Recently, the SAT went fully digital, removing the option to take the test on paper in March of 2024. This decision was and still is controversial, as many people dislike this development. While I can see why some may see a paper test as the better option, I believe that it is better for the SAT to be digital, both for the test taker and for the College Board itself. Although I have never taken a paper SAT, I have taken practice tests on paper and I personally disliked the experience. The computer just allows for a much more pleasant experience than if you were to have to spend hours looking down at papers. Additionally, the digital SAT is much shorter than the paper SAT was, and for me personally, since I have extended time, I would hate having to take a paper SAT. Additionally, the digital SAT provides useful tools to test takers such as highlighting and a graphing calculator, which help the student visualize questions, and while some people may see these tools as being too helpful, I don’t believe that. As it stands, students taking the SAT already have enough to worry about, so providing these tools does not really invalidate the preparation and work put in by high performers. Furthermore, digital tests make the testing process easier. By transitioning to digital, College Board is able to send out scores earlier, and they can easily standardize the test. Additionally, switching to a shorter digital SAT that many people consider to be easier than the paper SAT makes taking the SAT a more attractive option than it was previously, resulting in more money for College Board, especially because the SAT’s main competitor, the ACT, is still primarily taken on paper. The switch to a digital format for the SAT, while being generally beneficial to students, clearly happened for the benefit of the College Board and their pockets, which are only growing fatter and fatter.

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