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Saturday, 12/2/23: As I write this sentence, college-bound high school students from across the U.S. are taking the final paper SAT of all-time—with the exception of students with accommodations, who are still permitted to take a “linear,” nonadaptive form of the digital SAT on paper.
Thus, whether we like it or not, it’s now officially time to say goodbye to the warm, tangible comfort of old-fashioned paper SATs—and hello to the cold metal and plastic of our laptop and tablet screens. (Yes, you will still be able to use paper and pencil for taking notes.)
If you haven’t already, then download the Bluebook app from College Board (tablets and computers only, no phones) and get started. Bluebook currently includes 6 full DSAT practice exams, 3 practice essay topics for the (optional) 50-minute essay section, 1 PSAT 8/9 exam, and 1 PSAT 10 exam.
The PSAT 10 for sophomores is just another name for the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors. They are the same exact exams, with the exact same questions.
The only difference is that the PSAT 10 is the name for the test given to 10th graders, who cannot qualify for the scholarships—and the PSAT/NMSQT is the name of the test administered to 11th graders, who can. National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs, Class of 2024
You should also read this blog post, where I outline everything you need to know about preparing for the digital SAT aka DSAT that makes its U.S. debut on 3/9/24.
Do you despise the idea of a digital standardized college admissions exam? Do you still prefer old-fashioned paper, for whatever reason? Consider taking the ACT instead, which is still on paper (in the US only) as of today's writing—and whose format has barely changed since 1996. (Nearly all colleges that require SAT scores will also accept ACT scores.)
Just for fun, and maybe a little bit of nostalgia (note math question #3, which is about buying cigarettes!), I've included some excerpts from the 1926 version of the SAT—which is now nearly 98 years old—below.
Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or information to share about the new digital SAT and/or PSAT? Contact me directly at mcelroy@post.harvard.edu or 619-889-2935 (call or text).
DSAT Action Plan: How to Prepare for the Digital SAT aka DSAT
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year,
-Brian
  
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