Is the SAT Hard? Overcoming the Test’s Challenges

With so many colleges reinstating the SAT as a requirement, taking the test is becoming just as crucial as it used to be.

For high schoolers eyeing college admissions in the US, the SAT might seem intimidating. But how hard is the SAT? And is the SAT harder than other standardized tests like the PSAT or ACT?

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Is the SAT Hard?

The SAT is a challenging test; that’s what helps it distinguish between different students.

With that said, difficulty is subjective. The best way to gauge its difficulty is by taking practice exams. These simulated tests not only help you get acquainted with the format and types of questions but also reveal your strengths and areas needing improvement for a good SAT score.

What’s interesting about the SAT is that it adjusts its difficulty based on your performance. Every section is split into two back-to-back modules, and how well you do on the first module determines the difficulty of the second one.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most difficult aspects of the SATs, and the best ways to overcome them, especially when studying for the SAT.

Length and Time Constraints

One of the biggest challenges of the SAT is the strict time limits for each section. Managing time effectively is crucial to completing all questions within the allotted time.

This pressure can sometimes make the test feel more difficult than it actually is, especially if time management skills are not well-honed.

How to overcome it:

• Work on your time management! Practice with timed tests; take full-length practice tests to get used to the pacing of the actual exam. This will help you become more comfortable working under time constraints.
• During practice sessions, use a timer to mimic the real test environment. This will help you gauge how long you spend on each question and improve your pacing.
• A critical time management tip: learn to quickly identify and tackle easier questions first, leaving more time for the difficult ones. Don’t linger on questions you can’t solve! This strategy ensures you secure the points you can get most easily.

Wide Range of Math Concepts

The SAT covers a broad but specific range of math topics, from algebra to advanced math. Some questions are straightforward, but others can be quite tricky, requiring a deep understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills.

The SAT also has a strong focus on algebra questions, which many students struggle with if not adequately prepared.

How to overcome it:

• Since the SAT covers a specific range of topics in its math section, determine the range of topics when taking practice tests, then study them until you’re an expert.
• Since algebra is a frequent topic on the SAT, refine your algebra skills until you master them.
• If you’re particularly weak in algebra, it might be worth switching to the ACT instead.

Complex Reading Passages 

The reading section of the SAT includes passages from a variety of genres, each with its own style and level of complexity.

Understanding these passages and answering the related questions accurately can be daunting, especially under time pressure.

How to overcome it: 

• Practice active reading techniques, such as underlining key points, summarizing paragraphs, and noting the main ideas. This helps in retaining information and quickly referring back to the passage.
• A strong vocabulary can make it easier to understand complex texts and answer vocabulary-in-context questions. Read widely and use vocabulary-building tools to enhance your word knowledge.
• Regularly read articles from diverse sources like science journals, historical documents, and literature to improve your reading comprehension skills. Practice summarizing what you read to ensure understanding.

Is the SAT or ACT Harder?

Neither the SAT nor the ACT is inherently more difficult than the other, and each exam has its pros and cons. For example, the SAT is shorter and gives you more time per question, but it has a higher reading level than the ACT.

It's tempting to just point at one of the tests and say “this is the easy one.” There's a lot riding on a good score! But the truth is, "easy" depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses, not some universal definition. While both tests are the same in terms of difficulty, it’s your own skill set that determines which test you’re better suited for.

Read our blog comparing the SAT vs ACT for a full breakdown of the two tests.

Is the PSAT Easier Than the SAT?

The PSAT has a similar level of difficulty to the SAT, but adapted to students in 10th grade. Because of this, the PSAT is slightly easier than the SAT. In fact, the PSAT could be used as a practice test for the SAT.

The PSAT is also 15 minutes shorter than the SAT, and has about 15 questions less. Read our full comparison of the SAT vs PSAT for a full explanation of all the differences between the two tests.

How Preparing for the SAT Can Make It Easier

If you prepare and study for the SAT the right way, including before arriving to the exam, you’re likely to find the SAT much easier. Taking the necessary steps before the exam is critical to overcome the exam’s most difficult aspects.

Here’s how studying for the SAT helps you prepare for the test:

1. Familiarizing Yourself with the Format & Scoring

By knowing the format and scoring system of the SAT, you can allocate your time and energy more efficiently during the test, reducing stress and increasing your chances of answering questions correctly.

2. Understanding the Content of Each Section

Knowing the specific content areas allows you to focus your study efforts where they are most needed, building confidence and competence in those areas, which leads to better performance on test day.

3. Taking Practice Tests

Practice tests reduce surprises on test day by familiarizing you with the test format and timing. They help you build test-taking stamina and refine strategies, making the actual exam feel more like a familiar routine.

4. Taking Multiple Tests

Each time you attempt the SAT provides additional experience and familiarity with the SAT, reducing anxiety and improving performance. The superscoring policy of many colleges, which combines your highest section scores across multiple test dates, can significantly boost your overall score.

5. Working With Expert Tutors

Tutors provide personalized guidance and insights, helping you understand difficult concepts, develop effective test-taking strategies, and stay motivated. Their expertise can make your study process more efficient and targeted.

Final Thoughts

Whether the SAT is a hard or easy exam depends on you and how you study for it. Preparing for the SAT can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With strategic preparation, understanding the test format, and focusing on specific content areas, you can make the SAT significantly easier.