Prepare for Digital Testing with Applerouth
A test prep hub for international students applying to U.S. colleges
The SAT is now digital worldwide and we’ve got everything you need to be ready.
Facts
Clear insights to understand the digital test.
Strategies
Expert advice to guide your test prep.
Prep Tools
Digital resources tailored for your digital test.
Applerouth’s Top Ten Tips for International Test Takers
Download our free Q&A for international students navigating US university admissions tests.
Stay Informed About SAT & ACT Changes
Cut through the confusion - here’s what international students need to know.
SAT Updates
Beginning in 2023, the College Board added two new test dates for international students, offering the test 7 times a year.
- August
- October
- November (NEW)
- December
- March
- May
- June (NEW)
ACT Updates
Currently, the ACT is a paper-based test. Starting in September 2025, students who take the ACT will experience the following changes:
- The Science section will be optional.
- Only the English, Math, and Reading sections will count toward the composite score.
- Students will have more time per question.
Learn more about the ACT changes here.
"It intimidated me to use an online tutoring service. But in the end, my daughter's tutor was the best!"
Be Prepared on Test Day
We’ve analyzed the changes to the digital SAT so you don’t have to!
The SAT now takes 2 hours and 14 minutes – 46 minutes less than before, and 41 minutes shorter than the ACT. With the digital format, you'll have 95 seconds per Math question and 71 seconds per Reading & Writing question.
Your score report includes more than just your overall score. It also provides Reading & Writing and Math Section Scores out of 800, plus a Knowledge and Skills section reflecting your performance in various domains. Note that the Knowledge and Skills section is not used for college admissions decisions.
Reading & Writing
The Digital SAT at a Glance
Get ready for test day with our analysis of the digital SAT.
A 32-minute baseline module to get started.
Includes 27 questions, each from a separate passage.
Literature
Social Science
Poetry
Natural Science
History
Humanities
Distribution of topics varies. Easier adaptive modules tend to focus on literature; harder adaptive modules tend to focus on humanities.
Half reading. Half grammar and editing. Adapted to your skill level.
The difficulty adjusts according to your baseline results and includes 27 questions, each from a separate passage.
A 35-minute baseline module to assess your current level.
It consists of 22 questions and includes formula references, with a Desmos calculator provided.
A 35-minute adaptive module.
The difficulty adjusts according to your baseline performance. It includes 22 questions, provides formula references, and features a built-in graphing calculator.
Compare the International SAT & ACT
Download our free infographic for the perfect visual comparison.
How to Ace Your Digital Test
When it comes to getting a good score, very little has changed. It’s about creating and following a solid plan, and we're here to help with both.
Take full-length practice tests for the SAT and ACT with our online, on-demand options. Discover your score and get a head start!
Ready to begin? See where you stand with a practice test.
Which practice test did you perform better on - SAT or ACT? If your scores differ significantly, your test choice is clear. If they're close, consider various factors, such as which test felt more natural to you.
Every student’s ideal plan is unique. Here are some general tips:
- Schedule 3 official test dates before your application deadlines.
- Start prep in grade 11, though the timeline may vary if you haven't completed Algebra II.
- Plan for 10 to 12 weeks of prep before your first test date, avoiding especially busy periods.
— International online tutoring parent
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