With changes to the exam format, several myths regarding the Digital SAT have emerged. Clarifying these myths, which raise questions and impact students' preparation processes, is essential. Let's closely examine these common misconceptions to clarify the truths behind them.
Myth 1: You cannot return to previous questions on the Digital SAT.
The Digital SAT exam consists of sections divided into two modules. The difficulty of questions in the second module of each section is determined by your performance in the first module. The adaptation occurs at the module level rather than individual questions. Hence, you can easily navigate between questions within the same module; however, once you finish a module and move on to the next, you cannot return to the previous one. This rule ensures the accuracy of the adaptive system and is an essential consideration in students' exam strategies.
Myth 2: Each question on the Digital SAT carries equal weight.
Each module includes questions categorized as easy, medium, and hard, with varying weights. As mentioned, the questions you encounter depend on your responses in the previous module. Correctly answering harder questions results in encountering more valuable questions in the subsequent module, boosting your overall score. This structure is designed to more accurately assess students' knowledge and abilities.
Myth 3: The Digital SAT is easier/harder than the paper-based SAT.
Some students believe the Digital SAT is easier or harder than the paper-based version due to shorter exam duration, differences in timing per question, and adaptive question structure. However, the College Board has extensively worked to ensure both digital and paper-based SAT exams maintain the same difficulty level. The content and evaluation principles remain unchanged, with the main differences lying in the technology used and how students submit answers, not the difficulty itself.
Myth 4: Leave a question blank if you don’t know the answer.
Since incorrect answers do not negatively affect your score on the SAT, leaving questions unanswered is not advisable. If you're unsure of an answer, it is better to guess or eliminate obviously incorrect options. Answering every question increases your chances of scoring higher. Improving your guessing skills can provide additional advantages, helping you achieve better exam results
Myth 5: SAT scores are the only factor universities consider
When applying to universities abroad, it’s incorrect to assume that SAT scores alone determine acceptance. Universities evaluate various aspects such as essays, high school GPA, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. While your SAT score can enhance your competitive edge, excelling in other areas
