Nearly 2 million students took the SAT in 2024– will one of those students be you this year? If you’ve never taken the SAT before, it can seem like a daunting task. And if you have taken it before, you might already be dreading the re-take. If you’re taking the SAT in 2025, there’s a lot you’ll need to know. So don’t go in without preparing! From knowing what to take on test day to the best prep and study tips, our guide will help you with every step of the way.
The Digital Change
Even adults who took the SAT decades ago sometimes still have that nightmare about showing up on test day without their No. 2 pencil… but that’s a dream of the past now. The first big thing you need to know about the SAT is that it’s completely digital now. This shift aims to enhance the testing experience by making it more streamlined and accessible. The digital SAT is now shorter, lasting approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, compared to the previous 3-hour duration. Additionally, the test is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), and Math. Each section is further split into two modules, allowing for a more focused assessment of students’ skills.
To participate in the digital SAT, students can use a variety of devices, including Windows laptops or tablets, Mac laptops, iPads, or school-managed Chromebooks. It’s important to note that personal Chromebooks are not supported for the test. If you’re uncertain whether your Chromebook is school-managed, check with your school ahead of time. If you show up on test day without a compatible device, you can’t take the test.
Timing Your SAT
The SAT is offered seven times in 2025: March 8, May 3, June 7, August 23, October 4, November 8, and December 6. Each of these dates is a Saturday, and some schools offer SAT School Day testing. If your school does not, and you have a religious holiday that falls on one of the Saturday dates, you are allowed to get an exemption and test on the following Sunday.
There is a strategy to choosing your SAT date. If you’re applying to any kind of early action program, you will certainly want to pick an earlier test date so that you have room to take it again if desired. If you’re an athlete in a fall sport, a later date might be preferable to avoid training or games. The tests are the same level of difficulty across the different dates, so pick a date that works for you.
Registering for the SAT
Ideally, you should register for a test at least a few months in advance. Regular registration closes about four weeks before the test date, and late registration closes one to two weeks before the test date. But the earlier you register, the better. Since spots can fill up quickly, especially for popular dates, registering early ensures you secure your preferred test center and allows you to plan your study schedule effectively. Registration is done through the College Board’s website, where you’ll select your test date and location, confirm your device requirements for the digital exam, and pay the registration fee.
What To Bring With You On Test Day
On test day, having the right items with you is essential for a smooth experience. You must bring a fully charged device that meets the SAT’s digital requirements, along with the Bluebook testing app already installed. A power cord is also recommended in case you need to recharge. A valid photo ID and your admission ticket are required for entry, so double-check that you have both before leaving home. If you prefer using a physical calculator instead of the built-in digital one, make sure it’s an approved model. Bringing a snack and water for breaks can help you stay focused, and dressing in layers ensures comfort in varying room temperatures. Being prepared with these essentials allows you to concentrate fully on the test.
Understanding Adaptive Exams
A major advantage of the digital change is that the SAT is now adaptive. An adaptive exam adjusts the difficulty of questions based on a test-taker’s performance. On the digital SAT, the first module in each section contains a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. How well you do in that module determines whether the second module is easier or more challenging. This approach provides a more precise measure of ability while shortening the test without sacrificing accuracy. Because the SAT is now adaptive, students can focus on answering questions to the best of their ability without being overwhelmed by an unnecessarily long or repetitive exam.
SAT Math: What to Expect and How to Prepare
The SAT Math section evaluates problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to apply concepts to real-world situations. It consists of two modules, with questions adjusting based on performance in the first module. The section covers algebra, advanced math (including functions and equations), problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
A key change in the digital SAT is the ability to use a built-in graphing calculator for the entire Math section. Students can also bring an approved calculator if they prefer. The test focuses on efficiency, requiring not just knowledge but also the ability to work quickly and accurately. Practice with your calculator ahead of time; if you want to use the built-in one, you can download the SAT Bluebook app ahead of time to practice.
To prepare effectively, you should focus on mastering algebraic equations, understanding function behavior, interpreting graphs, and working with percentages and ratios. Practice with official SAT problems and timed drills can improve speed and accuracy. Since the test rewards strategic thinking, learning shortcuts and problem-solving techniques can provide an advantage.
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Key Skills and Strategies
The SAT EBRW section measures reading comprehension, grammar, and the ability to analyze and revise written text. Like the Math section, it consists of two modules, and performance on the first determines the difficulty of the second.
The Reading portion presents short passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and scientific research, requiring students to identify main ideas, infer meaning, and interpret evidence. Unlike the old SAT, all reading questions are passage-based, eliminating the previous sentence-completion format. The Writing portion of the EBRW section tests grammar, sentence structure, and logical organization. Students are asked to improve sentences, correct punctuation, and refine clarity in writing.
To prepare, you should practice reading actively, identifying key points and understanding how arguments are structured. Exposure to a variety of texts, especially nonfiction, helps improve comprehension. For the Writing portion, reviewing grammar rules and practicing with SAT-style questions can sharpen skills. Since the digital SAT includes shorter reading passages, focusing on concise analysis rather than lengthy reading can be an effective strategy.
Understanding SAT Scoring
Knowing how the SAT is scored helps you set realistic goals, strategize effectively, and interpret your results accurately. The SAT uses a scaled scoring system, with section scores for Math and EBRW combining for a total score between 400 and 1600. Your score report also includes your percentile ranking, which shows how you compare to other students who took the test, as well as breakdowns of how you scored points. Understanding raw scores, scaled scores, and percentile rankings can help you gauge how competitive your results are for college admissions, and let you know whether or not you should attempt the test again.
Preparing for the SAT: Strategies for 2025 and Beyond
Creating a study plan for the SAT is essential for steady improvement and avoiding last-minute cramming. The first step is assessing your starting point by taking a full-length practice test. This will give you a clear idea of your current performance level and help you identify which areas need the most attention. From there, setting specific goals, such as achieving a certain score increase or mastering particular question types, provides direction and motivation.
A realistic timeline is key to staying on track. Rather than trying to study everything at once, students should set up a schedule that includes regular study sessions spread out over several weeks or months. This approach allows for consistent practice without overwhelming bursts of preparation. Using high-quality resources, such as official SAT practice tests and reputable prep books, ensures that study time is spent efficiently.
Tracking progress is another important component of an effective study plan. Taking periodic practice tests helps measure improvement and reveals any persistent weak spots that need extra attention. Adjustments can be made along the way to refine focus areas and reinforce strengths. Sticking to a structured study plan requires discipline, but it increases the likelihood of reaching a target score. With dedication and the right strategies, you can approach test day with confidence, knowing you’ve put in the necessary work to succeed.
Another way to achieve success? Don’t reinvent the wheel. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, tutoring and test prep can make your studying far more effective. Taking an SAT prep class is a valuable step toward improving your score and feeling more confident on test day. These courses are led by instructors who have a deep understanding of the SAT’s structure and content, offering insights into question types, scoring, and strategies for tackling each section efficiently. Their expertise helps students approach the test with a clear understanding of what to expect, reducing anxiety and increasing accuracy.
As more and more universities are bringing back SAT requirements, the test is perhaps more important now than ever. While it’s undergone many changes, it has done so to help students present their best selves and demonstrate important skills that give admissions counselors the right impression of their abilities. By approaching the SAT with a well-informed and proactive mindset, you can enhance your prospects in the competitive college admissions process. And when you let PrepExpert be part of that process, you get access to top 1% SAT scorers who know the exam inside and out– and are here to help you master it, too. Browse our course catalogue today to find out more about how PrepExpert can help you achieve!
