I Took the First Digital SAT — Here’s What Surprised Me Most (Reading Section)
The next SAT administration is coming soon on June 6, 2026, with registration open until May 22. Many students are already reviewing vocabulary, practicing questions, and planning their study schedules. However, preparing for a digital exam can feel different from preparing for a traditional paper test.
As someone who took the first official Digital SATs, here are some practical tips I learned that may help students now.
1. The Test Feels Faster Than Expected
One of my biggest surprises was how quickly time seemed to pass on a digital screen. Even when the section timing is the same on paper, working on a device can make everything feel faster.
Why this happens:
You may spend extra seconds clicking or navigating
It is easy to reread questions too many times
Checking the timer can break concentration
Tip: Practice timed sections regularly. Pacing is essential – avoid spending too long on one difficult question.
Learn when to make your best choice, move on, and return later if needed.
2. Reading on a Screen Weakens Concentration
Many students underestimate how different reading on a screen can feel compared with reading from a book or worksheet. If you’re not used to taking tests via screens, you may lose focus faster than you expect.
Common challenges:
Screen fatigue
Skimming too quickly
Difficulty concentrating for long periods
Eye strain from bright screens
Tip: Complete your practice tests digitally whenever possible. Train in the same format you will use on test day. If you are sensitive to screens, blue-light glasses may also help.
3. Studying the Old SAT Format Still Helped Me – A Lot
The current Digital SAT format is built around short reading passages.
Because I took the first Digital SAT, there were very few official digital resources available at the time. Most of my preparation was done using materials and books for the older SAT, which is built around long reading passages.
Surprisingly, I found this extremely useful, because it improved my:
Reading stamina
Speed under pressure
Ability to identify main ideas quickly
Academic vocabulary
Even though the format changed, the strong reading skills I built still carried over. I would even recommend you take a few practice tests for the old SAT and study them if you have the time, as they’re very helpful for building reading speed quickly.
4. Shorter Passages Do Not Mean Easier Questions
A common misunderstanding is that shorter passages make the reading section easier. In reality, the short Digital SAT passages can be very precise and demanding. With less text available, there are fewer contextual clues to guide you. Every sentence matters, and one unfamiliar word can have a larger impact.
This is one reason vocabulary has become even more important. Students should not assume they can “figure everything out from context” as easily as before.
When preparing, you should remember to:
Build a strong vocabulary
Stick to the test - never skim
Strengthen your ability to identify the main point of a passage
5. Test-Day Environment Matters More Than You Think
Another surprise for me was how nervous I felt taking the exam in an unfamiliar testing location. Even prepared students can feel distracted by a new environment.
Possible distractions:
Unfamiliar room setup
Noise from other students
Different temperature or lighting
General nerves
Tip: To prepare, do not complete every practice test in a perfectly quiet and comfortable setting. Occasionally study in a café, library, or less predictable environment. Learning to focus despite distractions can make the test day feel much more manageable.
Final Thoughts
The Digital SAT reading section is manageable, but it requires preparation that goes beyond memorizing vocabulary lists or completing random questions. Practice pacing, get comfortable reading on a screen, and strengthen your vocabulary as much as you can. With the right strategy, students can approach test day with confidence and perform at their best.
At Kokusaba, our team of high-achieving university mentors specializes in helping international students navigate the nuances of the new format through personalized, one-on-one tutoring.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your math skills or improve your reading speed, we’re here to provide the insider perspective you need to reach your target score. Book a free one-hour trial lesson with us today!
