The SAT, administered by the College Board, is one of the most popular standardized tests required for admission by many universities in the United States. Many students regard the SAT as one of the main gateways to prestigious universities, alongside their high school GPA and participation in extracurricular activities.
The current SAT is scored out of 1600 points and is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points.
For highly competitive universities, the SAT is increasingly being transitioned from an "optional" to a "mandatory" requirement. Stanford University announced on June 7th that it will require applicants to submit SAT scores starting with the fall 2026 admissions cycle.
As a result, the number of universities that have reinstated the requirement for standardized test scores includes Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, MIT, Caltech, and Georgetown, totaling nine institutions.
Since last year, the College Board has been administering the Digital SAT in all countries outside the United States, and starting in the spring of 2024, this transition will extend to the U.S., making the Digital SAT the format for all regions worldwide.
The major features of the revamped Digital SAT include a shorter exam duration—reduced from approximately three hours to about two hours—thanks to streamlined passages, and the allowance for personal device use, significantly changing the test environment.
When comparing the Digital SAT to the traditional Paper SAT, a strong vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high score. This is due to the changes in exam format and content. Preparing for the new test environment and addressing weaknesses strategically is essential.
The Digital SAT adjusts its difficulty based on the student's answers. A strong vocabulary enables students to tackle more challenging questions, which often require a deeper understanding of complex terms.
The Reading & Writing section of the Digital SAT covers a wide range of topics, including science, history, and literature. Therefore, students need to familiarize themselves with specialized terms from various fields to handle passages on less familiar subjects.
Additionally, while passages have been simplified, the number of questions may increase. With less time allotted per question, the ability to quickly comprehend passages with unfamiliar words is essential.
Moreover, reading text on a screen demands a different kind of focus and comprehension compared to the traditional paper-based exam. Students who can quickly understand and analyze information will likely achieve higher scores.
Understanding the importance of vocabulary for a high score on the Digital SAT is clear, but how can one effectively build their vocabulary?
Building vocabulary is not a quick process like simple memorization; it requires consistent effort. Start now to steadily improve your vocabulary to achieve your target score on the Digital SAT!]
The most effective path to a prestigious colleges!
Meet our Upgrade Tutors and get a free trial lesson.
.jpg)
