SAT Prep Looks Different in 2025. The SAT You Knew Is Gone!

How High Schoolers Can Master the Digital SAT in 2025

By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

The SAT has entered a new era. With its transition to a fully digital format, students now face a testing experience that’s shorter, smarter, and more adaptive than ever before. But as colleges reinstate SAT requirements and competition intensifies, success on this exam requires more than just showing up with a laptop.

At Prep Expert®, we’ve helped thousands of students navigate the SAT, and with the rollout of the digital version, we’ve developed updated strategies to help students maximize their scores in this new environment.

Understanding the New Digital SAT

The SAT is no longer a three-hour paper-and-pencil marathon. Instead, the redesigned test:

• Runs shorter: The exam now takes just over two hours, compared to roughly three previously.
• Adapts in real-time: The difficulty of the second module in both Math and Reading/Writing adjusts based on performance in the first.
• Is fully digital: Students test on a laptop or tablet, using either their own device or one provided by the school.

This adaptive model allows the SAT to zero in on a student’s performance level more efficiently, but it also means preparation needs to evolve.

Why the SAT Still Matters

A few years ago, many colleges adopted test-optional policies. But in 2025, the tide has shifted:

• Top universities are reinstating SAT requirements. Schools like Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT now require scores again to better evaluate students amid widespread grade inflation.
• Standardized testing levels the playing field. For students who attend under-resourced schools or lack access to elite extracurriculars, strong test scores can still open doors to competitive universities.
• Scholarships remain tied to SAT scores. Higher scores can unlock thousands of dollars in merit-based aid, an increasingly important advantage given rising college costs.

Put simply: the SAT is here to stay, and scoring well can make a significant difference in both admissions and affordability.

The Biggest Mistake Students Make on the Digital SAT

Ironically, one of my top tips for this fully digital test involves going analog: think with your pencil.

Here’s why:

• Use your scratch paper to work through math equations, jot down reading notes, and organize answers.
• Writing things out reduces cognitive load, preventing your working memory from getting overwhelmed.
• Students who use scratch work strategically often see higher overall scores, even in this digital-first environment.

While the format has changed, the fundamentals of critical thinking haven’t. The more actively you engage with the material, the better you’ll perform.

How the Adaptive Scoring Curve Impacts Students

Because the new SAT adjusts difficulty based on your performance, the grading curve can feel harsher than before:

• A wrong answer in the second, harder module can cost more than one in the first.
• Students who aren’t prepared for challenging questions may see unexpected dips in their scores.
• Consistent practice under realistic conditions is critical to mastering the adaptive nature of the exam.

This means test prep strategies need to focus not just on content knowledge but also on performance management, knowing when to push, when to pace, and when to move on.

Smart Strategies to Prepare for the Digital SAT

Here’s how students can position themselves for success in 2025:

1. Start early. The most competitive applicants begin prepping at least 6–9 months before test day.
2. Use official resources. Free practice tests from the College Board’s Bluebook app mirror the exact digital interface students will see on test day.
3. Leverage adaptive practice. Prep Expert®’s test prep programs are designed to mimic the SAT’s adaptive scoring model, so students get real-time insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
4. Focus on fundamentals. While the format is new, the core skills; reading comprehension, data analysis, and problem-solving, remain the same.
5. Schedule multiple test dates. With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students benefit from taking the SAT more than once to maximize superscoring opportunities.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents play a vital role in supporting students through this transition:

• Stay informed about SAT requirements at target schools. Policies are shifting rapidly, so check admissions pages regularly.
• Understand the financial benefits of high SAT scores, including scholarships and merit aid.
• Encourage balance – help students manage stress and avoid burnout while maintaining consistent practice.

With the right plan and support system, students can adapt to this new format while minimizing anxiety.

Final Thoughts

The SAT’s digital transformation is reshaping college admissions, but it’s also creating new opportunities for students to stand out. While the format is shorter, smarter, and more streamlined, the path to success still comes down to preparation, strategy, and confidence on test day.

At Prep Expert®, we’ve helped over 100,000 students improve their test scores and win millions in scholarships. Whether you’re just starting your prep journey or fine-tuning your final strategies, we’re here to guide you through this transition, and help you make the most of the opportunities that a strong SAT score can unlock.

Because while the SAT has changed, one thing hasn’t: students who prepare smarter, not harder, still have the edge.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert®, an education company that has helped students achieve top test scores, earn scholarships, and gain admission to elite universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.