Understanding The Bluebook Testing App

Bluebook is the official app through which students will take the digital SAT. It is available from the official website of the College Board, which creates and administers the SAT. 

But is accessing the actual SAT the only use of tBluebook? If not, what else can you use Bluebook for? How and where can you download Bluebook? And, importantly, how can you use Bluebook to practice for the digital SAT?

In this article, we answer all these questions and more. Plus, we’ll also point you to a brilliant (and free) resource where you can practice mock SATs with the same format and scoring as the actual SAT. Let’s begin!

About the Bluebook SAT app

Starting Spring 2024, you’ll be able to attempt the digital SAT only through the official app called Bluebook.

Here is a quick overview of Bluebook:

• You can take the SAT only through the Bluebook, and not otherwise.
• You need to download the Bluebook app on the device which you plan to take the SAT on. 
• There are certain system requirements for the device where you’ll download the SAT.
• You need to download it beforehand, and not at the time of taking the actual SAT.
• It has questions from previous SATs that you may practise upon.
• In addition to the practice questions, it also has learning tools. 

What devices support the Bluebook app

Currently, the Bluebook testing app can run only on:

• School-managed Chromebook,
• an Apple iPad,
• a Mac laptop, and
• a Windows laptop or tablet

Also, there are certain system requirements for these devices.

The below table explains the detailed requirements for devices that work with the Bluebook app SAT.

Note: For students using iPads to write an AP exam, an external keyboard will be required.

In case you try to download it on a device that doesn't meet the specifications, you’ll see the below message:

What does the Bluebook contain

For students taking the SAT, Bluebook contains timed and simulated full-length SATs, preview practice questions, analytics, learning tools, and study guides. When used thoughtfully, the Bluebook app will increase your confidence in facing the actual test and raise your chances of getting a higher SAT score.

Here are the four important areas of Bluebook that we’d recommend students pay special attention to:

1. Full-length practice tests

The adaptive SAT is quite unlike any paper-based test or even a non-adaptive test you might take on a computer. Hence it’s important that you experience the adaptive SAT, and that too with identical interface and format. 

The Bluebook app offers you four mock SATs. Each practice test fully simulates the actual SAT. You will get to attempt questions of the same difficulty level as in the real SAT. You will also see firsthand how adaptive SATs work. At the end of each practice test, you’ll receive scores just like in the actual SAT.  

Here's what your actual SAT scorecard may look like.

There’s just a small difference between an actual SAT and these full-length mock SATs. In the practice tests you may move to the next section even before the allotted time ends, if you wish. This is not possible in the actual SAT.

2. Test preview questions

The Bluebook provides these questions to acquaint you with digital testing fully. They are not meant to give you practice in any of the sections per se. 

Hence, test preview questions work differently. Firstly, they aren’t full-length tests - they are only a small set of questions. Secondly, they aren’t timed; you may take however long you wish.

And finally, the app doesn’t score you for these questions. Hence, after you’ve completed attempting these questions, you won’t know how you fared (which is ok, since the goal of these questions was to familiarise you with the digital testing). 

3. Analytics

The CollegeBoard testing app will show you your performance in the full-length tests. You will be able to see how you’ve fared and track your overall performance. You’ll also find your performance for individual questions. 

The analytics will also tell you how you did in each of the subject areas. That will help you identify your strengths as well as areas for improvement. Finally, you’ll get to see your scores across different levels of difficulty. That will help you refine your strategies.

While there’s certainly some room for improvement, these analytics are certainly a help in absence of better, more detailed insights.

4. Learning tools

The student testing app  comes with a set of learning tools that include video lessons and flash cards. While you cannot use these tools to replace your full-fledged SAT test-prep, they are a great way to supplement your preparations. 

The video lessons cover different subject areas that the SAT tests you for. You may find them useful in understanding concepts you aren’t sure of.

On the other hand, the flashcards serve as memory-boosting devices, especially for vocabulary and numerical concepts. 

How to use the Bluebook app?

Using the Bluebook app for the SAT won’t take much getting used to. Things are simple and intuitive, so you can easily start. Here’s how it will go.

First, make sure you have the device with the right specifications. After you’ve downloaded the app, you need to sign up and create an account. You’ll need an account to begin using the app and start exploring its features.

Getting familiar with the SAT

Next, familiarize yourself with digital testing - the interface, tools, and all that. This is best done through the Test Preview questions. Remember, they aren’t graded or timed, so spend some time making yourself comfortable with the digital testing style that the CollegeBoard uses for the SAT. 

Starting your SAT preparations

Ideally, you should take the Diagnostic Test from the app as your next step. That will tell you a great deal about where you stand in your preparations, your familiarity with how the adaptive SAT works, digital testing, and so on. 

Using your performance on the Diagnostic Test, the testing app will recommend a study plan for you. If there’s a tutor who helps you with the test-prep, it’s a good idea to discuss this study plan with them and improve it. Remember, there are learning aids (like videos and flashcards) within the app that you can use.

Reviewing your performance

Once you’re confident about your preparations, take the first of the practice tests within the app. Review your performance using the analytics that the app provides. That way, you’ll be able to spot areas you need to improve in order to get a good SAT score. 

Continue working on your preparations and taking the practice tests, based on your performance and your study plan. This loop will ensure you’re constantly improving your scores.

Getting help from the community

Along the way, don’t forget to make most of the community of test-takers that the Bluebook will let you access. Communities like this allow you to exchange experiences, share tips, and learn from one another. Such interactions can be important in maintaining focus and momentum in order to successfully prepare for the SAT.

Additional tips

The day you take the digital SAT

On the test day, make sure:

• You're taking the same device that you've download the app on,
• You're carrying along a charging cable or a portable charger,
• Your device can connect to a Wi-fi, and
• Your device is fully charged

Bluebook App: Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Where can I download the Bluebook app for SAT?

You may download the Bluebook app from the official CollegeBoard site.

Can I download Bluebook on Mac?

Yes, provided your personal device meets the system requirements listed above, you may download the Bluebook app on your Mac device, your iPad, your Windows device or School-managed Chromebook.

Why can't I download Bluebook on my Chromebook?

If it’s a Chromebook, the app may only be downloaded on school-managed Chromebooks. See the table above to learn about system requirements to download the Bluebook app. It's not possible to download the app on a personal Chromebook.

How many Bluebook practice tests are there?

The Bluebook has four full-length, adaptive practice SAT tests. They have the same look and feel of an actual SAT, and even the scoring style is identical.

How do I access my digital practice tests on Bluebook?

Once you've signed in, you'll see a Practice and Prepare section. There you'll find the full-length practice SATs.

What are the tools available during the test?

In the actual SAT, you'll see a number of tools, each with a different purpose. The main tools you'll see are:

• Timer
• Calculator (during the math section)
• Bookmark tool that lets you skip the question for the time-being and come back to it later
• Option eliminator that lets you mark one or more choices you think are wrong. You may undo it anytime.

Then there are other tools like the one that allows you to zoom any part of the test, highlight a particular line you're reading, an annotation tool to leave a note with, and so on. Being comfortable using these tools beforehand helps you relax on the test day.

What are the Test Previews inside my Bluebook app?

The Test Preview section is set of questions where you experience the test. The Bluebook provides them to help you completely familiarize yourself with the test interface, its tools, and more. They are also available for select AP exams, and are neither timed nor scored.

Will my Bluebook app auto-update?

In most cases, yes. However, in case it can't auto-update to the latest version, you'll see a message that tells you to reinstall before proceeding.