SAT is meant for the SAT test center exams, but, the conducting authority of SAT had plans for an online alternative of test-center SAT. It is mainly because of the Covid-19 situations – due to Covid-19, test centers are closed and the candidates are unable to take SAT.

Though SAT online is at the planning stage and till date, there is no facility for taking SAT online. This article discusses how SAT online or SAT computer-based test looks like.

What is SAT Online?

SAT online or a computerized version of SAT was a planned version of SAT which is going to be launched. The date of launching this alternative is not declared yet.

In 2020 due to Covid-19 College Board understood that a number of candidates cannot take SAT due to test center closures. That’s why, College Board, the conducting authority of SAT has decided to offer SAT online or SAT computerized testing for fall 2020 intakes.

College Board believes that it may not be possible to conduct SAT from the test centers in a full-fledged manner till then because of Covid-19 restrictions. In June, it is declared that SAT will be held in the test centers afterward; however, it is unavailable yet.

How SAT Online Looks Like?

SAT online can be predicted – it is predicted based on the online GRE and ACT formats. Let’s understand how will SAT online looks like:

SAT online may be conducted with the same exam structure as SAT. There can be a specific date for SAT online tests.

In case, the candidates take the SAT computerized exams online from the test-centers, they can use the computers of the centers. Otherwise, they can use their PC to take the test from their homes. Just like other online exams, all other programs except the exam will be locked during the test.

For all the sections of SAT, the candidates will be able to see the time through the test on the top of their computer screen. Along with this, the name of the section and the number of questions of that particular section that remained to answer will also be mentioned on that screen.

At the bottom of the screen, the candidates will get the option to jump on to a specific question along with the navigation keys. For reading and writing section or evidence-based reading and writing of SAT, the left part of the computer screen will hold the comprehension and the question and answer options will be displayed on the right pane.

For the SAT math section, there will be one question with its answer option on the entire screen. For the optional SAT essay, the candidates will use a word processor. For this, candidates are expected to have a good typing speed.

How to Practice for SAT Online?

Proper practice of SAT can help the candidates a lot in this regard, especially for SAT essays. They need to remember, that this word processor will not be like the one they generally use – this will not have the automatic spelling and grammar check – so candidates better practice it. For other sections, candidates need practice noting down questions from the computer screen accurately. This will help them in SAT math section.

SAT Online Resources

In case the candidates are not very comfortable with the computerized version of SAT, they can check the online resources of other exams like SAT. On the internet, SAT full practice papers are available which can be solved online.

Khan Academy offers a prep program, which means SAT online will be something new but it will not be that difficult with sufficient practice.

College Board offers accommodation facilities to the candidates with disabilities to reach the center on time on the exam date. Plus, the candidates have the opportunity to request a change of their test center in case it is too far from their location. In case SAT online is available next year or later this year, it will definitely be a great help to these candidates because they can experience the environment of standardized testing like GMAT or GRE or IELTS or TOEFL.

As SAT online will be something new, initial difficulties are unavoidable, but the format and pattern will be exactly the same. So, SAT practice will be the key to success here.