WMBCTV News Interview With Dr. Shaan Patel

Why the New Digital SAT Is the Best Version Yet
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert

The SAT has officially entered the digital age. For the first time in nearly a century, the exam that has shaped college admissions for generations is going from paper to pixel. And in my view—this is the best thing that could’ve happened to students.

The Digital SAT: Shorter, Smarter, and More Student-Friendly

Let’s start with the facts: the new digital SAT is faster, leaner, and more aligned with real-world skills than any version before it. It’s now just over two hours long (2 hours and 14 minutes to be exact) with 98 questions total—a far cry from the marathon-length paper test that used to hover around 200 questions.

Reading passages are shorter. The math section allows calculators throughout. And the digital interface even includes helpful tools like highlighting and flagging.

These aren’t just technical upgrades—they’re game-changing shifts that make the test more accessible, less anxiety-inducing, and a better measure of critical thinking.

Real Skills for the Real World

What I love most about the digital SAT is that it’s not just testing memorization—it’s assessing how students apply what they’ve learned. For example, one writing section now asks students to evaluate a collection of notes and determine which ones are relevant.

That’s a real-world skill. It’s what I do every day when I scan long emails or briefings and filter out the noise. Our students deserve assessments that reflect the way thinking actually works outside the classroom.

Why Top Colleges Are Bringing Back the SAT

You may have heard that schools like Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown are reinstating the SAT after briefly going test-optional during the pandemic. That’s not a coincidence. These schools—and the data—have made it clear: standardized tests are better predictors of college success than GPAs.

Why? Because we’ve seen a dramatic rise in grade inflation. Nearly 47% of high school seniors now graduate with an A average. That makes it difficult for admissions officers to distinguish truly exceptional academic performers—especially across thousands of schools with inconsistent standards.

Test scores provide a national benchmark. And when used responsibly, they help level the playing field.

The Equity Argument—Flipped

When test-optional policies were introduced, many people assumed they would help low-income and underrepresented students. But the reality is more complicated.

Without test scores, admissions decisions put more weight on extracurriculars—things like summer programs, research internships, and sports like lacrosse or water polo. These are often only accessible to wealthier families.

So ironically, taking away the SAT didn’t level the field. It tilted it further. Studies from schools like Yale are showing that removing the SAT actually hurt low-income applicants, who often can’t afford flashy extras but can demonstrate academic excellence through a great test score.

Reducing Stress and Increasing Access

The new SAT addresses many of the biggest pain points students have shared for years: stress, timing, and accessibility. You now have more time per question, fewer sections to juggle, and a more manageable test-day experience.

It’s the most student-friendly SAT we’ve ever had. And that’s why I’m encouraging every student I work with: take the test. Even if your dream school is test-optional, submitting a strong score will give you a competitive edge.

Final Advice for Students and Families

If you’re aiming for college—especially selective schools—don’t skip the SAT. The students who submit scores continue to have higher acceptance rates than those who don’t. And now that the test is digital, it’s a more fair and relevant tool than ever before.

Download the College Board’s Bluebook app, get familiar with the format, and start prepping early. If you need support, my team at Prep Expert is here to help with online SAT courses, private tutoring, and best-selling prep books.

We’re in a new era of testing. And if you prepare the right way, this version of the SAT might just be your best shot yet.

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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 over 100,000 students improve their test scores and get into top colleges.