Tutors React to the March SAT: Key Takeaways and Smart Strategies

By Laura Whitmore

Curious about what really happened on the March SAT? In this post, you’ll hear from Andy—one of our top tutors—who sat for the test in person to spot new question types, unexpected shifts in difficulty, and the best ways to prepare. Whether you’ve taken the SAT already or are gearing up for a future date, these insights can help you step into the testing room with confidence!

Want a break from reading? Head over to my YouTube video instead!

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🍵 Overview of the March SAT Experience

Andy felt that the newly released Blue Book tests (7–10) were excellent practice materials. He saw many questions on the real test that directly mirrored topics and styles from those official practice exams. However, he also noticed a few twists:

👉 English: There were subtle differences in wording, especially on reading comprehension questions that asked for the “main purpose” in an unusual way. There were also more questions involving infinitive forms (“to run,” “to jump”) than he saw on the practice tests.

👉 Math: Overall difficulty was comparable to the Blue Book tests, but certain geometry or trigonometry items (like the triangle inequality theorem) and exponential function questions stood out as potential curveballs. Using the built-in Desmos calculator proved to be a major advantage for double-checking.

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🍵 How the Real Test Stacks Up to Practice

Many test-takers wonder if the official practice tests truly match the real exam. According to Andy’s experience:

  👉 Similarity: Most concepts, question types, and even some nearly identical questions from Blue Book 7–10 showed up on the March exam.

  👉 Differences: A few issues, such as oddly worded main idea questions and more emphasis on infinitives, were not as common in the practice sets.

Every test contains experimental questions to keep things fresh, so it’s always wise to expect some surprises.

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🍵 Timing, Strategy, and Potential Disruptions

Time management can feel different in a real testing room. Background noise, a new environment, and technical issues can make each question seem more time-consuming. When you practice at home, leave yourself enough of a cushion so you’re prepared for small distractions.

Some test centers experienced technical glitches during the March exam. If you run into a problem like this, stay calm and follow proctor instructions. Major disruptions often lead to a makeup exam or other accommodations from the College Board.

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🍵 Core Skills to Focus On

Based on current trends, these areas deserve extra attention:

  👉 Grammar Mechanics: Watch out for comma splices, the correct use of the infinitive, and how conjunctions affect sentence structure.

  👉 Main Purpose & Overall Structure Questions: Practice scanning for key sentences (especially first or last lines) but be ready to read more if needed.

  👉 Geometry & Trigonometry Fundamentals: Refresh concepts like triangle inequalities or co-terminal angles.

  👉 Strategic Use of Desmos: It’s invaluable for confirming solutions on various types of math problems, from factoring to exponential equations.

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🍵 A Few Words on Test Anxiety and Retakes

If you feel the test didn’t go as planned, know that one challenging exam day doesn’t define your entire journey. Scores often improve with more practice and retakes—especially as you become familiar with the format and learn from earlier attempts. Many test-takers treat the first official SAT as a “dry run” to see where they need to focus next time.

For personalized guidance, consider 1:1 tutoring. Our team can help you develop a plan that builds confidence and leads to real progress!

We’ll continue to share key updates and strategies so that anyone tackling the SAT can walk into the exam feeling well-prepared. If you have questions about the test-taking process or want help with content review, we’re here to support you.

Happy prepping!