Reddit March Sat (2024)

FAQs

Was the March SAT difficult? ›

Here were our key takeaways: The Math section was more difficult than expected. The Reading and Writing section was more in line with expectations, but still more difficult than expected for many. Many students reported lower scores on the March test than expected.

According to our preliminary data, students were more likely to score higher on Bluebook practice tests than on their official tests—which could have contributed to their sense that the real thing was harder—but not by much.

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March has become one of the more popular SAT dates for good reason. Considering how hectic May and June can be for juniors, the March SAT represents the last, best chance to ace the test before summer arrives.

College Board had released four full-length practice tests on their digital testing platform. However, students reported that the official test felt much more difficult than the practice tests, especially in math. Many students also struggled more with timing on the official test when compared to those practice tests.

Myth: The March SAT is the easiest SAT test date. Fact: There's no such thing as “the easiest SAT test date.” While it's true that some versions of the SAT are easier than others, it's false that some test dates are predictably easier than others.

The SAT® exam itself is not curved relative to test takers. However, the College Board puts each test through an “equating” process. This process ensures no student receives an advantage or disadvantage from taking a particular for on the SAT® on a particular day.

Taking the SAT multiple times is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, many students take the exam two or three times to improve their scores. Most colleges will consider your highest scores and some even use 'superscoring,' which means they'll take the best scores from each section across all your test attempts.

If you don't want to take the SAT immediately before your AP exams, then March may be the better testing month – but if you need more time to prepare, then May is likely a better testing month. But don't stop there.

Studying for the SAT in a month is possible, though it's recommended that you spend 10 to 20 hours per week over the course of two or three months prepping for the SAT. But if you only have 30 days, here's how you can get it done and get a good SAT score.

What if you're a senior in high school, though? For seniors, scores from the March SAT won't get to the majority of colleges in time. However, if your colleges have late application deadlines in May, June, July, or even August, then the March SAT should work just fine for you!

Is it too late to take the SAT in March senior year? ›

While senior year is not too late for the SAT, we strongly recommend students plan to finalize their scores early. This earlier preparation leads to less stress, better performance, and potentially higher scores.

The best time for SAT prep courses will vary from student to student, but generally, it's best to take these classes several months before you plan on sitting for the exam. By starting test prep early, students put themselves in the best position to plan, prep, and retest.

Broken down by section, you can get 8 wrong in Math for a 700, 5 wrong in Writing for a 350, and 8 wrong in Reading for a 350. To earn a 1400 overall, you can still get 21 answers wrong and be just 200 points shy of a perfect 1600!

Similarities between the Digital and Paper-and-Pencil SAT

The scoring scale is still 400-1600 (which helps to answer the question of which test is harder – more on that below).

Equating is Not Grading on a Curve

When a test is scored on a curve, the score may change depending on how everyone else performed on the test. A student's SAT score is based only on how they perform and is never affected by another student's performance.

Generally, Critical Reading (now just called Reading on the redesigned SAT) has taken an overall decline, whereas the Math score has risen slightly over time. There are of course small fluctuations throughout the years, but the overall trend is clear.

Students prefer the new SAT by a 7 to 1 margin, saying it's “easier,” “more straightforward,” and “way more applicable to what we've been learning in school.” Here's why: A focus on the areas of math that matter most. A move away from obscure vocabulary words to the use of relevant words in context.

Beginning in March 2024, the SAT will be administered in a completely digital format. Students won't be able to take the SAT in a paper and pencil format.