SATs set to go virtual, educators say it could be a benefit to students
SALISBURY, Md. – The SAT is an inevitable hurdle that many college hopefuls must get past before they can step on campus. Now, it’s set to go virtual.
Virtual SATs Could Help Students
Educators say that could be a benefit for students. “I tried to come up with a plus delta, and I came up with a lot of plusses for it, but not many deltas,” said Wicomico County Board of Education Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability Karen Hitch. “It’s obvious that our students are living in a digital world right now. The majority of our local and state assessments are digital. So, this would just be another component of that, and something they’re very familiar with.”
Salisbury University does not require test scores for applicants. However, for those students who do send the scores in, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Allen Koehler says going virtual could be a weight off their shoulders. “It is always one of the most stressful components of the college application process. It’s the essay, and then standardize tests, not only for the student, but for the parents too,” he said.
Making The Switch
Students will be able to take the test on their own devices, or on one provided one by the school or The College Board. The tests will still be administered in a school setting. Plus, if the student loses connection during the test, they’re not out of luck. The system automatically saves work. “It’s going to take less time, and with it being digital, we don’t have any concerns about WiFi and the connection. As soon as the students download the app, they immediately come off the network. Then they come back on at the end,” said Hitch.
Hitch says going virtual could also help with test security. In the past, if one test form was compromised, it could mean canceling scores for and entire group of students. Each virtual test form will be unique, making it practically impossible to share answers. “The number of forms that for the assessment is going to be a lot larger than the paper assessment. So, it’s almost impossible to cheat or compromise it, which is going to make it so much better for all involved,” said Hitch.
The digital SAT will also be shorter than the traditional pencil and paper test. Instead of taking three hours, the test will wrap up in about two hours. Students will also have more time to answer each question, and reading passages will be shorter. Plus, calculators will be allowed for the entire math section.
And for those students who are anxiously awaiting their results, they’ll only have to wait a matter of days, instead of several weeks. “The last time you could take a test would basically be like a month before the application deadline. Now, you’re talking about possibly a week to two weeks before hand,” said Koehler. “It’s going to help out students who are trying to take that last test before an application deadline that they’re trying to make.”
Ensuring Equitable Testing
Overall, educators say they’re excited to see how taking the SAT online could help with equitable results for applicants. “Research has shown that standardized tests are a disadvantage for students that are first generation or under represented,” said Koehler. “This is going to help open up that access, and make students more comfortable when taking standardized tests.”
Hitch says Wicomico County Public Schools is also working to ensure equity on their end. “In the past, we’ve always had a single day for the SAT. But, if the students doesn’t have available devices, we’re able to stretch it over a larger window. So, we can ensure every student takes it,” she said. “Students from low-income families will still be able to use waivers [for a pencil and paper test]. We give out two Saturday waivers for any student that needs it to ensure they have an opportunity for success.”
The SAT will begin to be delivered virtually in 2023 for international students. For those in the U.S., it will start in 2024.
