By Laura Whitmore
Preparing for the SAT can often feel like trying to fold a fitted sheet—no matter how much you practice it, it never seems to get any easier. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 predictions for what you can expect on test day. Whether you're a student gearing up for the exam or someone helping them navigate this important milestone, these insights will help you feel more prepared and less stressed.
Not up for reading? Watch my YouTube video instead!
One type of problem I predict will appear is a comparison between two shapes, where dimensions aren’t provided. For instance, you might encounter two similar rectangular prisms and be asked to determine the volume of one based on the surface area of the other. The key here is to think in terms of dimensional relationships. Surface area is two-dimensional, so if one surface area is 25 times larger, the lengths are 5 times larger. To find the volume, you’ll need to cube that scalar multiple.
Trigonometry has been a consistent feature on the SAT, and I’m confident it will be present again. You might be asked to create and solve an equation involving a right triangle. The best approach is to start by drawing a picture to visualize the problem. If you’re dealing with a right triangle, you’re likely working with sine, cosine, or tangent functions. The key to solving the problem correctly is to set up the equation by making the unknown side you're solving for x. This will make solving the equation much more manageable.
Linear equations are a staple of the SAT, particularly on the digital version. These questions can be tricky because they often involve a scenario where the pricing or quantity changes after a certain point. For example, a problem might ask you to model ticket sales where the price increases after the first 25 tickets are sold. Remember to carefully set up your equation and subtract 25 from the total (see video for more details on that).
Standard deviation is an important concept on the SAT, though it only appears in a few questions. It’s a quick and easy point if you understand that standard deviation increases as data becomes more spread out and decreases as data becomes more concentrated. The best part? You won’t need to do any number crunching—just focus on the concept and answer accordingly.
Function notation and exponent rules are likely to be tested, and understanding them is crucial. For example, if you see something like F(2) = 5, remember that 2 is your x-value and 5 is your y-value. This knowledge can help you quickly interpret and solve related problems, saving you valuable time on the test.
Exponential growth problems are becoming more challenging, so it’s important to understand the components of these equations. Typically, the number outside the parentheses represents the initial amount, while the value inside indicates the growth rate. You may need to work through some calculations, but with a solid grasp of the basics, you’ll be well-equipped to handle these questions.
Probability questions with a twist are a trend on the SAT. These problems often involve a "given" statement that changes the parameters of the problem. When you see this, adjust your totals accordingly and remember that you’re working with a new set of data. This careful attention to detail will help you answer correctly.
Absolute value questions can be straightforward, but the SAT often adds a layer of complexity, especially on the digital version. If you’re given an equation like 7|x - 4| = k, and told there’s only one solution, remember that this means that k=-k, which means k can only be 0. This insight will guide you to the correct answer.
Weighted mean problems are common and can be tackled effectively by breaking them down step by step. For example, you might be given the average calorie content of two different sets of food items and asked to calculate the overall average. By weighting each set properly and finding the combined mean, you can solve these problems with confidence.
Finally, expect questions about constants and coefficients in equations. In past tests, this involved identifying the vertex or the solutions of a quadratic, for instance. Now, you might see similar questions with exponential equations. Understanding how to spot these values in an equation without extra calculations will give you a clear advantage.
If you’re looking for an extra boost, I highly recommend checking out Preptly, our mobile digital SAT prep app. Preptly offers over a thousand unique and exclusive questions, right at your fingertips, making it easy to get in those last-minute practice sessions. Having Preptly is like having a personal tutor in your pocket, ready to help you out anytime, anywhere.
Bottom Line 🔮
These predictions are based on trends I’ve observed, and they should help you focus your study efforts in the final days before the test. Remember, preparation is about working smarter, not harder.
Happy prepping!
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