What’s Up with the Digital PSAT?

What's Up with the Digital PSAT? Everything You Need to Know

The PSAT is now digital! If you’re a high school student, parent, or educator, you've likely heard about the changes to the PSAT this past year. With the transition from a paper-based test to a fully digital format, it's important to know what to expect and how to prepare effectively. In our latest podcast episode, "What's Up with the Digital PSAT?", we cover everything you need to know to feel confident and ready for this new version of the test.

Read on to discover the key takeaways from the episode and ensure you or your student is prepared for test day!

Why Is the PSAT Going Digital?

The College Board has decided to shift the PSAT to a digital format starting this year. The goal? To make the test more accessible, secure, and relevant to today's tech-savvy students. The new digital PSAT offers several changes, including shorter test times, adaptive testing, and an emphasis on practical skills over rote memorization.

Key Points About the Digital PSAT Format:

• Adaptive Testing: The digital PSAT will use adaptive testing technology, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on the test-taker's performance.

• Shorter Test Length: The test is now shorter than the paper-based version, reducing overall testing time while maintaining its comprehensive assessment.

• Technology Use: Students will take the test on approved digital devices, such as laptops or tablets, using a specific platform provided by the College Board.

What Stays the Same?

While the format is changing, many aspects of the PSAT remain the same. The core content areas — Reading, Writing, and Math — will still be assessed, and the test will continue to serve as a qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

What to Focus On:

• Core Skills Assessment: The test will still evaluate critical reading, writing, and math skills, with an increased focus on real-world applications and data analysis.

• Importance of Preparation: Just like the paper-based PSAT, success on the digital PSAT requires thorough preparation, practice, and familiarity with the format.

How to Prepare for the Digital PSAT

Preparing for the digital PSAT is more than just studying the content; it’s also about understanding the new test format and mastering the use of technology. Here are some practical tips to get you started:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Digital Format

Get comfortable with the new digital format by taking practice tests on digital platforms. The College Board offers tools like the Bluebook app, where you can experience the test interface, learn how to navigate between questions, and use digital tools like the on-screen calculator.

2. Take Practice Tests

Completing at least one full-length practice test is crucial. This will help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses, and it will give you a feel for the new adaptive testing model.

3. Review Core Content Areas

Ensure you're prepared in all key content areas:

• Reading and Writing: Focus on critical reading, understanding context, and grammar rules.

• Math: Cover algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math concepts.

4. Master Time Management

Since the digital PSAT is shorter, managing time effectively is essential. Practice under timed conditions, learn to skip difficult questions and come back to them later, and get comfortable navigating the test on a screen.

5. Prepare Technically

Make sure your device is ready for test day. Check that it meets the technical requirements, fully charge it beforehand, and familiarize yourself with the test platform’s features. Also, know what to do in case of technical difficulties.

Understanding the National Merit Scholarship Program

For many students, the PSAT is not just a practice run for the SAT; it’s also a critical step toward qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility and Benefits: PSAT scores are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship, which offers significant financial awards to high-achieving students.

• Impact of the Digital PSAT: The transition to a digital format does not change how scores are used for scholarship consideration. However, understanding the new format can help students perform at their best.

What This Means for the Future of Testing

The digital shift for the PSAT is part of a broader trend toward online standardized testing. This change is likely a preview of what’s to come for other major exams, like the SAT. As technology becomes a central component of assessments, students will need to adapt to new formats and tools.

Your Digital PSAT Prep Checklist

To help you prepare effectively, we’ve created a Digital PSAT Prep Checklist — a free, downloadable resource that covers everything from academic preparation to technical requirements. This checklist includes:

• Understanding the digital format and adaptive testing.

• Taking practice tests and mastering content areas.

• Preparing your device and knowing what to bring on test day.

Download Your Free Digital PSAT Prep Checklist Here!

Final Thoughts

The transition to the digital PSAT may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an opportunity to showcase your skills in a new format. Be sure to listen to our full podcast episode, "What's Up with the Digital PSAT?" for an in-depth look at these changes, expert tips, and answers to your most pressing questions.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with friends, and leave us a review! Stay tuned for more episodes to help you navigate your academic journey.

Check out the resources mentioned in this episode:

·       Download the Bluebook App: https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students/download-bluebook

·       2024 PSAT Student Guide: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:7993b9dd-d362-47b7-80a7-e278a0f30c65

·       Video on how to use the Bluebook App: https://youtu.be/HWmzmTw0tl8?si=iyNyc59aA-41ydrJ

·       The Official SAT Study Guide: https://amzn.to/47t9mvG

·       Digital Practice SAT Test: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/sat-practice-test

·       Digital PSAT Practice Test: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/psat-practice-test

·       Last-minute SAT checklist: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/c230rj2lra

·       Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get free test prep resources: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

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