Master SAT changes with early mock tests
Brian Eufinger is the co-founder of Edison Prep, a Georgia-based organization committed to providing college-bound high school students with exceptional tutoring and academic resources. He represents Edison Prep within a consortium of four tutoring companies that developed Assessiv, an online digital SAT practice platform used by Edison Prep students and learners nationwide. Brian is also a founding board member of the National Test Prep Association and an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.
Digital SAT: How to prepare
Key takeaways
- Early mock testing helps students adjust to new formats and achieve stronger outcomes during test changes.
- Superscoring might not allow mixing paper and digital SAT results; students should check college requirements closely.
- The first part of the adaptive SAT has a big impact, setting the difficulty and scoring possibilities for the next section.
- Proactive preparation builds stronger study habits and boosts both test results and long-lasting academic skills.
As admissions requirements and test designs evolve, standardized exams like the SAT remain central to college applications. The move from paper to digital in the last few years goes beyond just a cosmetic update: it changes the skills needed, alters student strategies, and affects the overall experience. To tackle these changes well, students need to learn the structure of the digital SAT and understand the best ways to prepare.
Early mock testing: Why it matters
Whenever a test updates its format, uncertainty can unsettle both students and educators. Early mock testing is essential in these periods. Taking practice exams early helps students adjust, revealing new question formats, updated content, and revised timing well before the official test date.
Studies support the value of early practice. After piloting the Digital SAT, the College Board found students who completed a full-length digital practice test before the real exam scored an average of 60 points higher than those who didn’t. The benefits were even greater in schools that incorporated early practice right away.
Practicing with updated tests allows both students and tutors to spot skill gaps. For example, the digital SAT’s reading now includes shorter, context-based passages, so students can gauge their pacing and comprehension and refine their study approach. This is especially helpful during transitional years when older materials may not closely match the current exam.
Mock tests offer more than content review: they build essential skills. Early practice helps reduce anxiety, improve time management, and foster self-awareness. Students gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses well before test day. Tutors and schools can also use these practice results to tailor instruction and adjust curriculum where needed.
Ultimately, early mock testing isn’t just about logging more study hours. It means embracing change, clearly identifying what needs work, and turning uncertainty into confidence. Both students and educators benefit by making early mock tests a central part of their preparation process.
Understanding format and policy changes: SAT, ACT, and superscoring
Modern college applicants must handle the switch to a digital SAT, shifts in superscoring policies, and the option to take the ACT. Understanding these updates is necessary for smart planning.
Switching to the digital SAT adds complexity for superscoring: the process of combining your highest section scores from different attempts. Some colleges may not mix paper and digital SAT results, and a few recommend sending scores from just one version for clarity. It’s important to research each college’s policy before counting on superscoring across test formats.
The ACT has undergone similar modernization changes, including the roll out of the more streamlined, Enhanced ACT. While the paper version is still available, it's important to check each school's policies regarding superscoring different test versions. In terms of new test formats and scoring policies, students must be prepared and adaptable.
Digital testing also presents potential new obstacles. Technical glitches, internet issues, or problems at the testing site can interfere with the exam. In recent digital SAT administrations, some students dealt with delays or had scores canceled because of technical setbacks. It is wise to check the reliability of your test site and have a backup plan in case problems arise.
Choosing a test and test date means taking these factors into account. Be sure to review format updates and research each college’s expectations. Staying informed on how scores will be reviewed can make all the difference.
Navigating the section-adaptive SAT
The digital SAT now features a section-adaptive design. You start with the first module in Math or Reading & Writing, and your results there set the level of difficulty, and scoring potential, for the next module in that section.
Doing well on this first part matters. Strong performance unlocks tougher questions in the second section, which provide the opportunity for top scores. If you make early mistakes or move too slowly, you could land in an easier second module, which caps your score no matter how perfectly you answer those questions.
This setup requires a new approach on test day. With previous paper SATs, question difficulty provided feedback on your progress. In the section-adaptive version, getting a harder second module means you did well in the first, so don’t let the challenge throw you off. Focus on steady effort without second-guessing yourself based on how difficult the questions feel.
Unlike the GRE, where each question’s difficulty changes according to your answers, the SAT adjusts only by section. There aren’t multiple chances to recover after a shaky start: the initial module carries extra weight.
Practice under real testing conditions, focus on accuracy from the beginning, and become comfortable using the digital platform. Familiarity with the adaptive system helps you approach the exam with confidence.
Building effective, proactive preparation habits
A frequent hurdle in test prep is finding up-to-date practice materials, especially as real test questions are limited. Research shows that practicing with current and relevant materials is a key factor in score gains. To meet this need, tutors at Edison Prep constantly refresh practice sets, analyze released exams, and create new questions that closely mirror the latest test. Keeping resources current is a main ingredient for effective preparation.
Beginning prep early is also crucial. Students who start well before senior year can review foundational skills at a manageable pace, get feedback, and fix weak spots without dealing with last-minute pressure. This spaced-out approach leads to better long-term memory and less stress. In addition, starting early develops study routines that stick well beyond SAT day.
For educators and families, the goal should be to put a thorough study plan in place early, use a variety of practice tools, and build regular review into the weekly routine. Delaying test prep only increases anxiety and narrows your options. Proactive preparation strengthens both student confidence and test performance, supporting academic growth that lasts into college.
Conclusion: Strategic planning for a changing SAT
The digital SAT brings new layers of complexity with its updated format, scoring rules, and technical considerations. Early mock testing, a solid grasp of the adaptive structure, and reliable resources matter now more than ever. Some students may find greater confidence in the ACT, but whatever path you choose, acting early and preparing with intention give you an advantage.
As the college testing environment continues to shift, those who plan ahead, stay informed, and practice consistently will see the best results. Approaching test preparation with curiosity, discipline, and flexibility not only strengthens applications, but also sets students up with skills that endure far beyond high school.
