Digital vs. Paper SAT: Students Debate
Students work on a practice module during SAT Prep Club. Photo: Jasmina Abidova
By SHANZEH FAHID and ALANNA LALMAN
The transition to the digital SAT has ignited a spirited debate among Midwood students, with perspectives ranging from enthusiastic approval to cautious skepticism. While some view the shift as a necessary evolution, others argue it introduces hurdles that could outweigh its benefits.
Junior Peilin Lu sees the digital SAT as a positive change. “It’s easier than the traditional paper version,” Lu said. “I think the new format is definitely more convenient.”
Other students, such as Calisia Forde '26 and Kenya Bolds '26 also highlighted the ease of using technology. “It’s simpler for us because we’re already so used to working digitally,” Forde said. “The digital test feels more organized, easier to track, everything is clear, and there's less chance of wasting time.”
“The test just feels more intuitive with all the tools we use every day,” Bolds added.
“It’s the direction everything is going, and it helps that we’re already familiar with most of the technology,” said SAT Prep Club President Matthew Chen '26.
However, not all students share this enthusiasm. Junior Muslima Erkinova prefers the paper version, citing fewer technical issues and better focus. “I find it easier to concentrate with a pen and paper,” Erkinova said. “It’s just more natural for me.”
“I feel more comfortable with paper,” said junior Deborah Adekunle. “It’s just what I’m used to, and it helps me concentrate better.”
Emily Kovmir ‘26 also finds the digital format challenging. “It’s hard to highlight and annotate on a screen,” Kovmir said. “I don’t feel like I can focus the same way as I would with a paper test. And with paper, I don’t feel drained by a screen.”
Junior Hamida Nazarova dislikes the inflexibility of the digital format. “I feel more in control with paper tests,” Nazarova said. “With the digital version, it’s harder to manage the timing.”
The fairness of the new format is another point of contention, as students without digital skills or practice may be at a disadvantage. “Not everyone has the same level of access to technology,” Erkinova said. “Some students might struggle with the digital tools.”
Opinions also vary on the adaptive questioning format of the digital SAT, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on students’ responses. Lu sees this as a potential advantage. “I think the test adapts well to your strengths,” she said. “It challenges you where you need it, which could give a more accurate score.”
“It’s great for showing what you’re really good at,” Bolds said. “It focuses on what matters, and you don’t waste time on questions that are too easy for you.”
Others expressed concerns that this format might negatively impact students who initially struggle, especially in subjects like math. “If you don’t do well in the easier section, you might not reach the harder questions that align with your strengths,” Nazarova said. “That’s frustrating, especially in math, where you need the harder questions to really show your abilities.”
“I think the system isn’t for everyone,” Meerab Gulraiz '26 said. “You might get stuck on a question and then not have the chance to show your real abilities.”
Despite these divided opinions, most students noticed little change in their SAT preparation methods. “I didn’t change much,” Lu said. “The test is still about the same things, just in a different format.”
Erkinova shifted her practice online, learning to annotate digitally. “I’ve been practicing with digital tools,” Erkinova said. “It’s not ideal, but I’m learning to adjust.”
As students continue to adapt to the digital SAT, opinions remain divided. The transition reflects broader shifts in education towards digital platforms. Whether the SAT’s digital format will become a permanent standard or if a paper option will be reintroduced remains to be seen. For now, students will have to make do with the online version.