A New Era for the SAT
Spring 2023 marked a significant milestone in standardized testing: the SAT went fully online overseas. As an international high school counselor and SAT Coordinator at the time, I navigated this transition firsthand. Our initial foray into the online format was fraught with challenges, from troubleshooting connection issues over Skype to assisting students unable to access the Bluebook app. Yet, by the next test date, we largely overcame these hurdles, embracing the change fully.
The College Board’s decision to transition the SAT online, following the ACT’s lead, was a strategic move long in the making. This shift has primarily addressed a perennial issue: test security. Throughout my 15 years working overseas, I’ve witnessed the ramifications of security breaches, from leaked tests to theft, leading to canceled SAT scores and many very upset students and parents.
However, moving the SAT online has brought more than just enhanced security. It has streamlined the testing process, shortened the test duration, and expanded access through initiatives like SAT School Days, allowing eligible students to take the test at no cost. Moreover, the online format arguably caters to today’s digitally savvy students, providing a more comfortable and familiar testing environment.
The reactions to the SAT going online is mixed, but it’s clear that the transition to online testing represents a significant step making the SAT more secure, accessible, and student-friendly.
