The SAT has changed, but, with the Krupnick Approach, you’ll get the same elite test-prep services you always have.

The Krupnick Approach: Navigating the Digital SAT

Digital SAT Overview

As many of you know, the SAT has gone digital. At the Krupnick Approach, we demystify the new exam, customize it to your learning style, and deliver the test-specific and content-related rules to help you navigate the process successfully and efficiently. Using our proprietary data-driven approach to the digital test, our experts have analyzed thousands of official Digital SAT questions for test confidence and mastery.

Digital SAT Structure

The digital SAT suite, including SAT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, will be digital, adaptive, shorter, and re-formatted. As of Fall 2023, the digital PSATs are in place, paving the way for the first digital SAT starting in March 2024.

SAT Test Dates, Registration Deadlines, and Score Release Schedules

Get Started

With a FREE 30-Minute Consultation With One of Our Experts

The Adaptive Testing Model

The digital SAT adopts a multistage adaptive testing model, differing significantly from the linear testing model used previously. Both sections (Reading and Writing & Math) are divided into two separate modules. The test delivery platform adjusts the difficulty of the questions after the first modules based on the performance of test takers.

For both Reading & Writing and Math, the first modules, which are identical for all students, consist of questions across a broad range of difficulty (easy, medium, and difficult questions).

Students whose accuracy is greater than or equal to 70-75% correct on the first modules will progress to harder, higher-difficulty second modules. Students whose accuracy is less than 70-75% will receive lower-difficulty second modules. Those who progress into the harder second modules will be correspondingly tracked into higher score ranges (about 100 points higher per section).

Reading and Writing

The DSAT Reading and Writing, once less felicitously called “Critical Reading & Writing & Language,” is now composed of two modules– each featuring 27 multiple-choice questions and a 32-minute completion time. While the section does assess skills like analyzing words in context, using textual evidence, and knowing rules of grammar and usage, it is also a category-based test. This means that, regardless of the difficulty or linguistic framing of the questions, success on this section continues to favor pattern recognition, rule application, and trap identification. Much like history, the SAT Reading and Writing doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.

Mathematics

The DSAT Math section comprises two modules with 22 multiple-choice and student-produced response questions and a 35-minute standard completion time. The questions evaluate skills in algebra, quantitative problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math topics. While superficially quite similar to the paper-and-pencil version, DSAT Math section now allows you to use a calculator on both sections. And by virtue of the adaptive nature of the modules, the sections contain questions that vary tremendously (in fact unreasonably) in difficulty.

Mathematics

The Krupnick Approach to SAT Success

Unlock your full potential with our expert tutors and proven strategies, designed to help you achieve your best possible SAT score. We’re here to guide you through every step of your SAT journey.

SAT Test Prep

LEARN MORE

Test Comparisons

The Structure of the Digital SAT

Section	Standard Time Duration	Number of Questions	Number of Passages	Time Per Question	Time per Passage
Reading & Writing Module 1	32 minutes	27 questions	1	1 minute and 11 seconds	Linear
Reading & Writing Module 2	32 minutes	27 questions	1	1 minute and 11 seconds	Adaptive
Math Module 1	35 minutes	22 questions	1	1 minute and 35 seconds	Linear
Math Module 2	35 minutes	22 questions	1	1 minute and 35 seconds	Adaptive
Total	2 hours and 14 minutes	98 questions	4 passages	1 minute and 22 seconds	N/A

The Digital SAT vs. the Paper/Pencil SAT

	Paper and Pencil SAT	Digital SAT
Standard Time	3 hours	2 hours, 14 minutes
Extended Time (1.5x)	4.5 hours	3 hours, 21 minutes
# of Questions	154 questions	98 questions
Minutes/Question	1.17	1.37
Test Format	Linear	Adaptive
Test Section Sequence	Reading (65 mins) Writing and Language (35 mins) Math Non Calculator (25 mins) Math Calculator (55 mins)	Reading & Writing Mod. 1 (32 mins) Reading & Writing Mod. 2 (32 mins) Math Mod. 1 (35 minutes) Math Mod. 2 (35 minutes)
Calculator Policy	Calculators are permitted only on second math section.	Calculators are permitted on both Math modules, including the on-screen Desmos graphing calculator.
Average Passage Length	Reading: 600-750 words Writing & Language: 350-450 words	25-150 words

Digital SAT vs. ACT

	DSAT	ACT
Timing	2 hours, 14 minutes	2 hours, 55 minutes
Number of questions	98 questions	215 questions
Minutes/Question	1.37	0.81
Test Format	Adaptive, Digital	Paper/Pencil, Linear
Sections	Reading & Writing Math	English Math Reading Science
Scoring	400-1600	1-36
Student Strengths	Students better suited to the DSAT are typically those who: 1) Prefer a shorter format (DSAT is 2 hrs 14 mins, ACT is 2 hrs 55 mins). 2) Prefer a slower-paced test. 3) Are looking to emphasize math skills (given that math is 50% of the DSAT). 4) Prefer shorter passages for reading and punctuation/grammar. 5) Feel more comfortable with challenging vocabulary questions (DSAT includes 8-10 vocabulary-in-context questions).	Students better suited to the ACT are typically those who: 1) Prefer a longer format 2) Can tolerate a faster paced test. 3) Are looking for more rules and formulas. (20% of the ACT questions are based on “magic tricks” vs. 14% of SAT questions). 4) Feel more comfortable with charts, graphs, figures, and tables. (These are tested on the ACT Science section). 5) Feel more comfortable with the meat-and-potatoes paper/pencil style of testing.

Calculator Policy Details

In this digital era, the calculator policy undergoes a transformation. The on-screen Desmos calculator, a substantial tool, is now permitted for the entire Math section. Additionally, students may still bring their own graphing calculator. The comprehensive calculator policy ensures students have the tools they need to excel in the Math modules.

Subscribe to our email newsletter!

Are you eager to stay on top of the latest updates, fascinating stories, and exclusive insights? Look no further! Join our exclusive email newsletter community and embark on a journey of knowledge, inspiration, and discovery.

Accommodations

For students requiring accommodations, the digital SAT provides a range of options to ensure a fair testing experience. It is crucial for students to explore and apply for accommodations that align with their needs. The Krupnick Approach offers guidance in understanding the available accommodations and navigating the application process.

Interactive Features

Embracing the digital format, the SAT introduces interactive features to enhance the test-taking experience. Students can now flag questions for review, providing a convenient way to revisit challenging items. The inclusion of a reference sheet offers quick access to essential information, streamlining problem-solving and decision-making during the examination.

Our Approach

Embarking on the journey to excel in the digital SAT requires tailored guidance, and The Krupnick Approach is here to provide the best in customized, data-driven, one-on-one support. Our tutoring programs align with each student’s unique needs, using systematic design, personalized tutoring, a proprietary database, and official tests to guide instruction and support growth and confidence.

See what our students and parents have to say about their experiences

"The Krupnick Approach exceeded my expectations. My daughter took the ACT exam in December 2018 without prior tutoring or test preparation. Her score was good, but we thought that she could do better. A couple of friends had recommended Joe Krupnick to me. After our initial consultation, Joe recommended that my daughter take the next ACT exam in February 2019. Joe’s approach was structured and specific to what my daughter needed to focus on in order to improve her score. In ten tutoring sessions, the English component of my daughters score increased 10 points!! All sections increased, bringing her composite score up 4 points in total. Words really can’t express how elated we were that this part of the college admissions process was over and my daughter could now focus on her class work and spring sports season at Jones. Completely exceeded my expectations!!"

"My name is Grace Thompson and I am a product of the tireless efforts of all the members of the Krupnick Approach. The Krupnick Approach boosted my ACT score 8 points! Not only did Joe and his team teach me the skills necessary to master the test, they also helped me gain confidence in my skills and use the short time to the best of my abilities. I couldn’t have done the ACT without the help of the Krupnick Approach!!"

"I turned to The Krupnick Approach for ACT tutoring, and I am very pleased with my results. I signed up for the bronze program for a total of 15 hours and was able to work with three wonderful tutors. They were all extremely well-qualified and helped me tremendously. Each of them taught me how to find strategies that I used on the official ACT, allowing me to boost my score in each section. A useful tool was the many practice tests The Krupnick Approach provides. These tests are conducted in an atmosphere similar to the one encountered on test day. This not only made me feel more comfortable with the testing process but also helped me determine the types of mistakes I made during a full, timed ACT, which in turn gave my tutors some insight in securing an individualized learning plan for me. I am happy to say that, with the help of the Krupnick Approach team, I was able to surpass my goal and ended up with a 34 composite score on the ACT."

“[The Krupnick Approach] helped me raise my ACT score and ultimately get into 8 top universities! Lots of great strategies and tips, very informed. Thank you for your help!”

“The Krupnick Approach taught me new ways of thinking for the ACT and consistently worked with me to ensure that I understood the material and was bettering my score.”

“By far the best ACT/SAT prep service in Chicago. My son's score was raised by 8 points, now putting him in the range for highly selective schools. My son got his own personalized curriculum, and they were very flexible with our crazy schedule. Thank you Krupnick Approach!”

“I hired The Krupnick Approach to help my very motivated daughter prepare for the ACT test. They did an excellent job raising my daughter's ACT score. She needed a 5-6 point gain so that she could apply to the Ivy's, and The Krupnick Approach delivered. She achieved her goal on her first ACT test. I looked at other test prep programs in Chicago and online but they all seemed too institutionalized and impersonal. I was specifically looking for a "custom" approach and someone who could teach test taking strategy down to the geekiest of details, as well as someone who could offer practice tests that were current - not from 2012. The Krupnick Approach is all of that and more. I have hired them to help my daughter with her college essays, to prepare her for SAT subject tests and will also use them again for my other daughter, class of 2021.”

“The Krupnick approach lifted my score 6 full points from my first ACT to my last. They really do a great job of breaking the test down and teaching students how to attack it piece by piece. Would 100% recommend!”

“[The] Krupnick Approach helped so much with my act. My score went up about 5 points all thanks to Krupnick and his other tutors. They helped me understand the patterns and different ways to beat the test. They walked through all the problems I got wrong so I knew what to do next time. Now I’m headed to UVA thanks to help from the Krupnick Approach!”

“Krupnick Approach helped so much with my ACT. My score went up about 5 points all thanks to Dr. Krupnick and his other tutors. They helped me understand the patterns and different ways to beat the test. They walked through all the problems I got wrong so I knew what to do next time. Now I’m headed to UVA thanks to help from the Krupnick Approach!”

“[The] Krupnick Approach has already helped increase my ACT score significantly. All of the tutors are very helpful and always were on time for class. They also made an effort to extend their help beyond the designated class time, and reached out with extra help very often.”

“Krupnick Approach helped raise my score by 3 points after just a few weeks. There was always good communication and organization, and setting up tutoring sessions was simple. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to raise their ACT score significantly to reach their goal, as I have reached mine.”

“If you want reliable and trustworthy people, The Krupnick Approach is definitely the way to go. There are multiple tutors who are experts in their field. For instance, there is a special tutor for math, science, reading, and English. At first I thought even the best tutors would have trouble teaching and connecting with me on zoom, but I was complete wrong. The way I was taught about how to approach the test was mind opening and it allowed me to score much better than I would have if I hadn’t taken part in the Krupnick Approach. Overall, 100% recommend to anyone wanting to do well on the ACT.”

“Krupnick Approach is a great way to boost your test scores. I went from a 21 to a 26/27 superscore just from this company. He also helped me look at colleges and my college essays. Overall very helpful and I would definitely recommend!”

“The Krupnick Approach has done a phenomenal job in helping me raise my college entrance test scores. Dr. K is extremely supportive and has an amazing staff like Cameron who is awesome. Overall, I raised my score 6 points and I’ve developed a new level of confidence about test taking in general. I’ve also worked with John briefly as a tutor for math to secure some concepts and secure the grade I wanted (an A), but more importantly I understood the material in a way that really made sense for me. I really don't know where I would be in this process without Joe and Cameron and the Krupnick Approach. They really are invested in my future and that means a lot to me.”

“As a parent of six kids, it was extremely important for me to find tutors that could adapt to different learning styles. It was also critical to find an approach that helped find and advance the learning strengths of each individual child. The Krupnick approach helped pull out the best work in my kids and instilled the confidence in writing, problem solving and testing that few (if any) teachers and professors have been able to achieve. Excellent group!”

“The Krupnick Approach has helped me incredibly during the college process. Joe Krupnick, Joe Burton, and Cameron have all worked with me to figure out my strengths and weaknesses. The strategies they taught have allowed me to take the ACT with confidence. With their support, I was accepted to my dream college through the Early Decision round! I had a great experience, and I highly recommend the Krupnick Approach to others!!”

"The Krupnick Approach allows you to excel when & where you need it the most. If you're looking to improve your personal or academic situation, then don't waste your time or money on a second rate service -- just do it right from the start. His approach is unparalleled. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a man who mastered both sides of academia: the student and the teacher."

"[The Krupnick Approach] provides all the tools you need to do well on your standardized testing, great scheduling and resources to help you succeed."

“My ACT score went up 8 points and I just got in, early decision, to Tufts! This was a huge help.”

“[The Krupnick Approach] helped me raise my ACT score and ultimately get into 8 top universities! Lots of great strategies and tips, very informed. Thank you for your help!”

“The Krupnick Approach taught me new ways of thinking for the ACT and consistently worked with me to ensure that I understood the material and was bettering my score.”

Jordan went from a 1200 to a 1440 on the SAT. It was a great experience.

SAT Test Prep Family, Parent(s), Glenbrook North

When should I take the digital SAT?

Just as they say about voting, the best time to take the new SAT is early and often. This is the case especially inasmuch as these tests do not generally reflect what you learn in school. This means that, with the exception of Math—which does require rudimentary understanding of advanced algebra concepts—there’s really no time that’s too early to start prepping.

With that said, we usually encourage students to begin incorporating SAT prep into their life routines the summer after sophomore year. The advantage of starting over the summer is that it’s not competing with the full-time jobs of high school and extracurricular activities. The advantage of starting after sophomore year is that students have generally had enough math to get them through 95-98 percent of the SAT and are by then in a great position to get ahead of the curve. Think of it this way: if you start early, you’ll be done with these tests by junior fall or winter. And while everyone else is still suffering the tortures of the damned, you’ll be able to spend your after school time on something else… like college prep!

The other advantage of starting early is that most colleges (our analysis suggests 65-70 percent) superscore the SAT, which means that having more opportunities to take these exams will likely redound to your credit.

What's a Good SAT Score?

A good score, like curved space time, is relative. It’s relative to your personal standards and relative to the standards of the schools to which you’re applying. (To a certain extent, we might say that good scores are also relative to the standards of your parents and peers, but, as independent thinkers ourselves, we discourage all of our students from having such narrowly defined conceptions of success.)

More concretely, we encourage our students to aim for outcomes that put them above the 25th percentile for the schools to which they are applying. If you’re dead set on Princeton or MIT, this means that a 1480 or a 1500 is a good score. If you’re looking at other schools, that 25th percentile might start at 1200 or 1220. For more information on percentile scores at specific schools, see College Super-Scoring, Test Optional Status & Admissions Data.

If you don’t know where you’re applying, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a percentile that is roughly commensurate with your GPA percentile at your local high school. If you get mostly As and are in the top 10% of your class, you’ll probably want to aspire for a 1380 or higher. If you’re in the middle of the class, you’d probably benefit from an SAT that’s 1200 or higher.

If you don’t know where you stand in relation to your local high school class, we’d suggest looking at Naviance/Scoir/Maya Learning scattergrams and perhaps doing some light reconnaissance during free periods and downtime. Without being creepy about it, it’s usually not terribly difficult to get a ballpark sense based on conversations with friends and classmates.