Digital Test-Taking Tips

Photo by Andy Barbour

Digital exams are changing the landscape of standardized test taking. New tools, shorter exams, and updated content in some instances mean students need to learn different strategies to succeed compared to paper tests. For New York City students, the most recent digital update is the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Fully digital for students taking the SHSAT in 2025, this change brings both challenges and opportunities for students aiming for admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. As digital testing becomes the norm across many standardized tests, students must adapt their preparation strategies to excel in this new format. Let’s explore what this change means and how to optimize your test-taking approach for digital tests.

Digital vs. Paper Exams

Traditionally, standardized tests have been paper-based, requiring students to fill out answer sheets manually. Now, with the transition to a digital format, students will take standardized exams, such as the SAT and SHSAT, on a digital device. While the core content of many of these tests remains the same, the way students interact with the tests can be different.

Since the SAT’s transition to a digital format, the mean score has seen a slight decline from a score of 1028, in 2023, to 1024, in 2024. However, this decline is consistent with post-pandemic standardized score declines seen across other standardized tests. For the SAT, the switch to a digital test was also accompanied by the transition to an adaptive format – meaning that a student’s performance on an initial module of easy, medium, and hard questions determines the difficulty of subsequent modules. For 2025, the new SHSAT digital format will have the same number of questions (114) and duration (three hours). It will not be adaptive for 2025, but we expect it will become adaptive for the fall of 2026.

Some of the benefits of a digital exam include increased efficiency of grading, increased exam security - College Board decided to expedite their switch to digital AP Exams after an increase in compromised test material last year - reduced paper waste, and an improved user experience for a generation of students more comfortable with digital formats.

However, technical difficulties could lead to a deflation of scores, and extended screen time may lead to eye strains of headaches.

Which Standardized Tests are Digital in 2025?

SAT

The SAT has fully transitioned to a digital format as of 2024. It is administered through the Bluebook app, featuring adaptive testing, shorter test times, and built-in tools like a calculator and highlighter.

AP Exams

In 2025, 16 AP exams will be offered exclusively in a digital format, and 12 will be offered in a hybrid format. The College Board plans to digitize more AP exams by 2026, with the goal of moving most tests online. Digital AP exams will use the Bluebook platform (like the SAT) and maintain the same content, timing, and accommodations as paper exams​.

ACT

The ACT will offer a digital option starting in 2025, but students will still have the choice to take the test on paper. The format will remain non-adaptive, meaning all students receive the same set of questions​. The ACT has not indicated that they plan to move fully digital in the near future.

SHSAT

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) in New York City is going digital in 2025. It will be administered on school-managed devices (laptops, tablets, or computers). A paper version will still be available for students with certain accommodations​.

6 Tips for Digital Exams

Digital exams present different challenges and opportunities than paper-based exams. Digital exams may be more comfortable for students who are used to learning on digital devices, but they also may require some adjustment and practice to gain comfort and build confidence. Here are some tips to prepare and succeed on digital exams:

1. Practice Digital Math Problem-Solving
   • Get comfortable with mental math and common sense approximations.
   • Organize your work neatly to avoid mistakes.
   • Familiarize yourself with any built-in calculator features (available for some tests, but not the SHSAT).

The Desmos calculator is available for the SAT and ACT. Take our Desmos-specific class to learn how to use the calculator to solve problems in as little as 30 seconds on the SAT.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

1. Develop Digital Reading Strategies
   • Practice reading passages on-screen to develop endurance.
   • If available, use highlight and annotation features.
2. Optimize Your Time Management
   • Use the available clock or timer to pace yourself.
   • Flag questions you aren’t sure about to return to them later.
   • Practice full-length digital tests to simulate test-taking conditions.
3. Reduce Digital Fatigue
   • Adjust screen brightness and seating position for optimal comfort.
   • Blink often and don’t be afraid of short breaks to avoid eye strain.
   • Practice completing homework on-screen to build endurance.
4. Prepare for Potential Technical Issues
   • Stay calm and alert proctors in the event of malfunctions or technical issues.
   • Read directions and ensure you understand how to navigate forward and backward between questions.
5. Get Comfortable with Digital Testing
   • Take online practice tests that simulate the digital format. You can sign up for a free consultation to get access to our mock tests here.
   • Familiarize yourself with digital annotation and highlighting tools, if available.

The shift to digital formats represents a new challenge. But with the right strategies, students can confidently tackle the test. By practicing with digital tools, refining time management techniques, and adapting to on-screen problem-solving, students can maximize their performance.

NYC students interested in taking the SHSAT in Fall 2025 should begin preparing now. Get started with our SHSAT mock testing and tutoring services.