SAT — What You Need to Know
Digital SAT (dSAT) · Adaptive · 2 hrs 14 min
1600
Max Score
98
Total Questions
2:14
Total Time (hrs)
4 modules
Adaptive Structure
Test Structure
Two sections · four modules · fully adaptive
| Section | Module | Questions | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | Module 1 | 27 | 32 min | Same difficulty for all students |
| Reading & Writing | Module 2 | 27 | 32 min | Easy or Hard track based on M1 score |
| Math | Module 1 | 22 | 35 min | Same difficulty for all students |
| Math | Module 2 | 22 | 35 min | Easy or Hard track based on M1 score |
| Total | 98 | 134 min | +10 min break between sections | |
Adaptive Routing
Module 1
Same for Everyone
R&W: 27q · Math: 22q
Threshold
R&W ≥ 14/27
Math ≥ 15/22
Hard M2
Higher ceiling
Max score ~800 per section
Easy M2
Capped ceiling
Max score ~670 per section
Reading & Writing
27 questions per module · 32 minutes · MCQ only
Question Format
All MCQ — four answer choices (A–D). No grid-in questions in R&W.
Each question has a short passage or data graphic (50–150 words). Questions are mostly independent, not passage-sets.
Approximately 70% text-based passages, 30% informational graphics (charts/tables).
Difficulty Mix (M1)
Easy
8q
Medium
10q
Hard
9q
| Domain | M1 | M2 Easy track | M2 Hard track | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft & Structure | 8 (3E·3M·2H) | 8 (4E·3M·1H) | 8 (1E·3M·4H) | Vocabulary, text structure, purpose, cross-text connections |
| Information & Ideas | 7 (2E·3M·2H) | 7 (3E·3M·1H) | 7 (1E·2M·4H) | Inference, main idea, command of evidence, data interpretation |
| Expression of Ideas | 5 (1E·2M·2H) | 5 (2E·2M·1H) | 5 (1E·1M·3H) | Rhetorical synthesis, revision, transitions |
| Standard English Conventions | 7 (2E·2M·3H) | 7 (3E·3M·1H) | 7 (1E·2M·4H) | Boundaries, form, structure, usage |
Math
22 questions per module · 35 minutes · MCQ + Grid-in
Question Format
~17 MCQ (four choices) and ~5 Grid-in (student-produced response) per module.
Calculator is permitted for the entire Math section. Desmos graphing calculator is built in.
A reference sheet with geometry formulas is provided within the test interface.
Difficulty Mix (M1)
Easy
5q
Medium
12q
Hard
5q
| Domain | M1 | M2 Easy track | M2 Hard track | Key topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 8 (2E·4M·2H) | 7 easy | 7 hard | Linear equations, systems, inequalities, functions |
| Advanced Math | 7 (1E·4M·2H) | 7 medium | 8 hard | Nonlinear functions, equivalent expressions, quadratics |
| Geometry & Trig | 4 (1E·2M·1H) | 4 easy | 4 hard | Area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, trigonometry, circles |
| Problem-Solving & Data | 3 (1E·2M) | 4 easy | 3 hard | Ratios, rates, proportions, probability, statistics |
Scoring
400–1600 composite · two section scores · no guessing penalty
Composite Score Range
400 – 1600
Sum of two section scores
R&W Section Score
200 – 800
Even numbers only
Math Section Score
200 – 800
Even numbers only
No guessing penalty. Your raw score is the number of correct answers. Unanswered and wrong answers both score 0, so always guess if unsure.
Adaptive scoring. A student routed to Hard M2 who answers the same number of questions correctly as a student on Easy M2 will score higher, because the Hard track questions are weighted more heavily.
Results in 2–4 days for digital testing. Scores include a detailed breakdown by domain, difficulty, and question type.
Test Day Strategy
Evidence-based tips for both sections
Module 1 is the most important
Your M1 performance determines your M2 track. Getting routed to Hard M2 is the only path to an 800. Treat M1 with maximum focus.
Don't skip — always guess
No penalty for wrong answers. If you're stuck, eliminate what you can and pick the best remaining option. Never leave a blank.
Use the built-in Desmos calculator
The on-screen graphing calculator is powerful. For tricky algebra or geometry, graph the equation rather than solving algebraically.
See how to solve systems of equations in DesmosFlag and come back
Both sections allow you to flag questions and revisit them. Use this on long passages — mark it, answer what you can, return with fresh eyes.
R&W: read the question first
Most R&W passages are short (50–150 words). Read the question before the passage so you know exactly what you're looking for.
Math: check units and context
SPR (grid-in) answers often require a specific unit or form. Re-read the question after solving to confirm your answer matches what was asked.
Practice with full adaptive mocks
5 full-length SAT mock tests · real adaptive routing · detailed score reports