With significant changes to the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), including a switch to an online format and a reduced duration, how students adapt to these modifications and manage their time effectively to achieve high scores. In the second part of the interview with The Free Press Journal, Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, the Senior Director and Regional Head of the College Board for India, South & Central Asia, shared insights into the resources available for students, particularly those with disabilities, ensuring fair access to testing and opportunities in India.
FPJ: Since many U.S. universities, like Harvard, reinstated the SAT requirement after the pandemic, have you noticed an increase in student applications?
Meenakshi: Yes, we have gone back to the pre-pandemic level worldwide now. However, I would also say that when the pandemic was going on and when the test-optional and test-blind scenarios had started, we had done a survey, almost 83 percent of the students had mentioned that they still wanted to send the SAT scores to universities, even if they were test-optional. Because that sets them apart from the rest of the students. And especially Indian students, we all know that when you get the results of CBSE with 80 percent of the classes having the same 95 percent or 92 percent. Universities would only give you the criteria of their acceptance, but as a parent and as a student, you have to see yourself what increases your chances of a scholarship. And if giving a test increases that, then why not?
FPJ: With recent SAT changes like the switch to online and shorter duration, how are students adapting?
Meenakshi: The students have welcomed the change, first of all, because this is Gen Z and they welcome everything, because they’d like to type more than write or circle things. Thus, they have welcomed the change. Also, because it’s reduced from 3 to 2 hours and 14 minutes doesn’t mean that the number of questions remains the same. The number of questions has also been reduced. That means they can manage the time and they get ample time for solving a question, whether it’s reading and writing or math. In fact, in evidence-based reading and writing, the passages have become shorter and there are discrete questions. Discrete questions generally mean one question per passage or one question per pair of passages. So the questions have been reduced, and the length of the passage has become shorter which makes it easier for the students to comprehend and respond even if it is MCQ-based. On the student side, on the format and the rest of the things, I think they have accepted and welcomed the change.
FPJ: With the shift to one question per paragraph, do you think it affects the assessment of reading and writing skills? Would multiple questions provide a better evaluation?
Meenakshi: No, In terms of difficulty and other technical aspects, the level remains the same. The pattern has not changed. It’s just the passages have become shorter because that’s the feedback that we had gotten initially from students, teachers, and counsellors as well, saying that it is more US-based with very lengthy questions that confuse the students. Looking at that feedback and the number of years that have passed, we decided to make the exam more geographically adaptable.
FPJ: Are there specific resources and opportunities from the College Board to help students prepare for the SAT exam?
Meenakshi: We have the Bluebook testing app, which is the platform where the exam is conducted. Students have access to six full-length official practice tests available on Bluebook. Bluebook is the College Board’s proprietary app for administering the test. In addition to the full-length practice tests on Bluebook, we have an official partnership with Khan Academy. Students can access thousands of practice questions in math and evidence-based reading and writing. We always recommend Khan Academy as the best prep material for students. The content on Khan Academy covers school-level mathematics and reading and writing skills. We advise students to focus on their core concepts in class, but if they need extra help, Khan Academy is a resource. It provides not just question items, but also entire chapters explained through videos and written content.
FPJ: What accommodations are offered for students with disabilities taking the SAT exam?
Meenakshi: If a student needs test accommodations for the digital SAT or PSAT, s/he must get College Board approval. The accommodations collegeboard.org has information about eligibility and how to apply. It can take up to seven weeks for accommodations to be approved, so students should start the process as early as possible. Some accommodations are administered differently on digital tests than on paper and pencil tests. For example, if a student is approved to use a human reader on paper and pencil tests, the student may get a screen reader for digital tests. Also, some accommodations may not be needed for a digital test. For example, if a student is approved for large print, s/he may use the Zoom tool that’s available to all test takers. Approved accommodations include extended time, breaks, braille, human/screen reader, writer/scribe, pre-recorded audio, assistive technology, large print, magnification device, and more.
FPJ: What advice would you give to students who want to achieve the highest possible scores on the SAT?
Meenakshi: The best approach is to be consistent in your preparation. Be thorough with the concepts and regularly practice through Khan Academy, along with the BlueBook Official papers. Before your exam, make sure to stay calm. Don’t be anxious and get a good night’s sleep. Go for it just like you would for any other test. Remember, the concepts need to be clear. Students would be happy to know that inside the app, there’s a chart where you can refer to formulas, so there’s no need to cram. So, to sum up, be clear in your concepts and refer to Khan Academy and BlueBook for your preparation.
FPJ: Could you share some quick tips for students, especially a final preparation tip for their last month before the exam?
Meenakshi: Go through the Bluebook official test papers multiple times if needed. It’s not limited to just one attempt—you can repeat them many times. This will help you get familiar with the format of the paper and understand the timing required for solving questions in math, reading, and writing. Timing is very important. Plan and manage time effectively. That’s the key tip.
