: Hardest/Guessing.
  • Growth Mindset
    • Transition from the "Fixed" mindset ("I'm not good at this") to the "Growth" mindset ("I'm not good at this yet").
    • Physiology of Stress: Stress releases hormones that impair thinking. Managed through deep breathing and mindfulness.