Classrooms and pencils down keyboards up. The digital SAT, a rite of passage for college-bound students, enters a digital era, supposedly promising a more personalized and stress-free testing experience. Gone are the days of bubble sheets and No.2 pencils; the new digital SAT is here to revolutionize the way students showcase their potential to universities. With adaptability at its core, this modern twist aims to level the academic playing field and open a new chapter in standardized testing. But the inevitable question arises, will it work? Of course, when thinking about this topic, one must consider the most important group regarding this topic, the kids taking the test. What does the class of 2025 think of this sudden change? And what is in store with the SAT for future test takers? 

The teachers have had immense history and experience both taking the SAT, as well as proctoring the SAT here at school for the students. So what is a teacher’s point of view in this new digital age? Mrs. Farinacci, a math teacher here at Fruita Monument put her two cents in about what she thought about it. “I am curious to see if our system can handle all students being on Chromebooks at the same time and what other technical issues may arise from the Digital SAT.  I am excited about the new format because it is shorter and students will get test results more quickly.”

Now for the main culprits of this new addition, the juniors, the class of 2025. While on one side of this new addition, this digital shift is meant to make the whole experience more relevant to our tech-savvy world. Plus, it’s super convenient because students can take the test on their own devices. 

But many concerns come up along with it as well. One potential concern is that not all students may have access to reliable technology or internet connectivity, which could create an unfair advantage for those who do. Additionally, some students might prefer the traditional paper-and-pencil format and may find it challenging to adapt to the digital format. Technical issues and glitches during the test could also cause stress and anxiety for students. But despite drawbacks, the digital SAT can be a fresh new start for test takers across the nation.  Sarah Bratteli, a junior here at Fruita Monument took the SAT online last semester and gave her thoughts on it. “I didn’t think it was too bad. I thought it was cool how if you’re struggling on one section they give easier questions, it tries to match up with each student’s levels.” As Bratteli says, this new digital age can provide new advantages that the old-school way cannot. 

So in conclusion, the introduction of the digital SAT for the class of 2025 brings both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, the digital SAT aligns with the technology-driven world we live in, making the test more relevant and convenient. However, there are concerns about access to technology and internet connectivity, as well as potential difficulties for students who prefer the most traditional format. It will be important for the administration to address these concerns to make sure students feel confident while taking one of the most important tests of their academic careers. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the digital SAT continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of future test-takers.