The Most Difficult College Board Practice SAT Test

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Finding The Hardest SAT Practice Test And Why It Matters

There are 8 free practice SAT exams offered through the College Board’s official website . These tests present the opportunity to simulate what it will be like to take the SAT on test day, and will also allow you to calculate your score to see where you are relative to your goals.

When you’re preparing for the SAT, taking advantage of every single resource you have is key, especially when the College Board is releasing official practice tests.

But, just like with the real SAT, you might wonder if one practice exam is going to be harder than the other. When it comes to the real thing, this also leads to a host of follow-up questions: what if my SAT is harder than usual? Will it hurt my chances of getting a good score? How do they make sure the test is fair?

Don’t worry — the College Board makes sure all of their SAT exams, whether it’s the October exam or the May exam, are as fair as possible for all test takers by equating scores. Read more to find out what equating does and to see which College Board practice test is the hardest.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

What Does “Equating” The SAT Mean?

The College Board uses what it calls “Equating” to adjust for different difficulty levels between exams. This involves adjusting the score a student receives for getting a certain number of incorrect answers.

The variations between tests are not big, so it’s important to remember that your score will always fall in a similar range for a given number of wrong answers.

For example, if you wanted to get a perfect score on the 2021 April SAT, you would have needed to get every answer correct on all sections. But for the May 2021 SAT, students who missed one question on the reading section could still get a perfect score!

Is Equating The Same As Curving?

It’s important to remember that equating is not the same thing as curving. Curving is a retroactive process that adjusts an individual student’s performance based on the performance of other students on the same test.

Equating standards (the conversion table of right/wrong answers to score) is designed with the test itself, and does not change based on student performance on the exam.

No matter how other students perform on the test, you’ll still get the same score!

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

What Makes Some SAT Practice Tests Harder Than Others?

Some SATs might have to equate scales that allow students fewer wrong answers to get their desired score but with easier questions. Other SATs might be scaled more generously, but only because they have harder questions that the designers of the test expect students to struggle with.

It’s also important to remember that the test is broken up between both Math and  English  sections. Some exams have more generous Math scales and harder English scales. Similarly, tests might have slightly harder Math sections and slightly easier English sections. Whichever subject a student most struggles with will determine which test seems toughest.

It’s also extremely important to realize that what makes a practice test hard for you can be completely unique to your strengths and weaknesses. For this reason, it’s the most helpful to focus on practicing as much as possible during your SAT prep period to understand your test score before taking the actual SAT. If you see you’re consistently missing math section questions, focus on learning from your mistakes, studying SAT math concepts, and taking more practice math sections.

Regardless of a test’s level of difficulty, there are a few things you can always control. When you’re taking the actual SAT, make sure to never leave a question blank . The same advice applies to your practice SAT exams, but make sure you mark which ones you guessed on; if you guess correctly but didn’t make a note, you could skip over a question that you need help with.

The more practice tests you take, the more familiarity you gain with not just the structure of the exam, but also the curriculum they test you on. You might also begin to pick up on certain patterns or types of answer choices the test-makers like to include to confuse students!

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Hardest Math SAT Practice Test

Remember that a more generous equating scale means a harder test. So for students who struggle with math, SAT Practice Test #3 is probably going to be the most difficult. That is because the equating scale looks like this compared to other practice tests:

Getting the same number of math questions wrong on Practice Test 3 leads to a score that is 20-40 points higher than on other practice tests. This is because the math questions are thought to be more difficult, and so it is harder to get that many correct answers.

If you’re looking for a math challenge, Test 3 is the way to go.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Hardest English SAT Practice Test

We can also do the same thing for the English sections of the SAT Practice Tests to see which exam is designed to be a little more difficult.

For students who struggle with SAT Reading, it turns out Practice Test #3 also has the toughest English scale too! Remember that the  Writing  and Reading scales are slightly different here, so for this table, we’re assuming our wrong answers were evenly divided between the Reading and Writing Sections.

If you get the same number of incorrect answers on Practice Test 3 as you do on Practice Test 10, the College Board thinks that should be worth a 50-60 point increase in your scaled score.

So for both Math and English, the College Board thinks students won’t get as many answers right with Practice Test 3 as they will on other tests.

Which Official SAT Practice Test Is The Hardest?

Since it has the hardest scale for both sections of the test, it should come as no surprise that we think Practice Test #3 is clearly the toughest official SAT practice test .

In online forums, students also tend to identify Test #3 as the hardest of the official practice tests, so there truly seems to be a clear consensus.

It’s important to remember though that a hard practice test can actually be a great resource! Students can work through the test untimed, as they know even with plenty of time the problems will still be quite challenging. They can also practice the test with a tutor or parent, who can help them with the toughest questions. Having a strong SAT score to include in your college applications can only help, not hurt.

Why You Should Take Practice Test 3

You might make more mistakes than you usually do if you take Practice Test 3. While it seems counterintuitive, mistakes can actually be super helpful when you’re preparing for your SAT because you can study the concepts you missed and learn from your mistakes.

Taking the hardest available practice test will mean you’ve done everything you possibly can in order to prepare for test day, which can also help you relieve some test anxiety because you know you’ve challenged yourself.

The SAT is obviously a very important part of the college admissions process, so making sure you have a good grasp of the SAT concepts can even help push you in the right direction if you’re looking for admission into a top school, especially one in the Ivy League.

Juggling a high school schedule isn’t easy, and preparing for the SAT on top of everything else can get extremely stressful. But, if you can find time to practice for the actual test, it will definitely pay off in the long run.

How Can I Use Practice Tests To Boost My SAT Score?

Taking full-length practice tests is a guaranteed way to help you score higher on the SAT. But, you shouldn’t be taking them on autopilot. Here are a few tips to help you utilize SAT practice tests to the maximum:

  • Look over every single question you answered incorrectly or skipped after grading your practice test
  • Follow the time limits noted for each section to help mimic test day conditions
  • Read the answer explanations — it will help you understand where you went wrong and see how the test makers think
  • Revisit old tests and redo some of the questions you got incorrect the first time — if you got it incorrect the first time but correct the second time, it shows you’re learning the curriculum and probably won’t make that same mistake again
  • When you’re reviewing difficult math problems that you missed, make sure to solve out each step and understand the rationale behind every single one before moving on
  • After grading your practice test, reread the reading passages to see if there is a way to identify and remember important information as you read — a smart way to do this is to underline and circle phrases or sentences you might need to quickly find again when you answer the questions
  • Make a “study guide” listing all of the different topics or concepts you need to review and study before taking another practice test. For example, it can include concepts that you need to remember for the exam (like how to solve for slope)
  • See what types of questions you miss and focus on how you can become better. If you’re missing main idea questions, look for online SAT resources that specifically focus on main idea questions for tips and tricks
  • Understand your score percentile ! College admissions officers will be looking at how well you scored compared to your peers at school, so knowing where you stand will give you a good sense of how much more practice you might need

Even if you don’t have access to test prep books, you can use the free College Board practice tests and free online resources to practice for the SAT!

Most students like to take their SATs as juniors so they have some time before sending out college applications, so you should be thinking about your SAT prep schedule and when you plan to be done practicing so you can take the exam. Especially since sending colleges your SAT and ACT scores can take some time, you don’t want to be in a stressful rush. Start taking practice tests and completing test prep as early as you can!

All in all, if you’re the type of student who’s reading through this article to find the hardest SAT practice test, you’re probably already doing a great job with test preparation. Try not to get too stressed and keep working hard — good luck!

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SoFlo Tutors  are ready to help with expert knowledge and personalized programming that can fit the needs of any student.

Call or visit our website today to learn more about how SoFlo can help you reach your full potential.

  • All official College Board practice SAT tests: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests

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College Reality Check

College Reality Check

10 Best SAT Practice Tests To Take

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It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious if you are about to take the SAT for the first time. Nothing can be more nerve-racking than having very little to no idea of how the real deal would go. The good news is that there are many SAT practice tests. The bad news is that choosing the wrong ones to take could lead to disastrous results.

The best SAT practice tests one should take are those from the College Board, the maker of the SAT itself. They are the most similar to the actual test, allowing a test-taker to learn to pace and realize strengths and weaknesses. Another good and free source of SAT practice tests is Khan Academy.

Refrain from assuming that SAT practice tests are only for first-time test-takers. For as long as you are about to take the SAT, be it for the second, seventh or twentieth time, it’s still a good idea to take SAT practice tests.

Continue reading if you are about to take the SAT.

Below, we will talk about an assortment of SAT practice tests that a soon-to-be test-taker like you should include in your preparation. By the time you reach the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which particular SAT practice test you should take for an impressive test score.

Affiliate Disclosure: College Reality Check is a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. The program pays this website advertising fees for products purchased after users click the links to Amazon.

Practice Makes Perfect

SAT Practice Test

According to Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization created in 2006 in partnership with the College Board, you should start gearing up for the SAT about three months before the test date. It says that this will give you enough time to study and get comfortable with the test content, too.

But if you don’t want to risk it, you may prepare for the SAT earlier than three months. This is especially true if your goal is to get a high initial score and gain admission into a selective school

Going back to the subject matter of getting comfortable with the SAT test content…

The SAT is a strategy-driven test.

So, in other words, it’s not enough that you know the answers to the questions — it’s also a must that you know how to answer the questions. The SAT is three hours long and comprised of 154 multiple-choice questions. Doing the math, you only have around 70 seconds to answer each and every question.

It’s because of the sheer importance of having the right test-taking strategy why there are tons of SAT hacks on the internet. It’s for the same reason, too, why there are many SAT practice tests out there.

Related Post: What to Bring to the SAT Test: Full List

Benefits of Taking Practice Tests

Some SAT practice tests come free of charge — you can download many of them online, including the official SAT practice tests themselves, without spending any money.

There are also those that come with SAT test prep books and online courses. Needless to say, the vast majority of them are not cost-free.

While the more the merrier, the availability of lots and lots of SAT practice tests, free and paid alike, can make it challenging for a test-taker like you to decide which practice test you should opt for exactly.

Fret not because this article will help you make the right choice. Below, we will talk about 10 SAT practice tests. Some of them you can download without shelling out any money, while others you can purchase online.

Either way, there is no denying that taking these SAT practice tests will let you enjoy these perks:

  • Identification of strengths and weaknesses. The SAT is divided into two sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math), not to mention an optional Essay section. Taking SAT practice tests will let you identify the things that are keeping you from getting a score high enough to get you admitted into your college of choice. Needless to say, it will allow you to focus more on your weaknesses during the preparatory phase.
  • Get a feel for the SAT. Are you taking the SAT for the first time? Then no one can blame you for being in a nervous wreck. After all, your SAT score will have an impact on your college fate. By taking SAT practice tests, you will experience what it’s like to take the real thing. This will make you feel less anxious, enabling you to concentrate so much better. The more you take SAT practice tests, the more confident you can get.
  • Improved time management. As mentioned earlier, you have about 70 seconds only to answer each of the 154 multiple-choice SAT questions. Thanks to SAT practice tests, you will learn how to use your time wisely. This is most true if you take them timed, which is how the SAT is taken. Paired with enough test-taking confidence, having improved time management can increase your chances of getting your SAT score goal.

Downsides to Practice Test-Taking

Alas, there are also a few downsides to taking SAT practice tests, but only in certain situations.

It can be tempting to take free SAT practice tests several times because, after all, many don’t cost a thing. However, this is something that you should avoid at all costs.

Otherwise, you may end up experiencing burnout. You don’t want that to happen because it can have an unfavorable effect on you when it’s time to take the actual test.

Using SAT test practice tests the wrong way can keep you from getting the score of your dreams. This is most true if you don’t spend enough time reviewing the results and pointing out what you did wrong.

You may also end up with a gigantic hole in the pocket if you don’t know how to use SAT practice tests the right way, especially if they’re the kind that comes with a price tag.

Before we proceed to the next topic, let’s answer this question some students are too shy to ask…

How Often Should You Take SAT Practice Tests

Generally speaking, it’s recommended for a student to take an SAT practice test once or twice a week. This should be done for about a month prior to the test date. It’s a good idea to take SAT practice tests under actual test-taking conditions, which means that it should be timed instead of untimed.

As the name suggests, an SAT practice test is a simulation of the real deal. This means that it has pretty much the same types of questions that you will see on the SAT booklet on the test date.

What’s really nice about taking SAT practice tests is that it allows you to have some kind of firsthand experience with taking the SAT, minus paying $47.50 (or 64.50 with the optional Essay section) or without the resulting score recorded by the College Board and sent to the college or universities you apply to.

However, it doesn’t mean that taking SAT practice tests will surely result in an impressive SAT score.

It’s not enough that you take an SAT practice test one to two times a week and timed, too. It’s also a must that you review your performance after every practice test to determine your weak spots. And after identifying them, you should do your best to strengthen those areas before you take the next SAT practice test.

Needless to say, simply taking SAT practice tests, even the ones that come straight from the College Board itself, will not help you get a high score — you should use it to deal with things that can keep you from acing the SAT.

Speaking of SAT practice tests from the College Board, let’s get to the heart of this article!

10 Best SAT Practice Tests

taking SAT

And now it’s time to talk about the reason why you’re here, the answer to the question, “which SAT practice test should I take?”

Well, there are many SAT practice tests you may take. However, not all of them can help you get your SAT score goal — taking the wrong practice test could even cause you your standardized test downfall!

Worry not because we have listed 10 of the best SAT practice tests that you may give a try. Some of them are free for you to access, while others require you to spend some cash.

Without any more ado, let’s check them out…

Official SAT Practice Tests

These SAT practice tests bear the word “official” for nothing — they are from the College Board, the organization that made and administers the SAT.

It’s because of this why, if you want to feel what it’s like to take the SAT, you should take no practice tests other than these official ones from the College Board itself.

As mentioned earlier, there are 10 official SAT practice tests available. It’s a good idea to take all of them. Just make sure that you stick to the suggestion above, which is to take a practice test once or twice a week only to avoid burnout.

  • Number of tests: 10
  • Pro: These official SAT practice tests make gearing up for the SAT easy on the pocket as they are cost-free.
  • Con: Some students find the included answer explanations insufficient in some instances.

Khan Academy’s Sat Practice Test

A free teaching resource online, Khan Academy has partnered up with the College Board to provide test-takers an assortment of tools that they could use to ace the SAT.

Some of the helpful tools the website offers are SAT practice tests. Right now, there are a total of eight SAT practice tests that you may choose from.

What’s nice about going for any of the practice tests by Khan Academy is that you can enjoy a personalized experience, based on your previous SAT score. It also lets you track your progress, which is why logging in is required.

  • Number of tests: 8
  • Pro: Due to Khan Academy’s partnership with the College Board, its practice tests are close to being official.
  • Con: You will have to create an account for feedback and progress tracking, although it’s cost-free.

CrackSAT.net

The minute you visit the website of CrackSAT.net and scroll down, you will realize the fact that there are lots of SAT practice tests to download and answer.

On the website, you will come across the official SAT practice tests coming from the College Board, plus tons more from various sources.

One of the best things about the practice tests available at CrackSAT.net is that some of the files you can download at no cost are categorized into different categories. For instance, there’s algebra and advanced math.

  • Number of tests: Hundreds!
  • Pro: Everything on the site, including practice tests from test prep books, can be downloaded for free.
  • Con: With so many SAT practice tests available, it can be confusing to determine which ones you should take.

Prep by Ivy Global

Like CrackSAT.net, Ivy Global also offers the official SAT practice tests by the College Board and many others — some of them are made by the website that provides educational services itself, while others are from different sources. Besides SAT practice tests, the website also offers a handful of study guides.

Are you going to take the optional Essay section? Then make sure that you check out Ivy Global’s sample essay prompts and essay practice tests, too.

  • Number of tests: Over 30
  • Pro: It’s the site to visit if you want to take the official SAT practice tests and a bunch of other ones.
  • Con: The available practice tests are not that many, which can be both a good and a bad thing.

MajorTests.com

Every practice test that you can download free of charge on MajorTests.com comes with a score card and explanation at the end.

This means that you will find it easier to identify your weak points before you take the real deal. However, many have noticed that a lot of the questions are based on old SAT questions, although they are still very helpful.

One of the best ways to impress admissions officers with your SAT Essay is by having a stellar vocabulary. Majortests.com got you covered, for it has 10 word lists, each one containing 100 important words.

  • Number of tests: Over 50
  • Pro: For as long as it’s on the site, you can download it without creating an account or paying.
  • Con: Some of the questions are in formats commonly seen in the old SAT but not anymore in the new SAT.

The Official SAT Study Guide (Second Edition)

Earlier, we talked about the 10 official SAT practice tests that you can download from the College Board’s website without shelling out any money.

If you cannot get enough official SAT practice tests, you may get your hands on the Official SAT Study Guide — it has 10 more full-length official SAT practice tests that you can use to your advantage.

Alas, you will have to fish around $10 out of your pocket if you want to own this paperback. The practice tests, by the way, are all in the old format, but nonetheless helpful.

  • Cost: around $10
  • Pro: The paperback is from the College Board itself, so you can rest assured that the practice tests are official.
  • Con: Unlike the official practice tests on the College Board’s site, the ones in this book aren’t free of charge.

Barron’s SAT Premium Study Guide

For 80 years now, Barron’s has been around helping students ace all sorts of standardized tests, the SAT included.

It’s due to this why it doesn’t come as a surprise why many consider its SAT Premium Study Guide (Amazon) their go-to book not only to get their hands on review instructions but also various SAT practice tests.

The book contains five full-length SAT practice tests. To help you get a good score during the practice tests, a step-by-step review guide by experienced teachers is around. Besides the five practice tests in the book, there are two more online.

  • Cost: Around $30
  • Number of tests: 7
  • Pro: The book comes with a number of in-depth review materials that help make taking the SAT less daunting.
  • Con: According to some, some of the questions, especially for the Reading section, are harder than the SAT.

McGraw-Hill Education SAT Elite

Is mathematics your weakness and the thought of getting a 200 on the Math section, which is the lowest possible score, terrifies you?

Then consider buying the McGraw-Hill Education SAT Elite . That’s because many experts agree that the prep guide’s presentation of math concepts is rather strong.

Besides coming with a total of eight SAT practice tests, the book also comes with a complete SAT course online. Alas, it carries a price tag of almost $100! The good news is that it comes in a cheaper Kindle version.

  • Cost: Around $100 (paperback) and around $16 (Kindle)
  • Pro: McGraw-Hill, the maker, has over 100 years of education experience, and its math guide is good.
  • Con: Unfortunately, many can’t help but notice that its Evidence-Based Reading and Writing concepts are weak.

Cracking the SAT

First things first: Cracking the SAT is from the Princeton Review, a well-known company that offers standardized test preparation courses and practice tests, although it’s not associated with Princeton University.

The purchase gives you access to a total of eight SAT practice tests — four in the book and four more on the internet.

One of the best features of Cracking the SAT is that its answer explanations are thorough, which you can use to deal with your weaknesses before the test date arrives.

  • Cost: Around $20
  • Pro: The explanations included are detailed enough, thus allowing you to take the real deal with confidence.
  • Con: Some students may find the answer explanations too wordy, which may leave them bored or exhausted.

SAT Prep Plus

When SAT prep courses and practice tests are being talked about, it’s very much likely for Kaplan to be mentioned.

It’s due to this why the company’s SAT Prep Plus is included on this list of SAT practice tests you should take. The book is recommended for first-time test-takers and also those with low baseline SAT scores.

The book grants you access to two full-length SAT practice tests and three more on Kaplan’s website. Online, you can save your practice tests to allow you to keep track of your progress during the preparation phase.

  • Cost: Around $40
  • Number of tests: 5
  • Pro: It helps simplify SAT test-taking, which is especially beneficial for first-timers in a nervous wreck.
  • Con: Many agree that the book fails to tackle some of the more complex aspects of the SAT.

Just Before You Take an SAT Practice Test

SAT practice tests allow you to have a good idea of what it’s like to take the SAT without taking the actual test. Because of this, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, thus giving you the much-needed chance to work on your various weak spots until it’s time to take the real deal.

Above, we discussed some of the best practice tests you can take before the test date arrives.

Some of the ones we talked about are free, while others not so much. If you are on a tight budget, the good news is that the College Board itself is offering SAT practice tests at no cost. To date, there are 10 official SAT practice tests you can download from the site of the developer and administrator of the SAT.

Besides going for costless SAT practice tests, you may also opt for paid ones. Just remember that you should use SAT practice tests, whether free or not, to identify your weaknesses so that you can improve them before the test date. Otherwise, using SAT practice tests as part of the preparation process will be futile.

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I graduated with BA in Nursing and $36,000 in student loan debt from the UCF. After a decade in the workforce, I went back to school to obtain my MBA from UMGC.

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 Powerful Prep

Is The Real SAT Harder Than The College Board SAT Practice Tests?

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You want to know if you’re scoring 1400 on college board SAT practice tests, will you score 1400, 1300, or 1500 on the real SAT test.

Short answer:

You’ll do worse on the real SAT than on an SAT practice test.

Will you score 10x worse? Absolutely not.

You’ll probably do about 7% worse: your 1400 will come in around 1300.

How To Take The SAT Practice Test The Better Way

The sat math is not new math., two reasons students score higher on the college board sat practice tests.

“They must be cheating…”

“The practice tests must be easier in content…”

“They must want you to fail…”

No. These are lazy reasons that we see all too often. Students love to get to the real SAT test and blame weak practice tests or a sneaky College Board for the gap in scores.

This is completely errant. It’s tempting logic because it is simple, and it takes the blame away from the test taker, but it’s not accurate.

In reality, there are two primary reasons for the score-to-score disparity between the practice tests and SAT test performance.

  • SAT practice tests aren’t taken in realistic settings
  • Students revert to old habits when they’re stressed

RELATED READING: What’s better, a 35 ACT Score or a 1550 SAT Score?

1. College Board SAT Practice Tests Aren’t Taken In Realistic Settings

student taking SAT practice test

As I said, students do not take practice tests in realistic settings.

On one end of the extreme, students will take practice tests with many long breaks between sections, in the late morning after a night of good sleep, in the comfort and quiet of their home, where food and drink are plentiful, the bathrooms are close and clean, and ambient stress and noise is negligible.

On the other hand, the actual SAT is proctored at 8 AM in a strange classroom where you’re surrounded by strangers. You can’t have a coffee on your desk and you need to ask to use the restroom which is god-knows-where.

As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge…

The guy next to you is breathing heavily and the person in front of you mumbles when she reads.

You can’t quite see the clock, but it’s analog anyway. The SAT Proctor started the time somewhere between 8:52 and 8:55—35 minutes plus 8:55 is something like 9:30, you think. That means you’ve been going for 5 minutes so you maybe have 25 minutes left, but you can’t really focus on that.

If you can master your method application and you’re practicing in test-like environments, then the actual SAT test should feel very natural to you.

Why? Because it’s so cold and the light above you is flickering. You’re pretty hungry because your sugar levels just crashed, and you can’t have a snack till the first break which is when again?

So, you must take your practice tests in uncomfortable settings: think Starbucks (noisy, busy, distracting, uncertain bathroom situation) at 8 AM on a Saturday.

RELATED READING: When to take the SAT: Ideal Timeline

2. Students Revert To Old Habits When They’re Stressed

I’ve mentioned this paradigm multiple times but here are the basics:

You’ve seen it before, in high school, and you learned a very methodical, long-handed way to come to a correct answer. What a good tutor teaches you is a better, more efficient, and less error-prone way to come to the same correct answer.

student stressed about SAT practice test

Now the method the tutor gives you will be a little foreign to you. It’ll be like using the mouse with your opposite hand at first, and then with practice, it becomes completely natural.

When you get to the test you’ll have two methods:

  • the old method
  • and the new method

The new method still might be a little unfamiliar, so in the stress of the SAT test, you might revert back to the original method—the slower more error-prone one.

If this happens your score will go down from what it was when you took the College Board SAT practice tests, and you’ll be tempted to blame it on the actual SAT test instead.

Don’t be a victim of test stress

Remember, compared to the ACT, the SAT gives students 43% more time per question , so a few distractions shouldn’t derail your test-taking process.

Review the material before answering questions to prevent your brain from clearing your working memory with hormones meant to protect your brain from test stress . You’ll answer questions more easily and use your time effectively, especially if you’ve already practiced taking the SAT in uncomfortable settings.

If the idea of taking either the PSAT or SAT stresses you out, that’s fairly typical.

Research shows that 25-40% of students have test anxiety when faced with standard tests in their classrooms. Taking a major exam like the SAT only increases the pressure to get the best grade possible.

You may have chronic test-taking anxiety if you experience the following symptoms while thinking about or preparing for the SAT:

  • Your mood swings wildly
  • Your procrastination gets worse
  • You can’t sleep as well
  • You experience stomach aches closer to the test
  • You cry over small setbacks inside or outside of class

Working with your parents or teachers makes it easier to conquer test stress anxiety.

Identifying your triggers and practicing relaxation techniques will give you more control over your mindset when walking into the SAT. 

So the question stands – is the SAT hard? Yes, but with the right support and assistance, it’s not impossible to earn a top score.

College Board Practice SAT Test FAQ

A good start is by taking the SAT practice test again in a setting that closely resembles the real SAT test setting such as a coffee shop. Additionally, working with a qualified test prep tutor who preps you for the test questions as well as prepares you to perform well under the pressure of taking the actual SAT test.

The official College Board SAT tests can be downloaded via the College Board website . Anyone can access the real SAT tests for free and practice whenever they find the time.

Practice test #3 is often the most challenging SAT practice test because it has the most intense grading scale. You can take it to encounter tough SAT practice questions and have an easier time on the standard exam. If you want to challenge yourself with difficult practice tests, we list several options in our Best SAT Test Prep books article . If you will be prepping for the SAT on your own, check out our 3-month study plan to improve your scores.

Some are and some aren’t. Anyone who wants to know which SAT practice test is the hardest should practice all of them. It’s also in your best interest to make them more challenging by thinking about your surroundings.

Set yourself up for SAT success

Read How Long Should I Study For The SAT for more SAT test prep tips and don’t sleep on our list of the top test prep books and study materials .

Happy studying!

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10 Most Difficult SAT Questions

Difficult SAT practice questions - magoosh

Here are the 10 toughest SAT questions from our New SAT Prep , as well as the 10 toughest questions from our current “old” SAT Prep . See how many you get right by checking your answers at the end of the post!

(P.S. If you can get these right, then you should check out Harvard SAT scores and Yale SAT scores …)

10 Toughest New (Redesigned) SAT Questions

These are the ten most difficult SAT practice questions you’ll find in our New SAT Prep (which helps students study for the redesigned SAT, which will debut in March 2016). Let us know how you do!

The common setup is researchers will divide subjects into two groups, one of which is allowed to use the Internet after finishing the task, the other of which must finish the task until completion. Yet another common setup allows subjects unfettered use of the Internet when trying to complete the task. Not surprisingly this last group acted 1 worse on tests of productivity. 2 Not so surprisingly the group that used 10 minutes of web access as an incentive, tended not only to finish the task sooner than the group without any web access but also 3 worked with more vigor when their Internet time was up.

A) NO CHANGE

B) the worst

D) more poorly

Tip: Carefully read the sentences that come before this question.

2. Within the context of the paragraph, the underlined portion should be changed to which of the following?

B) Unsurprisingly

C) Less surprisingly

D) What is surprising is that

Tip: The New SAT Writing section will be a lot about context. What I mean by that is to find the answer you’ll have to read the sentences before and after the sentence in which the question appears. Only that way will you have the evidence you need to support your answer.

C) they worked

D) to be working

Tip: Whenever you have the construction “not only VERB A but also VERB B”, the two verbs must always be parallel.

_____ Read the article, The Data-Driven Life , via the New York Times and answer the following questions.

4. The use of Gradgrind (eighth paragraph) as a supporting example is most problematic because it

A) conflates the accumulation of academic facts with the process of quantification.

B) undermines the main thesis of the passage by citing a dated example.

C) accepts without reservation that a trend has intensified with the passing of time.

D) provides an example of a process the author ultimately appreciates.

Tip: Think about the author’s main point. Does it make sense to use Gradgind as an example? Why not? (Your answer to that second question should match the correct answer).

5. In the tenth paragraph, the author would likely view the use of numbers to track intimate aspects of people’s lives as

A) intrusive.

B) inevitable.

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C) ominous.

D) disruptive.

Tip: You will need to understand the thrust of the entire passage to be able to answer this. Don’t just jump to the conclusion that the answer must have a negative connotation.

3x^3 + 4x^2 - 5x = 0

Tip: Remember to look at the answers accompanying a question. They will sometimes give you an idea of how to approach this question. In this case, the set up of the answer choices should remind you of a certain formula.

81x^8 - 16t^8 = 9x^4 + 4t^4

Tip: Be very careful when factoring out each side. And look at the format of the answer choices. They should show you that you are not combining like terms per se but are using FOIL.

8. The average (arithmetic mean) of 4 different integers is 75. If the largest integer is 90, what is the least possible value of the smallest integer?

Tip: This is a logic question. Setting up an equation for average will only get you so far. Think in terms of what number could be the smallest possible value.

9. Solution X is 10 percent alcohol by volume, and solution Y is 30 percent alcohol by volume. How many milliliters of solution Y must be added to 200 milliliters of solution X to create a solution that is 25 percent alcohol by volume?

Tip: You can solve this question by setting up an equation…or you can think of this problem as a weighted average.

10. If the circle with center O has area 9π, what is area of equilateral triangle ABC?

10mdnsq_img1

Tip: Remember to think of the necessary steps to arrive at the answer. Once you’ve worked those steps at then apply the math. And don’t forget – the fundamental geometry formulas are always in the beginning of each math section. Answers:

10 Toughest (Old) SAT Questions

These are the ten most difficult questions you would have found in our Magoosh SAT Prep if you had taken the old version of the SAT exam (the one given until January 23, 2016). You’re still welcome to try them (they’re tricky), but you probably won’t see anything like this on the redesigned SAT. Maybe be glad you’re missing out? 🙂 Directions: Choose the words that best fit the blanks:

1. Cosmologist Martin Rees has cautioned that our present satisfaction with the big bang explanation for the creation of the universe may reflect the ——- of the data rather than the ——- of the theory.

  • paucity . . validity
  • genius . . accuracy
  • relevance . . scope
  • destruction . . core
  • persuasiveness . . reality

Tip: Try to come up with your own word(s) for the blank. If you are unable to, it is okay, as a last resort, to plug the answer choices back in the blank. Sometimes meaning emerges this way and the sentence makes sense.

2. Apparently the groom was very nervous: one moment he would be ——-, rambling on to his best man about silly, meaningless things, and then abruptly he would turn ——- and could not be prompted to say anything

  • garrulous . . reticent
  • grandiose . . taciturn
  • vociferous . . effusive
  • melodious . . timorous
  • munificent . . utilitarian

Tip: Match the clues with the blanks and then find a word that matches. Remember you only need to work one blank at a time, eliminating those answer choices that don’t work. Then, when you move on the other blank, you only have a few possible answers to deal with.

Directions: Choose the correct version of the sentence:

3. Regardless of the fact of the ridge-top condominiums’ aesthetics, every investor has enjoyed a high return on their investment.

  • Regardless of the fact of the ridge-top condominiums’ aesthetics, every investor has enjoyed a high return.
  • Regardless of the ridge-top condominium aesthetic, every investor has had a high return to enjoy.
  • Regarding the aesthetics of the ridgetop condominiums, every investor has enjoyed a high return.
  • Regardless of the fact of the ridge-top condominiums’ aesthetics, a high return by every investor has been enjoyed.
  • Regardless of the aesthetics of the ridge-top condominiums, every investor has enjoyed a high return

Tip: Remember to retain the original meaning of the sentence – investors are enjoying an investment. If you remove investment than they are enjoying (having a good time) the high return (money). Which, while highly likely, changes the overall meaning of the sentence.

4. Included in the cost of many services and products sold in Great Britain, American tourists may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT).

  • Included in the cost of many services and products sold in Great Britain, American tourists may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT).
  • Included in the cost of many services and products which are sold in Great Britain, tourists from America may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT).
  • American tourists may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT) that are included in the cost of many services and products sold in Great Britain.
  • In addition to the cost of many services and products sold in Great Britain, American tourists may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT).
  • American tourists may not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay the value added tax (VAT) that is included in the cost of many products and services sold in Great Britain.

Tip: Remember to make sure that the nouns in the sentence are being modified correctly. American tourists are not included in the cost of many services.

Select the answer that best answers the question:

5. The average (arithmetic mean) of 4 different integers is 75. If the largest integer is 90, what is the least possible value of the smallest integer?

6. If square ABCD has area 25, and the area of the larger shaded square is 9 times the area of the smaller shaded square, what is the length of one side of the smaller shaded square?

A square with points ABCD

 Tip: If you are not sure how to set up the question algebraically you can also solve using the given information. In this case you can assume the answer is (C). So if the side of the small square is 6/5 do we end up with 25 as the area of the big square? Remember the big square has an area that is twice as big as that of the small square (in this question the algebraic approach is better).

7. Solution X is 10 percent alcohol by volume, and solution Y is 30 percent alcohol by volume. How many milliliters of solution Y must be added to 200 milliliters of solution X to create a solution that is 25 percent alcohol by volume?

8. On a certain multiple-choice test, 9 points are awarded for each correct answer, and 7 points are deducted for each incorrect or unanswered question. Sally received a total score of 0 points on the test. If the test has fewer than 30 questions, how many questions are on the test?

  • Cannot be determined

Tip: This is a question based more on logic. Do not try to set up an equation but think in terms of how many 7-point questions you need and how many 9-point questions you need for the two to cancel out.

9. A computer can perform c calculations in s seconds. How many minutes will it take the computer to perform k calculations?

Tip: Assign values to k, s, and c if you have difficulty thinking through this question algebraically.

Find the area of equilateral triangle ABC

Tip: Remember to think of the necessary steps to arrive at the answer. Once you’ve worked those steps at then apply the math. And don’t forget – the fundamental geometry formulas are always in the beginning of each math section.

For this last question,  try it out in Magoosh SAT  to see the answer and video explanation!

Which exam do you think is more difficult – the current or new SAT? 🙂

Looking for answers to the most challenging Official SAT Study Guide math questions? Use our Official SAT Study Guide Question Explanations and watch test prep expert Chris Lele explain the smartest way to solve new SAT math questions.

Chris Lele

Chris Lele is the Principal Curriculum Manager (and vocabulary wizard ) at Magoosh. Chris graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology and has 20 years of experience in the test prep industry. He’s been quoted as a subject expert in many publications, including US News , GMAC , and Business Because . In his time at Magoosh, Chris has taught countless students how to tackle the GRE , GMAT, SAT, ACT, MCAT (CARS), and LSAT exams with confidence. Some of his students have even gone on to get near-perfect scores. You can find Chris on YouTube , LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook !

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100 responses to “10 Most Difficult SAT Questions”

Antaryirreree Avatar

Hello! Just want to say thank you for this interesting article! =) Peace, Joy.

Chris Lele

Thanks for the kudos!

mayank Avatar

thanx dude got 9 of dem correct and i hav got 2300 in SAT

Great! That shows that the questions are pretty tough, and that you are very good at the SAT :).

Scott Avatar

Whoa…I got the exact same stats. THere’s really is a correlation.

julie Avatar

Nice Dude It was pretty helpful but got just 6 so sad 🙁

Margarette Jung

Hi, Julie! 6/10 certainly isn’t bad to start out with– I’m sure that after studying for a few weeks, you could score even higher 🙂

Ankush Avatar

sat exam math is so easy as compared to iits math,its almost like nothing

The general SAT math portion is meant more to test one’s thinking/problem solving skills. It is definitely not too difficult, and sometimes getting a perfect score for us seasoned tutors, is making sure we don’t make a careless error. The SAT math subject tests, on the other hand, are much more difficult, and are targeted towards those who want to study in math/science fields.

Akshita Bhalla Avatar

Are you Ankush Sharma from FIITJEE Chandigarh?????

Dkgladr Avatar

Hi there I’m 13 and in 8th grade in this test I got 4/10 ….I’m feeling bad

Wow, that’s actually a great score, for someone who isn’t even required to take the PSAT. Some of the questions above are taken from GMAT and GRE tests, which are for those looking to go to graduate school (some of the smartest people around :)). So, I’d say you are doing pretty well :).

Ned Avatar

I got 9/10 correct and I have a 1960 SAT Score. These questions were helpful though

These questions are very tough — so you did well. I’m guessing you do pretty well on the quant, maybe close to 700. Even then, on the SAT, those “easy” and “medium” questions can get you to go :).

Student Avatar

Could you please explain how to do number 10? I keep getting the answer 27 times the square root of three. Thank you.

I just answered my question, sorry ^^.

No problem! 🙂 Glad you figured it out!

Ash Avatar

I’ve been studying for a few weeks and could only get 5 right (barely)…I am so gonna to bomb the SAT…

Not at all — these are all difficult questions. Only about 25% of the questions on the SAT are this difficult. So if you are getting half of the difficult ones correct, you are probably do even better on the medium and easy questions.

Good luck–and don’t get discouraged :)!

mAdCap Avatar

Well, tell me if I am wrong , but there is something off about question 8. Even I came up with 16(b) at first but then I considered this situation …

Suppose Sally is as bad as a student as myself and managed to get 4/16 questions correct , earning her 4*9=36 marks .

However she skipped or got wrong 12/16 questions , losing a total of 12*7=84 marks .

So, her total score is = ta ta ra ra … negative 48. You see my point?

It seems that we already have a given piece of information: the student scored zero points on the test. The only way this is possible, given the test has fewer than 30 questions, is if there are 16 questions on the test. The question is not saying, if the test had 16 questions, then how many points must Sally have gotten? She could have gotten a bunch of different points, including, as you mentioned, -48.

Hopefully that makes sense 🙂

Rose Avatar

Im stuck on number 5 could you please explain? I was thinking that if there are no restrictions on what the other possible integers could be then couldn’t 1 be one of them and then the other two would add up to the rest? That was my thinking but I guess I was wrong. Could you please explain, thank you so much!!

So we know that the sum of the average has to be 300 (75×4) = 300. If the largest number is 90, then the next largest numbers could be 89 and 88. Remember, we want to maximize these two numbers so that the remaining number can be as small possible. This gives us 90+89+88+x = 33 (E).

Hope that makes sense 🙂

Anzie Avatar

I don’t understand number 5 at all whatsoever. Could you please explain it to me? Also, regarding number 5, why is the answer not 1? The question doesn’t ask for the highest possible smallest integer that could result in the mean? It merely asks for the smallest, so 1 should be applicable, shouldn’t it?

It does seem that way, that ‘1’ should be the answer. But this is a tricky one. If we actually add up the four integers, x + 88 + 89 + 90 = 300 we get 33 for x. x cannot equal ‘1’ because the two integers in the middle have to be less than 90, and the greatest possible numbers they can equal are 88 and 89 respectively.

Hope that helps shed some light :).

Viraj Avatar

I do not get number 9 at all because I tried to plug in 60 for all the values, and only choice B. worked using that method. The only way that I could see choice C. working is if there was a fraction bar between the ks and 60c like this:

ks —– 60c

Is this how it was intended to be written? I tried to follow the choices given to me using order of operations.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

#9 was the only one I got wrong and I am in 7th grade. 😛

Good job on getting most of the questions correct!

Yes, on question #9, it should be written as ks/60 (that mark is the same as the horizontal line dividing the numerator and the denominator).

Hope that helps!

Ahmed Alshamy Avatar

Thank you very much for these very helpful questions.

I need to understand number 10 and 7, I am stuck in 7 for not knowing how many millimeters contain what percentage.

in 10 it’s because I did 9^2÷π=25.78310078, and that’s close to the correct answer but I need to understand the idea!

Thank you in advance, have a beautiful day 😀

On number 10, the key is to solve for the radius. Another important thing is on the SAT never change π to 3.14. Just keep it as π. If we know the circle has an area of 9π, then its radius must equal 3 (9π = πr^2, r = 3).

Each length of the equi. triangle is therefore 6. Using the area for equi. formula (s^2√3)/4, where s corresponds to the side of the equi. triangle, we get 9√3.

For number 7, think of the problem has a weighted average. If equal parts of each solution were put in a new container, then the resulting mixture would contain 20% alcohol. The resulting mixture, however, contains 25% alcohol. Therefore, more of solution Y has to be in the mix? How much more?

Quick way to figure this is out is find the ratio between solution Y – resulting mixture (30 – 25) = 5, and resulting mixture and solution X (25 – 10) = 15. That gives us 1:3. Therefore there is three times as much solution Y as X: 3 x 200 = 600.

Hope that makes sense!

Nikita Jivrajani Avatar

For number 10 the answer is 12 root 3 not 9 root 3. Yes, there is a 6 however that is the diameter of circle O. Once one has the diameter, he/she could simply use the 30-60-90 triangle as a reference and find the base of the triangle, segment CB. CB comes out to be 4 root 3. Using the formula A=(1/2)base times height : [(1/2)(4 root 3)(6)] the area comes out to be 12 root 3.

Hope this helped =)

Oops, it looks like I made a very basic error there. Clearly the diameter is not the same as the length of a leg of the equilateral triangle. Morale of the story: don’t rush :).

Hmm Avatar

So .. trigonometry is in the syllabus of SAT ?

Actually, it’s not. You’ll just have questions that use basic geometry. For instance, you won’t have to know how to derive the length ratio of a 30:60:90 triangle. That’s given to you at the beginning of the section.

The new SAT, the one set to debut in 2016, will have trigonometry, or so it’s rumored :).

Hiren drall Avatar

in 10th question did not we get the height of triangle instead of it side,which is 6 units

David Recine

We did! But from there we can solve for side (and thus, solve for base and get area) with the following formula:

height = [(side)*√3]/2

We know that height = 6, so we can solve for side from there, and then multiply height by side. Let me know if you have questions about the rest of the process for that problem, though. 🙂

Danah Avatar

I got 7/10 correct (yay), although, my SAT scores suck (except in math) ( ;__; )

Anyway, I don’t understand question 1. The sentence doesn’t make sense to me with those answers.

Good job! Your SAT scores can’t suck too much if you did that well :).

For #1, what the question is saying is that scientists are happy with the Big Bang theory because they simply don’t have enough data–data that could indicate the theory is not valid.

Sergio Avatar

wouldn’t choice (E) also work?… I mean what context clues can you draw to get to choice (A) rather than (E)

feyikemi Avatar

got a 2380 on the SAT, these questions were really helpful, thx for posting them

You are welcome 🙂 — I’m happy you enjoyed the questions.

And great score!

Sepheroth Avatar

Hey man i was wondering about the 5th question there are no restrictions about the other 3 intgers so couldnt the other 2 numbers also be 90 and 90 as 90 is the largest integer so in retrospect only one of the numbers need to be smaller than 90 90+90+90+x=300 x=30…..?

Lucas Fink

You have great instincts! The SAT could definitely trap you with something like that. But in this case, the question does specify “four different integers,” so we know there can’t be three 90s. We instead have to use 90, 89, and 88 for the three large numbers, since those are the three largest different integers allowed. Notice how one word in the question can totally change the answer—this is a perfect example of the SAT being tricky and teaches an important lesson!

DS Avatar

Do you know of a book that has groups of questions that are ONLY the hard ones from or like the SAT or ACT? Thx.

John Avatar

I didn’t understand how to solve out 6,7, and 9. Also any general tips for the sat because I’m a really hard worker and still did poorly. Thanks!

Nick Avatar

Problem 6. We know the total area of the square to be 25. Since that’s the case we can also infer that each side is 5. If we call a side of the small square x and of the larger square y then we have x + y = 5 since they span the length of the larger square. The areas of each square are x² and y². We are also given that the area of square y is 9 times the area of square x so y² = 9x². Now we have a system we can solve pretty easily.

x + y = 5 y² = 9x²

Setting each equation equal to y in terms of x we get…

y = 5 – x y = sqrt(9x²) or y = ±3x

We’re only concerned about y = 3x since the length can only be positive and y = -3x will give a negative answer when setting -3x = 5 – x.

So now we have

y = 5 – x y = 3x

Setting the right sides equal to one another we have

5 – x = 3x 5 = 3x + x 5 = 4x 5/4 = x

Since x is the side length of the small square the answer is 5/4.

Problem 7. We can also solve this one with a system of equations. We have a solution X that is 200 milliliters and we know that is 10% alcohol so 20 milliliters of that is alcohol. We want to get another solution that we’ll call Z that is 25% alcohol when we add the solutions X and Y together so we can model this by the following equation…

.3y + .1(200) = .25z

The 200 is the volume of solution X which we know from the given information so we can simplify this to….

.3y + 20 = .25z

We need to relate the totals now. The last equation models alcohol content. We know that solution X is 200 milliliters so this added to solution Y will give solution Z so we have the following equation…

y + 200 = z so we can solve the following system

.3y + 20 = .25z y + 200 = z

We are looking for y so it would be quicker to put z in the first equation in terms of y and solve for y. Look at the second equation. We see that z = y + 200 so we can substitute y + 200 for z in the first equation to get

.3y + 20 = .25(y + 200) .3y + 20 = .25y + 50 .3y – .25y = 50 – 20 .05y = 30 y = 30/.05 y = 600 so the answer is 600 milliliters. We can plug this into the system to check too…

600 + 200 = 800 so z = 800 .3(600) + 20 = .25(800) 180 + 20 = 200 200 = 200 so we’ve also proved our solution.

Problem 9. A computer can perform c calculations in s seconds. How many minutes will it take the computer to perform k calculations?

If the computer does c calculations in s seconds then it does c/s calculations in 1 second and hence does 60c/s calculations in one minute so if a minute is m then k/m is the amount of calculations done per minute which is equivalent to 60c/s so we can make the equation.

K/m = 60c/s Multiplying both sides by m we get

K = (60c/s)m

Now we can multiply both sides by s now to get

And to finally isolate m we divide both sides by 60c to get.

So the answer is m = ks/60c which is answer choice C.

There won’t be too many of these problems on the SAT that are this difficult nor should they take as long as they look. I just went through them step by step so you could see how they are done.

Ayush M Agrawal Avatar

Got 8 of them correct. Thank you for the questions Chris. And i will give my SAT exam this June. 🙂

Good luck, Ayush 🙂

Chirag Bansal Avatar

Thanks and i got 7 out of them all from maths and 1 from English the first question only and i think I need major improvement in English section. I am giving my SAT exam in June this year

Good job, Chirag!

The verbal just takes a little practice. I’m sure you will do well 🙂

Omar Yasser Avatar

I got 7 correct, 2 wrong & left one. I mistook in questions 1 & 4, left 3.

I got all others correct. I’m a 10th grader & going to have my first test next June.

I hope I can get a good score at critical & writing sections, & a full mark in math’s 🙂

That’s a great start! With a little more prep you could do very well in all three sections.

Keep up the good work 🙂

yash Avatar

Got 10 out of 10… Giving SAT this Saturday I hope a get a decent score 🙂

Well, that looks like a good start :). Good luck tmrw.

Lauren Avatar

OMG! Chris you are so hansome. I think im in love lol

Thanks :). As long as my lessons and videos are instructive, I’m happy 🙂

JOUD Avatar

Hi, please can you tell me how the question 6 algebraically solve thanks

This is part of Nick’s comment below. Hopefully that helps 🙂

Problem 6. We know the total area of the square to be 25. Since that’s the case we can also infer that each side is 5. If we call a side of the small square x and of the larger square y then we have x + y = 5 since they span the length of the larger square. The areas of each square are x² and y². We are also given that the area of square y is 9 times the area of square x so y² = 9x². Now we have a system we can solve pretty easily. x + y = 5 y² = 9x² Setting each equation equal to y in terms of x we get… y = 5 – x y = sqrt(9x²) or y = ±3x We’re only concerned about y = 3x since the length can only be positive and y = -3x will give a negative answer when setting -3x = 5 – x. So now we have y = 5 – x y = 3x Setting the right sides equal to one another we have 5 – x = 3x 5 = 3x + x 5 = 4x 5/4 = x Since x is the side length of the small square the answer is 5/4.

Nishit Bade Avatar

I only got the 9th one wrong, but my biggest difficulty in the SAT is the time. Are there any useful tips to do the questions faster so that I don’t run out of time.

That’s a great question, and one that is not easy to answer. For one, not sure how you approached these questions. Secondly, I don’t want to hurt your accuracy by suggesting a strategy–esp. if you are doing okay time-wise on an Official SAT test.

But I don’t want to leave you hanging, so here are a few tips:

1) Assuming that you do math questions the long way (write every step out), get used to doing more math in your head (again, make sure that accuracy doesn’t suffer). Next, revisit the problem and see if there is a shorter way to get the solution.

2) Know your grammatical errors. That way, you are scanning the sentences intelligently, looking for the mistake, instead of hopping that one just kind of “pops out” at you.

Hopefully, that helps somewhat. If not, I’d be happy to give you some more tips (just give me some more specifics on you are currently approaching problems).

Shelly Avatar

Hello! This was very good practice for me! This is a really helpful website! The only question I didn’t understand was number 8; could you please help me with this?

We know that we have to find the lowest common multiple the two numbers have. That way, we can “balance” out the 9 point and 7 point questions to get ‘0’ total points. 63 is the lowest common denominator. That means 7 questions have to be 9 points (7×9 = 63) and 9 questions have to be 7 points (9×7=63). That is a total of 16 questions.

Hope that helps 🙂

Ny Avatar

Im actually studying for the shsat and i got most of these wrong. I especially want to know how to solve number ten. Thx…

Solve for the radius of the triangle to get 3. Double that to get the diameter. Notice how the diameter is the same as altitude of the equilateral triangle. Use 30:60:90 properties to reason that the small side of the triangle is 6/√3. Use (basexheight)/2 to arrive at (3×6√3)2 = (C).

How can we exactly assume that the triangle is 30:60:90? I got to 3 and the altitude.. but then what property am I forgetting to know that the triangle is one of those… thanks btw

swagoo Avatar

When you split an equilateral triangle like that in half it becomes 30-60-90.

This is because all the angles in an equilateral triangle are 60. The line that splits it in half bisects the angle into two 30 degree angles. The line is also perpendicular to one side so there are two 90 degree angles. The other two angles are unaffected and remain 60 degrees. You thus get two triangles with degree measures of 30, 60, and 90.

Cameron Avatar

I’m confused, you appeared to multiply by 2 instead of divide. Why?

lina Avatar

The post is soo late… I tried to solve #5. and if the 3 other remaining integers add up to 210 (300-90), the least possible is 1 in my calculations: 209 which is the sum of remaining 2 middle integers is impossible because one of them would have to be greater than 90 to make 209 possible.

So, you have to be careful with ‘1’, because, as you noted, that would give you a number larger than ’90’, and a sum larger than 300. The best way to attack is to maximize the other two integers (giving you 89 and 88), which leaves you with 33: 33 + 88 + 89 + 90 = 300.

Hope that helps resolve any confusion 🙂

Nikita Avatar

I got 9/10 right. I just CANNOT understand problem no. 7. These mixture sums always get me 🙁

Yes, they can be quite frustrating 🙂

Here’s an interesting way to work a problem: just “backsolve” using the answer choices. First off, you can figure out that the number of ml has to be greater than 200, because if you added 200 ml of Y, then that would give you a 20% solution. Since, we need a 25% solution, we know we have to have more of solution Y.

Answer (C) 400 is a good place to start backsolving. Doing so give us:

[(400)30 + (200)10]/ 600 = 12,000 + 2,000 = 14,000/600 = 23 something. Therefore, we have to choose a large number.

By the way, I get 600 by adding the total ml of both solutions (400 + 200).

Backsolving using (E), since it is an easier number to deal with than 480, I get:

[(600)30 + (200)10]/ 800 = (18,000 + 2,000)/ 800 = 25%, the answer.

This might seem long, but I wrote out all the calculation steps, something that only takes a few seconds on the calculator.

Hope that helps provide a helpful approach to a mixture problem 🙂

Qdvoice Avatar

If 200 ml of solution x is used that means it has 20 ml of alcohol in it because 10% of 200 ml (0.1*200). Let’s say we will use y ml for solution y then 0.3*y of alcohol will be used. Since the total volume of mixture is 200+y, then (20 + 0.3*y)/(200+y) = 0.25. Solving that equation, you will get 600 m for solution y.

Someone Avatar

Do you need to memorize random words and their meaning in order to pass the reading portion? cause that how i see it. P.S. not a native speaker

Yes, memorizing words is indispensable to doing well on the verbal portion–that’s the basic truth. But memorizing words, doesn’t have to be as dull and formulaic as you might think.

Here is a post about how to make learning vocab a little less tedious:

https://magoosh.com/hs/sat/2018/sat-vocabulary-words/

i got 8 i really don’t get 1 and 3

Solomon Avatar

your questions are very easy,,,,,,,,,,,,its just a speed test for me (!_!)

James Avatar

I took the SAT, and got a 1680 on it,but i got 9/10. The only one i got wrong was number 9 if you could explain it would help me a lot. Also if you know how to improve my writing section score it will help a lot. Thanks

Matt Avatar

Just use dimensional analysis. If you start with K calculations, set it up so the units cancel.

K calcs * (S sec/C calcs)

Here, the calcs canceled so you’re left with KS/C seconds. Next, convert seconds to minutes.

K calcs * (S sec/C calcs) * (1 min/60 sec)

Now, when you multiply that you, you are left with KS/60C

toffy Avatar

to be honest i didn’t read through just wanted to give a comment. My SAT is 4 days away and i thought i was ready now it seems like my it on head is empty. sorry i wrote this here i did because i know the wont even put on the site. you did a great work with the questions though , will try to go through it.

Andrew Miller Avatar

I got 10/10 without really getting “stuck” anywhere, but I spent much more time on a few of the math problems than I could have afforded on the test. Time is not my friend; I usually need about 15 extra minutes for each math section to answer all questions. My score on the College Board practice tests has consistently fallen in the 2200-2400 range, but the last time I took the SAT I scored only 2090 because I had to omit quite a few problems. I’m retaking it in October, and I would really appreciate any tips for better time management.

sam Avatar

Yayaya…I got all 10 of them right. 😀 😀 Have my SAT in 11 days. Hope I do well. This was really helpful. Thanks

Rita Neumann

That’s awesome! I’m so glad you found these tough questions helpful. 🙂

Good luck on your SAT! I hope you do well.

Cheers! Rita

SAJ Avatar

Are we allowed to use trigonometry on the last question?

You are allowed to use any method you care to, as long as you  get the answer :). (Of course, no cheating allowed). With this question it seems that the non-trigonometry, using 30-60-90 properties, is a much faster way of doing it. 

But if trigonometry works for you, that’s totally valid too!

Arie Avatar

Only got 7. 🙁

I would have gotten 8 if I wrote down the length of the diameter rather than hoping it would stay in my head. Well, I still have 4 years to get them right. 🙂

7/10 is pretty darn good, especially if you still have 4 years to prep. 🙂 We’ll be adding 10 new questions soon – stay tuned!

sol Avatar

#7 of new sat test has no correct options

Thanks Sol, for catching that! That’s definitely a typo with the cubed root thrown into (C). Not quite sure how it got there, but I’m removing it now :).

Sayantan Avatar

I am in class 10 and its really easy.perfect 10/10

But I liked the questions.Thank you.

Can you please post more questions.

Frank Karl Burns Avatar

About question 1: Why “the worst” when only two groups are involved? I always the the superlatvie was reserved only for comparisons of three elements or more.

Magoosh Expert

Good question! 🙂

It is true that it used to be assertively taught that a superlative cannot be used in a comparison between just two objects. If we put aside the fact that this is not commonly taught or enforced in style guides anymore, I want to point out some situations when it would be possible to say that there are grounds for ignoring it. Imagine we want to refer to the “most young” individual in a group, but we do not know if there are 2 or 3 people in the group; in this case, we could comfortably use “youngest” despite the potential mismatch. Also, for reasons of style, we might sometimes ignore this idea and say something like, “My father is the tallest of three children, and my mother is the tallest of two.”

Now, all that said, if you want to stick to a rule, you can certainly say comparatives are for 2 objects and superlatives are for 3+ objects, but you might encounter debate with people saying that technically a limit (as expressed by a superlative) exists whether or not you have 3+ objects. (Just because you are younger than your one sibling does not mean you are not also the youngest.) I hope this helps a bit, and thanks for reaching out! 🙂

Dennis Adjetey Avatar

I don’t understand question 8

the arithmetic mean question

Happy to help! If 90 is the largest number, no other number can be 90 or higher. We want to find the smallest possible number one of the four can be. Keep in mind, we need the average (mean) to still be 75 as well. So let’s get the biggest possible numbers and our mystery number x:

90 + 89 + 88 + x

We need to divide this by 4 to get our mean:

(90 + 89 + 88 + x)/4 = 75

Now we do some algebra, first by multiplying both sides by 4:

90 + 89 + 88 + x = 300

267 + x = 300

Now subtract 267 to get x on its own:

And that’s our answer. 🙂

James Avatar

I believe the answer for question 7 on the new SAT is incorrect. The answer according to Magoosh is C. However that is because they divided 9x^4 + 4t^4 by both sides. This can’t be done because 9x^4 + 4t^4 may be 0, in which case dividing by 9x^4 + 4t^4 would be 0/0, which is undefined. Am I right?

You raised some very important points! I spoke with our experts and we have adjusted the wording of the problem to take care of the correct issue you brought up. 🙂

Kaitlin Avatar

Hi, I have researched number 7 from the new SAT questions and I can’t seem to get the answer. Could you please explain how to do it?

Hi Kaitlin,

This is certainly a difficult question! The key to understanding this is to use the difference of squares formula . This is a difficult one to type out so I wrote the problem out and you can access it here . I numbered the steps which I will explain: Step 1: recognize that the left side of the equation can be simplified using the difference of squares and factor it. Step 2: Once the left side of the equation is factored, we can see that we have the same term on both sides (9x^4+4t^2). Divide both side by this term. Step 3: The right side of the equation now simplifies to 1 because we have the same term in the numerator and denominator. Step 4: Recognize that the term on the left side of the equation can be factored again using the difference of squares. Step 5: Factor the left side of the equation again and we get our answer.

Does that make sense? Please let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

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18 free sat practice tests.

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Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/29/23

Are you considering incorporating an SAT practice test in your preparation? This guide will shed light on the significance of utilizing practice tests to boost your readiness for the SAT.

When preparing for the SAT , practice tests are invaluable tools. They offer you the opportunity to time yourself effectively, become acquainted with the types of questions you'll encounter, and experiment with various strategies for each section.

While practice tests are essential, it's crucial to understand that they serve a unique purpose. SAT practice tests are designed to help you refine your test-taking skills and approach each section methodically in order to achieve a higher score. They are not replicas of the SAT itself; they are structured differently.

In this guide, we will delve into some SAT practice tests and how you can make the most of them in your SAT preparation journey.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

16 Free SAT Practice Tests

These free SAT practice tests are here to help you get ready for the SAT and improve yor college admissions chances. As you work through them, don’t forget to rely on SAT tips and strategies to boost your test-taking skills and maximize your potential for success on exam day. Now, let's dive in together and work toward SAT success. 

Practice Test 1 (2016-Present)

This free SAT practice test, available from 2016 to the present, serves as an excellent starting point for SAT preparation. It includes sections for questions , answers , and detailed answer explanations . It's a valuable resource for assessing your initial skill level. 

Practice Test 2 (Removed By College Board)

Unfortunately, Practice Test 2 has been removed by the College Board. However, you can still work your way through this SAT practice test with answers . Along with a long list of questions , you can find in-depth answer explanations .

Practice Test 3 (2016-Present)

Similar to Practice Test 1, this test offers another opportunity to practice and refine your SAT skills. As you work on the questions , and compare your work to the provided answers , make sure to utilize the provided answer explanations to understand where you might need improvement. 

Practice Test 4 (Removed By College Board)

Like Practice Test 2, Practice Test 4 has been removed by the College Board. While its questions , answers and explanations can still be helpful - ensure you focus on the available official practice tests to align with the most current SAT content. 

Practice Test 5 (2016-Present)

This practice test continues to offer valuable SAT practice questions , answers , and explanations . Consistent practice is key to SAT success.

Practice Test 6 (2016-Present)

Practice Test 6 is another resource to aid in your SAT preparation journey. Regularly incorporating practice tests into your study routine can help build confidence and familiarity with the test format . So, do your best to work through these questions , take a look at the answers , and familiarize yourself with the answer explanations . 

Practice Test 7 (2016-Present)

As you progress in your preparation, Practice Test 7 can be a useful benchmark to gauge your improvement. While you work on the questions and answers , try to analyze your performance and use answer explanations to target weak areas. 

Practice Test 8 (2016-Present)

Similar to the previous tests, Practice Test 8 offers additional chances to refine your SAT skills. Be sure to time yourself while you work through the questions to replicate test-day conditions accurately. Afterward, review the answers and answer explanations to understand where you can improve and develop effective strategies.

Practice Test 9 (2016-Present)

By this point in your preparation, you should be well-versed in SAT question types and formats. Practice Test 9 can help solidify your knowledge and strategies by providing you with a set of SAT questions , answers , and answer explanations .

Practice Test 10 (2016-Present)

As your test date approaches, think of Practice Test 10 as your last practice before the big day. Take a close look at how you performed, go over the questions and your answers , and make sure to check the provided answer explanations . This thorough approach will give you the confidence and readiness you need for the real SAT.

Official SAT Printable Practice Test (2013-14)

This official SAT practice test from 2013-14 offers additional practice questions and answers . While it may not be the most up-to-date resource, it can still be beneficial for extra practice.

Official SAT Printable Practice Test (2012-13)

Similarly, the SAT practice test from 2012-13 provides a chance to work on your skills with real SAT questions and compare your work to real answers .

Official SAT Printable Practice Test (2007-08)

For those seeking more practice, this test from 2007-08 offers an array of SAT questions and answers .

Official SAT Printable Practice Test (2004-05)

Another official practice test from 2004-05 provides historical SAT questions and answers to further enhance your preparation.

Official SAT Test (2004-05)

This official SAT test from 2004-05, with its included questions and answers , can be a valuable resource for test takers looking to practice on authentic SAT material.

Official SAT Test (2003-04)

Much like the previous test, this official SAT exam from 2003-04 is a valuable resource to strengthen your skills. It includes useful practice questions and answers to assist you in your preparation.

Official SAT Test (2002)

This official SAT test from 2002 serves as an additional resource to bolster your SAT readiness.

Official SAT Test (2001)

For those interested in more historical SAT questions , this official test from 2001 can be a valuable asset.

Free Digital SAT Practice Tests

Don't forget to explore the College Board website for free digital SAT practice tests. These resources offer the convenience of online practice and can closely mimic the actual test-taking experience.

Are SAT Practice Tests Harder or Easier Than the Real SAT?

The official SAT is neither harder nor easier than official practice tests since every SAT is scored differently. The official SAT does have a curve that determines how they will grade each section, whether it is harsh or lenient. 

Their levels rank SAT practice tests’ difficulty; the higher the level, the more difficult it is. It all depends on how you study with the practice tests; they grade the results the same as the actual SAT, so your score can remain the same when you take the official SAT. Some students claim that the questions were harder on the official SAT or at the same level as their practice ones.

So to put it simply, it is neither harder nor easier. It all depends on how prepared you are for the official test and how well you do while taking a test.

Practice Test Scores vs. Real Scores

Your practice SAT scores can predict what type of score you will get on the official test. However, if you scored lower on the SAT than you did on the practice test, that is not uncommon. There can be many reasons, such as test anxiety, less time to read and understand each question, or just not being as confident as you were with the practice tests. 

Again, this is purely subjective; each test-taker is different, along with their studying methods and ways of learning. The point of doing practice SATs is to find out your strengths and weaknesses and work on them to get an optimal score on the real SAT. 

It is always helpful to refer to the SAT scoring chart and track your practice test scores to see how you can improve your raw score. There are many tips and tricks on how to do better on your SAT practice tests so you can improve your chances of passing the official test with flying colors.

Why Practice Tests and the Real SAT Aren’t the Same

Even though they offer a preview of what you will face on the official test, practice tests are not 100% accurate compared to the real thing. The content and how you take the test can be vastly different, which is why some students are shocked to learn that their scores are vastly different from what they scored on the practice test. 

There are two major reasons why the practice SAT isn’t the same as the official one.

SAT Practice Tests aren’t taken in realistic settings. When doing the practice SAT, you are usually in the comfort of your own home, on your laptop or desktop, accessing the practice portals whenever you like. The guide to the answers is put in front of you, and you can take breaks whenever you like before getting to the difficult sections of the test. 

When the real test day comes, you wake up early to go to an unfamiliar test center where you can be subjected to uneasiness and limited breaks. You are then given a time limit on each section and may find yourself rushing to complete each section before time runs out. This is vastly different from the homemade open-book test you have been referencing all this time.

The second reason is that students tend to revert to their old habits under massive stress. The current SAT may have new content in its sections, and if you have taken prep courses and tutoring alongside your practice tests, you may have been taught new methods for approaching each question. 

For example, you may have been taught a certain way to answer a math problem when it comes to math. When it comes to SAT math, however, you were taught a new quicker method to approach the math questions for the sake of time conservation. 

When put in a new test set, you can forget the new methods and stick with what you are more familiar with. This can greatly hinder your SAT score , and your results can be lower than you anticipated. 

According to College Panda , the sections may have different question types as content unfamiliar with when you used the practice SATs. These patterns can throw you off guard when taking the official test.

This chart categorizes the differences between the official SAT by section: 

The reading sections are difficult to compare because there is no sure-fire way to quantify each passage’s difficulty level appropriately, and the questions can not be specifically categorized. 

Rest assured, though, the reading section may be tweaked as well to fit the current year’s SAT protocol.

How to Make the Most of Practice Tests

Even if the practice tests are not a carbon copy of the real thing, they are not useless. You need to understand how to use them to get the best possible score on the official test. Here are some tips on using the practice tests to your benefit.

Practice as a Real Simulation

To avoid a culture shock when you first enter the testing center on your test day:

  • Do a practice run in your own house.
  • Turn off your phone, get rid of snacks or drinks, and do other things that would provide a distraction to get an accurate exam room.
  • Have short breaks, and use scrap paper for your test booklet. This will allow you to get used to the environment and note any discomfort you have had during this run.

That way, you can make adjustments and prepare for an actual day.

Practice Your Test-Taking Strategies

When you are studying, you develop certain exam-taking strategies. Perhaps you prefer dealing with easier questions first, then go back to the harder questions. Whatever method you have, gives you autonomy over the exam, but you have to know exactly which methods work in your favor. 

That way, you will be prepared for the official SAT and won’t be thrown off guard by the questions. Practice tests are a great way to keep track of your strategies, as they will be a very important part of your preparation process.

Practice with a Bubble Sheet

Bubble sheets are part of the SAT and are usually the most trivial instrument for students during the exam. You may get the answer right on the booklet but get it wrong on your bubble sheet. 

By practicing with a bubble sheet, you are giving yourself the advantage of keeping track of your answers when you take the real test. It can also prevent you from circling the wrong answer on a different line on the test (this is especially for the Reading section).

Find Your Area of Focus

Out of all the sections of the SAT, which one do you struggle with the most? Math? Reading? 

Are you more concerned with the time limits you have for each section? Are you susceptible to losing your energy halfway through an exam? 

When using practice SATs, you can pinpoint where you need to focus and how you can resolve those issues so you are relaxed and ready for test day. You cannot fix something you are not aware of. 

Review Practice Test Answers and Explanations

When you have taken a five-hour practice SAT, it would probably be exhausting to review the answers and the explanations. You must take a well-deserved break so you can check out the explanations with a refreshed and active mind. 

You should then identify which questions you answered incorrectly and why. Take note of the explanations and refer to any relevant material to be prepared for any similar questions in the future. 

Female student studying in library

FAQs: SAT Practice Tests 

Still, have questions regarding the practice SAT and the official one? Here are some FAQs that give a better insight into the matter. 

1. How Can I Score as High on the Real SAT as I Did on the Practice SAT?

The best advice would be to practice! Do the practice tests, review your incorrect answers, find your strengths and weaknesses, and work on any weaknesses you noticed in practice SAT. These are your best options when it comes to wanting a great score. 

2. How Many Practice SATs Should I Take?

It is advised to take 3 to 4 mock tests about four to six weeks before the official test date. That way, you can practice in mock test environments and get used to them. Then, it would not hurt to take 2-3 more mock tests a month before the test day. It is important to time these tests, too to score in your desired range.

3. If the Practice Tests Aren’t Accurate, Why Should I Do Them?

Just because they are not 100% accurate does not mean they are useless to you. Practice SATs are more so a guide to give you a preview of what the SAT is like and allow you to analyze your strengths and test-taking skills. It can also help you work on any issues regarding the SAT so you are prepared once the official test date comes. 

4. What Are the Hardest SAT Practice Tests?

It depends on the student, but a consensus claims that Practice Test #3 could be the most difficult for a first-time SAT taker. It would help if you went over each practice test and ranked which one is hardest, so you can spend more time dealing with those before heading to the easier ones. 

5. What Are Some of the Best Free Sat Practice Tests?

You are always free to search online for practice tests to help you study. You can also ask your school about resources and information on affordable practice tests and prep courses. There is usually a list of the top best programs that offer Practice SATs.

6. I Have Test Anxiety. How Can I Take the Real SAT?

Being anxious is a normal response to something as stressful as the SAT. Aside from practicing, you can also take some breathing exercises and relaxation techniques during your study time to learn not to panic on the actual test day. These methods can be very effective in calming you down.

7. How Long Should I Study for the SAT?

It depends on you and your daily schedule. A solid schedule would advise you to study 10 to 20 hours a week, approximately two to three months before the test date. If you feel like you need more than that, you can adjust the hours of your own will.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, these sample SAT practice tests are your key to SAT success. They provide the practice you need to excel on the actual test. With dedication and consistent practice, you'll be well-prepared for the SAT. So, don't wait, start using these resources today, and set yourself up for your best SAT score!

Take on 5 free practice SAT questions here

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15 Hardest SAT Writing & Language Questions

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15 Hardest SAT Writing & Language Questions

The SAT Writing & Language section is 35 minutes long and features 44 questions. You’ll be asked to read passages and correct any weaknesses in the writing. Questions cover aspects like tone, word choice, syntax, punctuation, and more. 

If you’d like more practice with the trickier writing concepts, this is the post for you! In this post, we will cover the hardest SAT Writing and Language questions we’ve come across out of many of the College Board’s officially released tests . 

Of course, “hard” is subjective, so some of these may actually seem easy to you, and that’s fine! Our goal is simply to help you identify your grammatical strengths and weaknesses.

How do SAT Scores Impact Your College Chances?

Currently, most colleges accept both the ACT or SAT and take it heavily into consideration as a predictor of college success (outside of non-COVID years). In fact, selective schools use grades and test scores as a filter, so if your academics aren’t up to par, you may get automatically rejected. 

If you want to know how your SAT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools, you might like our free Chancing Engine . It will help you predict your odds, let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and suggest aspects of your profile to improve. Unlike other solely stats-based chancing calculators, ours considers much of your entire profile, including your stats, extracurriculars, and demographic background. 

Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and jumpstart your college journey! 

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

SAT Writing & Language Question Topics

Before diving into the questions, we want you to understand the terms that the SAT uses to categorize the topics as defined by the College Board . We’ve also included the number of questions that fall under each category, so if you’re self-studying, you can prioritize the types of questions that appear more often or that you struggle with more.

Command of Evidence

These questions may ask you to improve the way passages develop information and ideas. This may involve choosing answers to sharpen an argumentative claim or add relevant supporting detail.

Words in Context

These questions may ask you to improve word choice based on the text surrounding them. You will aim to make a passage more precise or concise or to improve syntax, style, or tone.

Expression of Ideas

These questions ask about a passage’s organization and its impact. You will be asked which words or structural changes improve the author’s point and help their sentences and paragraphs work together. 

Standard English Conventions

These cover the building blocks of writing: sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. You’ll be asked to change words, clauses, sentences, and punctuation. Some topics covered include verb tense, parallel construction, subject-verb agreement, and comma usage.  

Data Interpretation

This isn’t a question type that is officially listed, but about 2% of questions will involve a data-based graphic like a chart, table, or graph. You may be asked to edit the graph to make it more accurate or select a data-based sentence to add to support an argument.

From Practice Test 3:

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Command of Evidence

Explanation:

While somewhat related to the message of the text, this piece of information is best left out here, as it would hinder its natural flow. Without it, the passage flows smoothly from the first mention of circadian rhythms to a more detailed explanation of them. 

A is incorrect because although this data might be useful for the reader to know, the placement is awkward and interruptive. If the author were to choose to include this information, it would likely be best for them to do so later in the passage, where the effects of sleep deprivation are discussed. 

B is incorrect because A) the placement still disrupts the flow, and B) it fits better with the latter part of the paragraph, where the effects of sleep deprivation are discussed.

D is incorrect because while its comment on the nature of the statistic is true, it is irrelevant to the objective of the passage.

This question refers to the following text:

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

For as long as Harvey Houses served rail travelers through the mid-twentieth century, working there was a steady and lucrative position for women. Living independently and demonstrating an intense work ethic; the Harvey Girls became known as a transformative force in the American [22] West . Advancing the roles of women in the restaurant industry and the American workforce as a whole, the Harvey Girls raised the standards for restaurants and blazed a trail in the fast-changing landscape of the western territories. 

For context, the passage concerns a significant change in the food industry. Railway food was originally of poor quality and provided with poor service. Additionally, most waitstaff were men. Businessman Fred Harvey introduced high-quality dining for the first time and intentionally hired a well-mannered, articulate, all-woman staff. It was the U.S.’s first restaurant chain and, as the latter paragraphs of the passage explain, it became immediately and massively popular, empowering women in the workforce and altering the U.S. restaurant economy.

A is the correct answer because it recognizes the fact that this information specifically evidences the transformative nature of the Harvey Girls’ influence. 

B is incorrect because the information does not actually serve as a transitional point, as the target sentence is not followed by a discussion of these cultural developments.

C is incorrect because A) this answer does not specify precisely where this passage should be moved to or why, and B) the earlier parts of the passage mainly focused on the then-current effects of the Harvey Girls, not later cultural developments.

D is incorrect because the passage mainly serves to illustrate the Harvey Girls’ transformative effect (as partially evidenced by the passage title, “Transforming the American West Through Food and Hospitality”) This objective is supported by this evidence of its artistic and intellectual impacts.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

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From Practice Test 5:

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Choice C is the best answer for two reasons. For starters, the year 1954 disrupts the chronology of previous examples (1974, 2004). Secondly, the example concerns television news, which is out of place in a passage aptly titled “Investigative Journalism: An Evolving American Tradition.”

A is incorrect because this clarification is unnecessary in a passage that is not actually mainly focused on political corruption. Additionally, it is already directly stated in the paragraph that journalism has served “to keep those in power accountable.”

B is incorrect because the sentence is out of place in the paragraph and the passage does not necessitate a “counterpoint” as this is an informative, not argumentative, piece. Additionally, this evidence, if included, would support, not challenge, the author’s previous evidence and claims that informational media helps hold the powerful accountable.

D is incorrect because while it correctly states that the sentence should not be added, their reasoning is incorrect. This example of journalists reporting a story to expose a powerful person is consistent with the passage’s definition of investigative journalism. 

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Command of Evidence 

Choice D is the best answer because sentence 2 mentions the high price of the playwright’s tickets, which logically follows sentence 5’s description of how the price of tickets was determined. Sentence 2’s claim that the price reflected the real cost of the performance also logically precedes sentence 6, which discusses the non-altruistic nature of these donations.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because sentence 2 does not naturally follow sentences 1, 3, or 4, respectively. Since sentences 3, 4, and 5 present a logical sequence of activities that establish the ticket price, sentence 2’s reflection on the overall price of the tickets would be out of place. Therefore, sentence 2 must come after the completion of this sequence; it can’t come before the sequence, as noted in choice A, or interrupt it, as noted in choices B and C.

From Practice Test 1:

This question refers to the following sentence:

“Also, because it is more concentrated, Greek yogurt contains slightly more protein per serving, thereby helping people stay [10] satiated for longer periods of time.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Words in Context 

A is correct because “satiated” is the word that most accurately communicates that Greek yogurt wards off hunger specifically for long periods of time. 

B is one of those questions that students may pick due to overthinking, but it is incorrect because although “fulfilled” may seem like a tempting answer to students who understand that “fulfillment” indicates some degree of met satisfaction (often in spirituality or career), the word is virtually never used in reference to hunger.

C and D are incorrect because neither could specifically refer to somebody who has eaten and is now full.

You should not be afraid to choose “NO CHANGE” when the original answer is the most fitting.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

We’re going to include the first paragraph of this passage to give you a sense of this passage’s tone, but if you’d like to read the whole passage, you may do so here . This question refers to the word “sinister’, as bolded below:

“Just as travelers taking road trips today may need to take a break for food at a rest area along the highway, settlers traversing the American West by train in the mid-1800s often found [12] themselves in need of refreshment. However, food available on rail lines was generally of terrible quality. [13] Despite having worked for railroad companies, Fred Harvey, an English-born [14] entrepreneur. He decided to open his own restaurant business to serve rail customers. Beginning in the 1870s, he opened dozens of restaurants in rail stations and dining cars. These Harvey Houses, which constituted the first restaurant chain in the United States, [15] was unique for its high standards of service and quality. The menu was modeled after those of fine restaurants, so the food was leagues beyond the [16] sinister fare travelers were accustomed to receiving in transit.”

Category: Words in Context

C is correct because it maintains earlier claims of restaurant food being of poor quality while still maintaining the formal tone established earlier in the passage.

A is incorrect because “sinister” ascribes too much agency and humanity to food.

B is incorrect because “surly” inappropriately personifies food.

D is incorrect because “icky” is too informal for this passage’s tone.

From Practice Test 3.

“1-MCP lengthens storage life by three to four times when applied to apples. This extended life allows producers to sell their apples in the off-season, months after the apples have been harvested.”

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

A is correct because its first clause explains 1-MCP’s impacts on apples, centering the sentence on 1-MCP and creating a concise, natural progression of information.

B is incorrect because it involves an awkwardly-placed subordinate clause and lacks conciseness and flow.

C is incorrect because it is awkward and flows poorly, with an ineffective progression of ideas.

D is incorrect because it is awkward and flows poorly, with an ineffective progression of ideas.

This question refers to the underlined sentence within the following excerpt:

[6] Though these conservation methods can be costly and time-consuming, they are well worth the effort. Nutritionists consider Greek yogurt to be a healthy food: it is an excellent source of calcium and protein, serves to be a digestive aid, and it contains few calories in its unsweetened low- and non-fat forms. Greek yogurt is slightly lower in sugar and carbohydrates than conventional yogurt is.

The paragraph preceding this one describes the negative environmental impacts of acid whey, which is released as a byproduct of Greek yogurt production, before transitioning into a description of ways that scientists and farmers work to offset these negative effects. 

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Expression of Ideas

Choice D is correct because the paragraph really does list the benefits of consuming Greek yogurt, supporting this initial claim of production-based conservation methods being “well worth the effort.”

A is incorrect because the sentence actually does serve as a good transition between the previous paragraph, which details the environmental drawbacks and conservation efforts regarding Greek yogurt production, and the following one, which explains why these costly methods are justified by the benefits of Greek yogurt.

B is incorrect because this sentence was created not to support any previous arguments, but to set up a new one. Therefore, B misinterprets the sentence in question.

C is incorrect because it misinterprets the sentence in question.

From Practice Test 1. 

The question refers to the following text:

The article, published by Forbes magazine, explained that coworking spaces are designated locations that, for a fee, individuals can use to conduct their work. The spaces are usually stocked with standard office equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, and fax machines. In these locations, however, the spaces often include small meeting areas and larger rooms for hosting presentations. [28] The cost of launching a new coworking business in the United States is estimated to be approximately $58,000.

What most caught my interest, though, was a quotation from someone who described coworking spaces as “melting pots of creativity.” The article refers to a 2012 survey in which 64 percent of respondents noted that coworking spaces prevented them from completing tasks in a given time. The article goes on to suggest that the most valuable resources provided by coworking spaces are actually the people whom use them.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Choice C is the best answer because the sentence distracts from the paragraph’s main focus. The cost of setting up a coworking business is irrelevant to all parts of this paragraph and passage, which serves to illustrate the merits of coworking spaces, not the process of building them. 

Choice A is incorrect because as previously mentioned, this detail does not support the paragraph’s main topic. 

Choice B is incorrect because the sentence has nothing to do with the second paragraph’s illustration of the resources provided by these spaces.

D is incorrect because this information has not been repeated anywhere else in the passage.

Question 10

The question refers to the underlined portion of this passage’s second paragraph: 

“ Artificial light sources are also costly aside from lowering worker productivity. They typically constitute anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of a building’s energy use . When a plant in Seattle, Washington, was redesigned for more natural light, the company was able to enjoy annual electricity cost reductions of $500,000 8 each year..”

For context, the previous paragraph first explained the negative effects of artificial light on worker health before explaining their negative effects on worker productivity. 

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Choice A is the correct answer because it begins by referencing the previous paragraph’s topic before launching into the second paragraph’s topic of cost.

Choices B, C, and D are all not the best answers because they are written rather awkwardly in comparison to Choice A. In addition, they all fail to provide a smooth transition, either by not opening with a reference to the previous paragraph or not referencing the second paragraph’s topic. 

Question 11

This question refers to this sentence:

Nutritionists consider Greek yogurt to be a healthy food: it is an excellent source of calcium and protein, serves [7] to be a digestive aid, and it contains few calories in its unsweetened low- and non-fat forms.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Standard English Conventions

Choice B is the best answer because it provides a grammatically standard preposition that connects the verb “serves” and the noun “digestive aid” to accurately depict their relationship. 

A is incorrect because the infinitive “to be” creates a grammatically incorrect verb construction: “serves to be.” 

Choices C and D are incorrect because both present options that deviate from standard English usage. 

Some students may struggle with prepositions in particular, so definitely brush up on their respective usages if that sounds like you!

Question 12

The novelty of this comfortable work-from-home life, however, [23] soon got worn off quickly. 

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

D is correct because “wore” is the only answer that abides by standard English conventions while also not being repetitive.

A, B, and C are all incorrect because “promptly” and “quickly” contain a redundancy.

Question 13

“Having become frustrated trying to solve difficult problems, [24] no colleagues were nearby to share ideas .”

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

D is correct because it correctly describes the narrator as having become frustrated and discovering a desire to be surrounded by helpful colleagues.

A, B, and C are all incorrect because they incorrectly attribute the action of having become frustrated to colleagues, instead of to the narrator. 

Question 14

From Practice Test 7:

This question refers to the underlined portion of the following sentence:

“In truth, the agency has a widespread positive [2] effect on society by serving as a catalyst for innovation and scientific understanding [3] to create jobs, and showing humanity its place within the universe.”

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Choice A is correct because the noun “effect” is needed in the sentence to provide a direct object for the verb “has.” The article “a” indicates that a noun will follow.

B and D use the incorrect word to refer to the agency’s impact on society.

C is incorrect because the word “to” is an  inaccurate preposition to use here.

Students frequently mix up “affect” and “effect” because they sound the same and have similar definitions. Here’s a quick mnemonic to help you remember: “ Affect is the action ; effect is the end result .” For example, a person may positively affect their health by sleeping 8 hours a night, while increased energy would be a positive effect of doing so. “Affect” is a verb, while “effect” is a noun.

Question 15

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Category: Data Interpretation

Choice B is correct because the graph shows that on March 5, average low temperatures hit their lowest at 12 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Choice A is incorrect because the phrase “as low as” suggests that the temperature falls no lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the chart shows that in January, February, and March, the temperature dips below that point. 

Choices C and D are incorrect because their information does not match the chart’s. 

Final Tips 

Tackling practice questions can be a great way to up your writing skills for the SAT and help you take note of your weaknesses. We especially recommend honing specific skills, especially the ones you may struggle with more. This could involve studying key grammar rules, reviewing words with multiple meanings, workshopping your own writing, reading informational texts, and even interpreting graphical data.

Finally, keep in mind that while taking the test, you’ll likely come across multiple options that seem plausible, so it’s easy to get stuck waffling between a few possibilities. Stay focused on what, specifically, the question is asking and avoid being swayed by answers that look “kind of correct” but which really aren’t the best choice in fulfilling the author’s aim.

To learn more about how to do well on the SAT, check out our other posts:

  • 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions
  • How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
  • Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Reading Test
  • Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Writing and Language Test
  • Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Math Test
  • Links to Every SAT Practice Test + Other Free Resources

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sat practice tests difficulty ranked

The College Panda

How Accurate Are The Khan Academy Practice Tests?

Khan Academy has 8 SAT practice tests available at the time of this post. But are they accurate?

Here's the story.

When the current form of the SAT was first introduced in 2015, Khan Academy entered into a partnership with The College Board, the makers of the SAT, with the mission of providing more affordable test prep to everyone.

Before the first administration of the test on March 5th, 2016, The College Board released Practice Tests 1 through 4 on Khan Academy so that the first test takers would have some idea of what to expect.

At that time, those 4 practice tests were the only real source of guidance. No one had taken the real exam yet.

Since then, The College Board has released Practice Tests 5-8 on Khan Academy.

Because the Khan Academy tests are actually released by The College Board, they are generally regarded as official and accurate material.

But here's the problem.

Based on our analysis, Practice Tests 1-4 aren't completely accurate.

Whereas Practice Tests 5-8 were past exams administered to students on actual test dates, Practice Tests 1-4 were never administered to students and were simply created as test prep material for test-takers in 2016. They were devised well before new testing had even started.

Why is that important? Because creating a standardized test is not easy—student data is necessary for fine-tuning and curving each exam. It's a constant process of revising the questions and adjusting the overall difficulty.

Since Practice Tests 1-4 were created without the necessary student data, they do not reflect the changes The College Board later made to the exam.

These changes can only be seen in Practice Tests 5-8, which are past exams that were administered only after The College Board had obtained the necessary data.

Here are some of the subtle differences we noticed:

It's hard to compare the reading sections of different tests because there isn't a good way to quantify the difficulty of each passage and the question types don't fall so neatly into categories.

However, we can pretty much assume the reading section has been refined since Practice Tests 1-4. After all, it's very unlikely The College Board would make adjustments to both the math and writing sections without also making a few changes to the reading section.

My experience indicates that the reading section has in fact been tweaked and is now more difficult. Compared to Practice Tests 1-4, the actual exams have 1-2 passages that are harder to comprehend and some of the questions are trickier.

I hope to provide a more detailed breakdown of the reading section in a future update to this post.

The fact that The College Board has never explicitly acknowledged these differences is a huge disservice not only to students but also to the organization they partnered with—Khan Academy.

Though Practice Tests 1-4 do not fully reflect the current state of the exam, I still highly recommend that you use them as practice material 1) because the vast majority of the questions are accurate and 2) because you should never not do a practice test from The College Board.

Practice is always a good thing. Just remember to take your scores on Practice Tests 1-4 with a grain of salt.

15 Hardest SAT Math Questions in 2023-2024

July 1, 2023

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

For some students, “math” is a scary word, particularly in the context of the SAT. While test takers can often utilize context clues to make an educated guess on reading-oriented questions, math problems can sometimes feel like they are written in a foreign language. In pursuit of a good SAT score , many students engage in SAT prep to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence. As part of that prep, some students may wish to challenge themselves by tackling the hardest SAT math questions. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you!

Below, we discuss some of the hardest SAT math questions, identifying what qualities make them difficult and strategies that will help you solve them. Whether you’re a math aficionado or a novice hoping to build your skills, this post will tell you what you need to know about hard SAT math questions to help you do your best.

SAT Math Basics

Before discussing the hardest SAT math questions, let’s go over the composition of the SAT math section. The Math section consists of 58 questions that students have 80 minutes to complete. These questions fall into two sections: calculator active and calculator inactive. The majority of questions are multiple-choice, though a small portion are “grid-in” questions, in which students write their answers. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the composition of the SAT Math section from the College Board .

SAT Math: Calculator Active

SAT Math: Calculator Inactive

What’s covered on the SAT Math test?

There are four categories of questions on the SAT Math test:

  • Heart of Algebra, 19 questions
  • Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, 17 questions
  • Passport to Advanced Math, 16 questions
  • Additional Topics in Math, 6 questions

Heart of Algebra questions focus on students’ knowledge of linear equations and systems. Questions may ask students to develop equations that represent a given situation or establish connections between different linear equations.

In comparison, Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions measure students’ quantitative literacy through concepts they’re likely to need in college courses and everyday life, including ratios, percentages, and proportional relationships. Students may address problems in real-world settings or describe relationships in graphs or statistics.

As its title suggests, Passport to Advanced Math tests students on the knowledge they’ll need to specialize in mathematically-oriented topics, such as STEM subjects or economics. These questions will also evaluate students on the skills they’ll need to excel in calculus and advanced statistics courses. As one might expect, this is a category that may produce some of the hardest SAT math questions.

Finally, Additional Topics in Math sounds like a catch-all, but students can reasonably expect to encounter questions focused on geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers. This category may also include some hard SAT math questions, given students’ varying levels of familiarity with these subjects.

Preparing for the SAT Math Test

As you can see, the SAT Math test covers a wide variety of topics. While it might be tempting to jump straight to the hardest SAT math questions, it’s important to first establish a clear baseline by taking a practice test. Doing so will allow you to familiarize yourself with the structure of the SAT. Moreover, this practice test will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses so you can identify what topics warrant more practice. Once you know what your priorities are, you can start your SAT prep through the materials provided by College Board or an SAT prep manual.

15 Hardest SAT Math Questions

Now that we have that groundwork in place, we can discuss our selections for hard SAT math questions. We have opted to categorize questions around four common challenges students may experience, providing several examples of each. As you read our selections, bear in mind that difficulty is relative. We have selected questions that we believe are challenging due to their composition. However, this may not be the case for all students. Therefore, we recommend students identify their personal SAT prep goals to ensure they are being strategic in their studies. All questions are sourced from College Board’s practice tests.

Hard SAT Math Questions: Specialized or less familiar forms of math

Of all of the hard SAT math questions, perhaps none are more difficult than those that deal with more specialized mathematical subjects, such as trigonometry. Test takers have typically had less exposure to these subjects, which can make solving these problems more difficult. Therefore, it is important that students review a variety of mathematical concepts to ensure they are equipped to answer all types of questions. Here are a few examples:

1) Calculator Inactive, Grid-In

In a right triangle, one angle measures x°, where sin x° = ⅘ . What is cos(90° − x°)?

As this problem illustrates, students need a basic understanding of trigonometry functions to tackle this type of question. A complete solution for this problem is available on page 31 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 1.

2) Calculator Active, Grid-In

A group of friends decided to divide the $800 cost of a trip equally among themselves. When two of the friends decided not to go on the trip, those remaining still divided the $800 cost equally, but each friend’s share of the cost increased by $20. How many friends were in the group originally?

Solving this problem necessitates that students have the ability to utilize quadratic equations, which is a more advanced form of math relative to many of the concepts tested on the SAT Math test. A complete explanation is available on page 47 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 6.

3) Calculator Active, Multiple Choice

The world’s population has grown at an average rate of 1.9 percent per year since 1945. There were approximately 4 billion people in the world in 1975. Which of the following functions represents the world’s population P, in billions of people, t years since 1975?

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

This problem engages students’ knowledge of exponential growth. However, rather than simply solving an equation, students must understand the logic of exponential functions well enough to translate the information provided into the correct equation. The complete solution for this problem is available on page 47 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 7.

4) Calculator Inactive, Grid-In

Triangle PQR has right angle Q . If sin R = ⅘, what is the value of tan P ?

This problem requires that students utilize trigonometry functions, as well as the Pythagorean theorem, to arrive at the correct answer. A complete solution for this problem is available on page 44 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 9.

Hard SAT Math Questions: Problems with multistep solutions

Many problems on the SAT Math test require students to complete multiple steps to arrive at an answer. While the math involved may not be difficult in itself, a multistep process creates opportunities for students to make mistakes. For this reason, students should practice solving problems with multistep solutions to avoid careless errors. Let’s look at a few examples:

5) Calculator Inactive, Multiple Choice

If (ax+2)(bx+7)=15x^2+ cx+14 for all values of x, and a+b=8, what are the two possible values for c?

B) 6 and 35

C) 10 and 21

D) 31 and 41

To answer this question, students must understand the logic of how these variables and equations relate to one another. Relevant skills students would need to solve this problem include mastery of algebra and the ability to use factoring. A complete explanation for this problem is available on page 30 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 1.

6) Calculator Active, Multiple Choice

A rectangle was altered by increasing its length by 10 percent and decreasing its width by p percent. If these alterations decreased the area of the rectangle by 12 percent, what is the value of p?

Concepts involved in this problem, including calculating area and percentages, are likely familiar to most students. However, students may stumble when completing the steps necessary to find the answer, which involves writing equations to represent the values of the original area of the rectangle, the altered values for the length and width, and the decreased area of the rectangle. This lengthy process leaves room for mistakes, making this problem deceptively challenging. A complete solution is available on page 35 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 3.

Hardest SAT Math Problems (Continued)

7) Calculator Active, Grid-In

If Ms. Simon starts her drive at 6:30 a.m., she can drive at her average driving speed with no traffic delay for each segment of the drive. If she starts her drive at 7:00 a.m., the travel time from the freeway entrance to the freeway exit increases by 33% due to slower traffic, but the travel time for each of the other two segments of her drive does not change. Based on the table, how many more minutes does Ms. Simon take to arrive at her workplace if she starts her drive at 7:00 a.m. than if she starts her drive at 6:30 a.m.? (Round your answer to the nearest minute.)

Again, if we judged this problem strictly on the math involved, it probably wouldn’t be considered one of the hardest SAT math questions. However, the multiple steps and calculations it requires make it easy for students to make mistakes. The complete solution is available on page 49 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 5. A similar example is available below.

8) Calculator Active, Grid-In

Number of Contestants by Score and Day

The same 20 contestants, on each of 3 days, answered 5 questions in order to win a prize. Each contestant received 1 point for each correct answer. The number of contestants receiving a given score on each day is shown in the table above.

What was the mean score of the contestants on Day 1?

The complete solution for this problem is available on page 47 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 7.

Hard SAT Math Questions: Problems that are difficult to comprehend

Although math involves numbers, having a firm grasp of reading comprehension and logic is often necessary to understand a problem. Looking at a block of text can sometimes be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to practice reading word problems so you can learn how to understand the variables involved and tackle these hard SAT math questions. Here are a few examples:

9) Calculator Active, Multiple Choice

A square field measures 10 meters by 10 meters. Ten students each mark off a randomly selected region of the field; each region is square and has side lengths of 1 meter, and no two regions overlap. The students count the earthworms contained in the soil to a depth of 5 centimeters beneath the ground’s surface in each region. The results are shown in the table below.

Which of the following is a reasonable approximation of the number of earthworms to a depth of 5 centimeters beneath the ground’s surface in the entire field?

Between the described 10×10 grid and the data chart, there is a lot to sift through in this question. While the math involved isn’t especially difficult (students primarily need to be comfortable with ratios to solve this problem), the sheer number of variables in the question could make it challenging to understand and, therefore, to solve. A complete explanation for this problem is available on page 40 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 1.

10) Calculator Active, Multiple Choice

Of the following four types of savings account plans, which option would yield exponential growth of the money in the account?

  • A) Each successive year, 2% of the initial savings is added to the value of the account.
  • B) Each successive year, 1.5% of the initial savings and $100 is added to the value of the account.
  • C) Each successive year, 1% of the current value is added to the value of the account.
  • D) Each successive year, $100 is added to the value of the account.

This problem has less to do with precise calculations and more to do with a student’s ability to translate the answers into mathematical concepts, specifically linear versus exponential growth. Therefore, the challenge is for students to consider the logic of each option to determine which would support exponential growth. A complete solution for this problem is available on page 34 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 3.

11) Calculator Active, Grid-In

The problem outlined below refers to the following information:

If shoppers enter a store at an average rate of r shoppers per minute and each stays in the store for an average time of T minutes, the average number of shoppers in the store, N, at any one time is given by the formula N = rT. This relationship is known as Little’s law.

The owner of the Good Deals Store estimates that during business hours, an average of 3 shoppers per minute enter the store and that each of them stays an average of 15 minutes. The store owner uses Little’s law to estimate that there are 45 shoppers in the store at any time.

Little’s law can be applied to any part of the store, such as a particular department or the checkout lines. The store owner determines that, during business hours, approximately 84 shoppers per hour make a purchase and each of these shoppers spends an average of 5 minutes in the checkout line. At any time during business hours, about how many shoppers, on average, are waiting in the checkout line to make a purchase at the Good Deals Store?

Because this problem has a contextual paragraph, there is a fair amount of text students have to work through. This quantity of information can easily obscure the relationships between the values discussed. However, by working through the question carefully, students can understand the logic of the problem. A complete solution is available on page 38 of the answer guide of the SAT Practice Test 3.

12) Calculator Active, Multiple Choice

The 22 students in a health class conducted an experiment in which they each recorded their pulse rates, in beats per minute, before and after completing a light exercise routine. The dot plots below display the results.

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Let s 1 and r 1 be the standard deviation and range, respectively, of the data before exercise, and let s 2 and r 2 be the standard deviation and range, respectively, of the data after exercise. Which of the following is true?

  • s 1 = s 2 and r 1 = r 2
  • s 1 < s 2 and r 1 < r 2
  • s 1 > s 2 and r 1 > r 2
  • s 1 ≠ s 2 and r 1 = r 2

This problem requires that students utilize their interpretative abilities to break down the provided charts and context to determine how the standard deviations compare. A complete solution for this problem is available on page 46 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 8.

Hard SAT Math Questions: Problems that test multiple concepts

Some questions on the SAT will require that students leverage multiple mathematical skills and concepts to arrive at an answer. For these questions, the threshold for achieving the correct answer is higher simply because they require mastery of multiple concepts. Let’s look at a few examples:

13) Calculator Inactive, Grid-In

At a lunch stand, each hamburger has 50 more calories than each order of fries. If 2 hamburgers and 3 orders of fries have a total of 1700 calories, how many calories does a hamburger have?

This problem looks simple enough and, in fact, the math involved really isn’t that hard. However, what makes this problem challenging is that it requires students to understand systems of equations well enough to write equations that represent the described situation. Students then have to utilize the system of equations they create to solve the problem using algebra. A complete explanation for this problem is available on page 26 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 3.

14) Calculator Inactive, Grid-In

In triangle ABC, the measure of ∠B is 90°, BC = 16, and AC = 20. Triangle DEF is similar to triangle ABC, where vertices D, E, and F correspond to vertices A, B, and C, respectively, and each side of triangle DEF is 1 3 the length of the corresponding side of triangle ABC. What is the value of sin F ?

This question requires that students be comfortable with basic trigonometry and the geometric concept of similarity. This, in turn, necessitates an understanding of ratios. Being able to layer these skills will ensure students arrive at the appropriate solution. A complete explanation of this problem is available on page 27 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 3. Below is another example of a question that layers these concepts.

15) Calculator Active, Grid-In

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

In the figure above _ _ _ _   ¾. If _ _  +15  and _ _ = 4, what is the length of _ _?

A complete solution for this problem is available on page 47 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 7.

Final Thoughts: The Hardest SAT Math Problems

After working through these problems, take a moment to reflect. If you struggled or are feeling overwhelmed, that might be a sign you need to do a little more studying. Consider consulting College Board’s SAT Study Guide or our post on the most important SAT math formulas for assistance. If you breezed through these problems, congratulations! Math is clearly a strength of yours. Consider turning your attention to other areas, such as SAT vocabulary words. Happy studying and best of luck!

Got other SAT-related questions? Check out our other SAT resources:

  • Entering Class Statistics
  • Should I Apply Test Optional?
  • When Do SAT Scores Come Out?

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Emily Smith

Emily earned a BA in English and Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill and an MA in English from Wake Forest University. While at UNC and Wake Forest, she served as a tutor and graduate assistant in each school’s writing center, where she worked with undergraduate and graduate students from all academic backgrounds. She also worked as an editorial intern for the Wake Forest University Press as well as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English at WFU, and currently works as a writing center director in western North Carolina.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., is the digital sat actually harder.

Teenager using a laptop on a desk

The SAT is going digital. The scoring scale remains from 400-1600, but much has changed. These changes have sparked a debate among students and parents about whether the digital SAT is harder than its previous iteration

Similarities between the Digital and Paper-and-Pencil SAT

It’s helpful to know what won’t change between the two tests. The scoring scale is still 400-1600 (which helps to answer the question of which test is harder – more on that below). The College Board states that both versions of the SAT test the same knowledge and skills. Accommodations are available on both tests, though the way accommodations are provided may differ based on the test format.

Differences Between the Digital and Paper-and-Pencil SAT

The most obvious difference between the two formats is the mode of delivery and interaction. In the digital SAT, test-takers read questions and answer them on a computer or tablet, using digital tools for navigation and responses. In contrast, the paper-pencil SAT involves reading printed test booklets and marking answers on paper answer sheets.

This change in format results in changes to the day-of-the-test experience:

  • 1. You’ll need to bring a qualified device to the test center (or contact the College Board in advance to request a device).
  • 2. Upon arrival, you’ll be assigned a seat.
  • 3. You’ll then log in to the site’s Wi-Fi, enter the special code that the proctor will provide you with, and begin.

Because the timing of the digital SAT is managed by the Bluebook application, your sections and breaks won’t line up exactly with others around you.

Note that the Bluebook application requires internet access at the beginning and end of the exam, but if there is a connection interruption the test will continue on as normal. There is the possibility of computer error (as there always is with technology), but the program has been designed to be robust and work on different platforms. Of course, problems also arise in the paper-and-pencil SAT (e.g. lost answer sheets), so there’s no real way to avoid potential issues on the day of the test.

Timing and Pacing

The second major change between the digital SAT and the previous pencil-and-paper version is the timing.

  • The paper and pencil version has 3 hours of testing material.
  • The digital SAT has 2 hours and 14 minutes of test time.

This reduction of time makes for a much shorter test day (there is also one fewer break on the digital SAT), making fatigue less of a factor.

The pacing of the digital SAT is also different.

Reading and Writing

  • The pencil-and-paper version of the SAT allotted 1 minute 15 seconds per Reading question and approximately 48 seconds per Writing and Language question.
  • On the digital SAT, Reading and Writing questions appear in the same modules (more on that below), with approximately 1 minute 11 seconds per question.
  • The pencil-and-paper of the SAT’s Math sections had different timings: 1 minute 15 seconds per question in the no-calculator section and approximately 1 minute 26 seconds per question on the calculator-permitted section.
  • On the digital SAT, there is more time per question: approximately 1 minute 35 seconds.

Test Format

As mentioned above, the digital SAT is shorter than its predecessor test. The digital SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing; and Math. Each section has two modules (more on that below), with the same formatting of each module within a section.

  • The pencil-and-paper version of the SAT had 10 to 11 questions for each 750-word passage.
  • On the digital SAT each module has one question per 150-word passage.

Questions in Reading and Writing on the digital SAT are organized by question type, though the exact numbers of each type of question vary from module to module.

Because each question has its own passage, the paired “best evidence” questions from the paper-and-pencil SAT no longer exist. However, this skill is still tested in a number of new question types on the digital SAT. At a deep level, the questions do test more-or-less the same concepts on both tests; however, the different question formats require specific preparation for each test.

  • The pencil-and-paper version of the SAT housed Student-Produced Response questions in one section
  • On the digital SAT Student-Produced Response questions are sprinkled throughout

The questions in the digital SAT Math modules are in a rough order of difficulty.

Calculators are permitted throughout both Math modules. Furthermore, the Bluebook application has a built-in graphing calculator based on the Desmos software; learning to leverage this tool is key to improving your digital SAT score.

Math content on the digital SAT is similar to that of the paper-and-pencil test. There is somewhat more geometry and trigonometry on the digital SAT (including questions testing knowledge of proofs), but both versions of the SAT heavily emphasize algebra and problem-solving skills.

Adaptive Testing

  • On the pencil-and-paper SAT, all students with a given test form had the same questions.
  • On the digital SAT, students will receive different questions based on their performance. This variation is because the digital SAT is an adaptive test.

The first module of each digital SAT section is a mix of easy, medium, and difficult questions. The second module that you’ll receive will depend on your performance on the first module. If you do well, the second module will have fewer easy questions and more difficult questions, whereas if you do not do as well, the second module will have more easy questions and fewer difficult questions. The final section score is based both on how many questions you get correct and which second module you receive.

Free Digital SAT Practice Tests & Events

Evaluate and improve your SAT score

Is the Digital SAT Harder?

The difficulty level of the SAT, whether in its digital or paper-pencil format, remains the same. The College Board ensures that the digital SAT is designed to assess the same skills and knowledge as the traditional pencil-and-paper SAT. Furthermore, the scoring percentiles will remain consistent between the tests, so a given score on the paper-and-pencil SAT will be directly comparable to the same score on the digital SAT. Finally, the College Board has run and will continue to run validity tests on the digital SAT to ensure that the two versions of the SAT remain comparable.

Which SAT Should You Take?

Whether one format is perceived as more challenging than the other can vary from person to person. In other words, like looking for your dream school , determining the best version of the SAT to take is about fit. Some test-takers may find the digital format more familiar and comfortable, especially if they are accustomed to using digital devices. Others may prefer the traditional paper-pencil format. For many students, the shorter digital SAT will be helpful. For others, having more time per passage and the ability to mark up the test booklet as needed is more important. Ultimately, the level of difficulty is not inherently tied to the format but rather to an individual's familiarity with the testing medium and their preparedness for the content and skills being assessed.

Ultimately, the key to success on the digital SAT is the same as any standardized test: proper preparation and adaptation to the format. Students should familiarize themselves with the digital interface and practice using the built-in calculator. The Princeton Review offers a free digital SAT practice test that emulates all features of the digital SAT, giving you the opportunity to try this new format for yourself.

With proper preparation and adaptation, students can succeed on the digital SAT and achieve their desired scores.

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How to Perform Well on SAT, ACT Test Day

Get good rest, prioritize questions that have answers you know and take advantage of breaks, experts say.

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If the time pressure starts to feel overwhelming, some breathing exercises may help. Counting down from 10 paired with a focus on inhaling and exhaling can help calm nerves.

Stress isn't necessarily a new feeling for high school students, but taking a standardized test like the ACT or SAT can bring its own set of challenges.

These college entrance exams are somewhat unfamiliar settings for many students and come at a time in their lives when they haven't developed many strategies to cope with the pressure, says Ginger Fay, a consultant for Green Apple College and Guidance, a college admissions consulting firm.

No matter how much test prep a student has done, test day can be a struggle.

"It’s helpful for students to recognize that this is a high-stakes moment," Fay says. "It will come with stress , just like the beginning of a race. There’s a lot of stress in that moment. Hopefully it helps you burst into energy and helps you do your very best. But it can sometimes get in your way."

Experts say the SAT's move to a digital format should help students feel more at ease, since many are already comfortable with technology, but preparing for the test and maintaining perspective can also go a long way. Here are eight tips that can help students perform well on test day.

Take Practice Tests

Success on test day is all about preparation and knowing what to expect. One of the best tools for that is a practice test, experts say.

It can be especially beneficial for students taking the new digital SAT for the first time, says Michelle Hunt, a college admissions exam prep teacher at Kaplan, which provides prep for standardized tests and other educational services.

Test takers can log in to the College Board's Bluebook app to take a practice SAT test that will mirror what they'll see on test day. This will help minimize any "surprises" and familiarize test takers with certain test functions, such as the built-in graphing calculator, she says.

The new digital, adaptive SAT is two hours and 14 minutes, while the ACT lasts two hours and 55 minutes. Doing a few practice questions is better than nothing, but experts advise taking a full-length practice test for each to best prepare, especially for the ACT, Hunt says.

"We know the (ACT) overall is longer, but even the individual sections are very lengthy," she says. "Having that mental endurance is a different type of prep than they’ll have for the SAT."

Get Plenty of Mental and Physical Rest

While it might be tempting to cram or study the night before, experts say that time is better used relaxing and getting to sleep early enough to feel refreshed the next morning.

"You should have already done just about all of the heavy lifting over the past three-to-four months by focusing on any academic weakness prior to the test," Pierre Huguet, CEO and co-founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, wrote in an email. "Students should focus on lowering their stress level as much as possible at this stage. That isn't accomplished by actively focusing on 'not stressing' but rather by proactively engaging in activities that will take your mind off the test."

Huguet says any prep the day before rarely has a significant impact on students' scores. Instead, he recommends students go for a walk, read a book or play video games, as long as none of those activities keeps them up late.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Going to sleep at a good time makes it easier to wake up early enough to eat a good breakfast, which preferably would include protein, Fay says.

"Eat it before you go to the test site, so that you’ve had a little bit of time to digest it," she says. "So all the blood and energy is not targeted on your stomach, because you want it back in your brain."

Pack Essentials the Night Before

Getting items ready the night before and having them by the door can ease the process on the morning of test day and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, Fay says.

Items that experts recommend bringing are water, snacks with protein or a little bit of sugar, several No. 2 pencils, a small pencil sharpener, a sweater in case it gets cold and a calculator that's fully charged or has extra batteries if it requires them.

Experts also stress that students remember to take their test ticket and photo identification. Students with accommodations should print out the letter from the College Board or ACT that describes the accommodations and make sure it's packed as well, Fay says.

“Preparation will help build your confidence,” she says. “When you hit a stressful situation, what you really want to think is, ‘I’ve got this,’ rather than, ‘I’m not ready for this.’ Every chance you have to go in feeling more confident and more prepared is better and will help you do whatever you’re capable of on test day.”

Focus on One Question at a Time

The timed aspect alone of each test can cause stress for many students, experts say, and it can be tempting to rush through questions, not read them thoroughly or misunderstand them. Some questions may even be designed to trip test takers up.

The adaptive nature of the new SAT may add another layer of stress, since how students do on an early set of questions determines the difficulty of subsequent questions.

"A few early mistakes can really hurt your overall score, especially because the test sends you to the easier second module, with a cap on your score ceiling, if you miss too many," says Carl Foreman, a master tutor for education consulting company IvyWise. "That means that if you're choosing between being thorough and being fast, choose thorough more often than not."

It's important to be aware of that, but test takers shouldn't concern themselves with which tier of questions they fall into, Hunt says. She says the digital version, where students click a button rather than fill in bubbles, may help some students get through the test quicker.

"Students like to try to predict and second-guess themselves," she says. "Focus on what’s on the screen in front of you. Live in that question and then you move on."

If the pressure starts to feel overwhelming, some breathing exercises may help, Fay says. Counting down from 10 or another similar counting method paired with a focus on inhaling and exhaling can help calm nerves.

Complete Questions You Know First

There's no rule that requires test takers to complete questions in order, so if time is a concern, experts suggest skipping the hard questions and completing the easier ones first.

"There’s no value in spending five minutes on one question when you could answer five questions in the same minute,” Fay says. “If you get stuck, you are better off moving on than overdoing answers. If it’s taking you longer than a minute to work out a math problem or to figure out where the comma goes in a sentence, then it’s probably in your best interest to move on."

When test takers encounter a difficult question, they should select an answer but make a note to return to it. The digital SAT includes a review module to remind test takers of questions they flagged. This needs to be done manually on the ACT.

There’s no penalty for a wrong answer, so experts suggest that test takers guess if they're unsure. Strategically, it's best to guess the same letter for every question that stumps you, Fay says.

Take Advantage of Breaks

The SAT offers a 10-minute break between the reading and writing section and the math section, while the ACT offers a 15-minute break following the math section and an additional five-minute break before the optional writing section.

Test takers should use these breaks to recharge and regroup. These breaks allow test takers to use the restroom, stretch their legs and eat a snack.

“Getting that hit of a little bit of sugar or a little bit of protein can help you remain focused,” says Amy Hubbard, head of college counseling and readiness at educational technology company Knovva Academy.

Remember That Test Results Don't Define You

The ACT and SAT are only part of the college application. Most colleges are test-optional, and some – including the entire University of California system – are test-blind, meaning they won't consider test scores even if a student submits them.

It helps to remember that it's just a test, Foreman says, and if students perform poorly they can always take it again . Many schools allow test takers to "superscore," meaning a student's highest scores from each section on all test attempts are combined to create a new composite score.

"Just assume you’re going to do better next time anyway,” Foreman says. “This is just to see how it is. Just do your best."

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  • June 19, 2023

The Hardest & Easiest AP Classes to Take in High School [38 Ranked AP Courses]

When choosing which Advanced Placement (AP) classes to take in high school, a common question is which are the hardest AP classes and tests? While a lot of it comes down to individual strengths and weaknesses, some AP classes do tend to be more challenging than others.

This guide breaks down all 38 AP classes out there, looking at their pass rates, 5-rates, class content, and tests in order to help you make a more informed choice about which AP classes you may decide to take. 

Prepping for the SAT? Start here . 

In a hurry? Take a look at these quick-charts for the 10 Easiest AP Classes

  • Computer Science Principles (CPS)
  • Human Geography
  • Environmental Science
  • Gov. and Politics – Comparative
  • Computer Science A
  • Studio Art: Drawing
  • Studio Art: 2-D Design
  • Studio Art: 3D Design

Take a look at this quick-chart for the 10 Hardest AP Classes (hardest at the top)

  • English Literature and Composition
  • English Language and Composition
  • Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
  • Physics C: Mechanics
  • Calculus BC
  • AP Chemistry
  • Chinese Language & Culture
  • Japanese Language & Culture

Are AP Classes Worth It?

You may be wondering whether AP classes are worth it. While they are known to be tough, record numbers of students these days are taking them. If you’re sitting on the fence about taking one, here are some potential benefits to help change your mind:

  • They’re a good preparation for transition to college courses as they’re fast-paced, cover substantial content, and require independent work.
  • They may put you at the top of the pile in college admissions as they show you’re ready for the academic rigor of college-level work.
  • When calculating your GPA, many high schools give extra weight to AP grades.
  • As there are many AP classes to choose from, they give you a chance to study what you love.
  • A good AP score could allow you to earn college credits, saving you some money on college tuition (some students have gone into their first year of college/university with a full year of course work already under their belt).

AP Classes Ranked from Easiest to Hardest

1. computer science principles (cps).

During this class you’ll learn about the foundational concepts and theories of computer science, including data structures, algorithms and privacy, and develop computational thinking skills in the context of creative problem solving. Y ou’ll work both independently and in groups to explore how computing can impact the world. The workload in this class is generally quite light, but there is a good chance that the terminology and vocabulary in this class will be pretty new for you.

The assessment consists of two performance tasks which you complete over the year. The first task asks you to develop a computer program of your choice. For the second task you have to identify a computer innovation, explore its impact, and create a related digital artifact. There’s also an end of course paper-and-pencil exam, which consists of 74 multiple-choice questions. 

Pass Rate: 71.9%

5-Rate: 13.8%

The hardest part about AP Computer Science Principles:

General consensus is that CPS can be an extremely easy class. If you’re used to a rigidly structured AP course, you may be surprised by the flexible curriculum. 

The Best AP Computer Science Principles Review Book:

Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science

2. Psychology

Thought of as one of the easiest AP classes, as well as one of the most popular, AP Psychology will teach you about the theories, ideas and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll learn to connect psychological concepts and theories to real-life situations, understand and interpret data, and analyze research studies. The course covers a range of topics including clinical, developmental and social psychology. You’ll be assigned lots of projects, quizzes, tests, and notes, but most students find it not to be very difficult and the workload generally manageable. 

The exam is 2 hours long and is split into 2 parts. First, there are 100 multiple-choice questions based on the psychological concepts from the course. Next up are 2 free-response questions where you’ll explain behavior and apply theories using the various psychological concepts, and analyze research studies and data.  

Pass Rate: 64.5%

5-Rate: 20.5%

The hardest part about AP Psychology:

Many students underestimate the test and don’t prepare adequately because AP Psychology classes have a reputation for being easier than other AP classes.

The Best AP Psychology Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Psychology Premium Prep, 2023: 5 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

3. Human Geography

Known to err on the easier side of AP classes, Human Geography explores how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of the Earth. Units include political patterns and processes, cultural patterns and processes, and population and migration patterns and processes. You’ll also learn how to think geographically, using tools and methods to analyze geographic data. Students who are interested in history actually tend to find this class extremely interesting, especially if you have an engaging teacher to explore the world with. 

The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (on the shorter end when it comes to AP tests!), and tests your understanding on the geographic concepts taught throughout the course and your ability to analyze and interpret maps, geospatial data, infographics, and more. There are two components – 60 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions, which will each present you with an authentic geographic situation. 

Pass Rate: 49.1%

5-Rate: 10.8%

The hardest part about AP Human Geography:

The importance of the geographical terms – much of the course is about your knowledge of terminology so knowing your way around the geographical terms will make it easier to understand the exam questions.

The Best AP Human Geography Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Human Geography Prep, 2023: 3 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

Related: 12 Ideas of What To Do After High School (Besides College)

4. Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science, aka APA Environ, aka APES, has a reputation for being one of the easiest AP classes. This popular interdisciplinary class explores ecological processes, our relationship with the world, and how to resolve or prevent natural and human-made environmental problems. Units include atmospheric pollution, global change and energy resources and consumption. The course also consists of lab investigations and field work. 

The exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, and tests your understanding of the environmental concepts you covered on the course and your ability to design research studies and solve environmental problems. Split into two components, the exam has 80 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions.

Pass Rate: 49.2%

5-Rate: 9.4%

The hardest part about AP Environmental Science:

Students who expect this class to be super easy or go in unprepared will usually do poorly on the test. APES has the third lowest pass-rate among all AP classes. Students who decide to take this AP class still need to study and take it seriously or you may be among the half of students who do not pass.  

The Best AP Environmental Science Review Book:

AP World History: Modern Premium, 2022-2023: 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)

Related: 8 Free Official SAT Practice Tests

5. Gov. and Politics – Comparative

In this class, you’ll learn about the political institutions and processes of six countries – China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and the UK. You’ll compare their political systems, institutions, processes, policies and behaviors, as well as analyzing data and readings to draw conclusions and find patterns and trends. 

The exam is 2 and a half hours long and has two parts – 55 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (1 conceptual analysis questions, 1 quantitative question, 1 comparative analysis question and 1 argument essay). Both sections will test your understanding of the political concepts and processes surrounding the six core countries as well as your skills at reading and analyzing data and texts. 

Pass Rate: 66%

5-Rate: 22.4%

The hardest part about Gov and Politics – Comparative:

There’s a significant amount of reading with this class and the content is wide-ranging. If you don’t enjoy reading or find the functions of government to be boring, then this will actually be an extremely difficult class for you. You also need to be relatively open minded as you’ll encounter public policy and belief systems that may be in opposition to your own.  

The Best AP Government and Politics – Comparative Review Book

AP Comparative Government and Politics 2021 - 2022 Study Guide: AP Comp Gov and Politics Prep with Practice Test Questions [4th Edition]

6. Computer Science A

While the AP Computer Science Principles doesn’t rely on a particular programming language, AP Computer Science A focuses solely on Java . It’s a hands-on course, where you’ll design, write and test computer programs that solve problems.

You’ll learn skills like how to assess, create and implement solutions, work with algorithms, and debug Java solutions. 

The exam is 3 hours long and is broken down into 2 sections. There are 40 multiple-choice questions which will test your understanding of the course content. Then there are 4 free-response questions, where you’ll be asked to write programming code to satisfy a variety of method specifications using your knowledge of Java. 

Pass Rate: 69.6%

5-Rate: 26.7%

The hardest part about AP Computer Science:

The assessment format of this course can be tricky for some students. It’s recommended that you need to be comfortable with Java, as well as being a skilled test-taker who works quickly. 

The Best AP Computer Science A Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Computer Science A Prep, 2022: 4 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation)

7. Statistics

This class will teach you about the major tools and concepts used for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data, like the importance of randomization and how to use models to make predictions. You’ll design surveys and experiments, as well as explore statistics through discussion and class activities. 

The exam is 3 hours long and is broken down into 2 sections. This test is known to be among the easier AP tests, especially if you have any background in the subject. First is 40 multiple-choice questions, which tests your understanding of the course units. The second is 5 free-response questions and one investigative task, which test your skills in communicating explanations and justifications using evidence from data, definitions or statistical inference. 

Pass Rate: 59.7%

5-Rate: 14.7%

The hardest part about AP Statistics:

Getting a good score here is more than just memorizing facts and figures. It’s based on your ability to perform statistical reasoning. There are plenty of equations, so this can be hard for those who are not math-inclined.

The Best AP Statistics Review Book:

AP Statistics Premium, 2023-2024: 9 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)

8. Studio Art: Drawing

During this class, you’ll explore a very broad interpretation of drawing issues such as line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and the illusion of depth and mark-making. There is no preferred style – these can be addressed through a variety of means, like painting, printmaking or mixed media. The range of marks used to make drawings, along with the materials, are endless! 

Your score is determined by your portfolio, which is made up of 3 sections (Quality, Concentration and Depth). These will demonstrate a number of skills, including 5 works that demonstrate your mastery of drawing in concept, composition and execution, 12 images which show an in-depth exploration of a drawing concern and a variety of 12 works which demonstrate your understanding of the principles of drawing issues.

Pass Rate: 91.1%

5-Rate: 20.8%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – Drawing:

You have to be self-motivated, as the art-making process in this class takes time and finesse. This isn’t the type of class where you can just cram last minute.

9. Studio Art: 2-D Design

For this AP Studio Art class the focus is on your mastery of 2D design. This can be demonstrated through any two-dimensional medium or process, such as graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fashion or fabric design, weaving, fashion illustration, painting and printmaking.

You’re graded on your portfolio, which is made up of the three studio art sections – Quality, Concentration and Breadth. These should include 5 works that demonstrate mastery of design in concept, composition and execution, 12 digital images which show an in-depth exploration of a particular 2D design, and 12 works which demonstrate your understanding of the principles of 2D design.

Pass Rate: 86.4%

5-Rate: 21%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – 2D Design:

Coming up with numerous different and original ideas can be the hard part of this AP course, and students are expected to keep up with their work and put in time outside the classroom – these are high requirements in a limited time frame.

10. Studio Art: 3D Design

Designed for those who are interested in the practical experience of art, this class wants students to demonstrate mastery of 3D design through any three-dimensional approach. There’s no preferred or unacceptable style – it could be figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass works, installation, assemblage, 3D fabric/fiber arts, or any other style. 

There’s no written exam; instead, students submit a portfolio at the end of the year. The portfolio consists of three sections, which include works that demonstrate mastery of 3-D design in concept, composition and execution, works describing an in-depth exploration of a particular 3-D design concern and a variety of works demonstrating understanding of the principles of 3-D design.

Pass Rate: 70%

5-Rate: 10%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – 3D Design:

The time limits and getting everything done is the hardest part of the course. You have to be motivated to come up with a high volume of original designs. 

11. Macroeconomics

This class allows you to explore economic principles and models that apply to the economic system as a whole, including the financial sector and stabilization policies. You’ll determine and explain outcomes of specific economic situations, and use graphs or visual representations to analyze and describe economic concepts.

The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Macroeconomics (as well as Microeconomics) is known to be an easier test and students cite it as being among the easiest AP tests. 

The first section is 60 multiple-choice questions based around economic outcomes and defining economic principles and models. The second section is 3 free-response questions – 1 long and 2 short questions. These will also cover the economic concepts covered on the course, and your ability to perform numerical analysis and calculations, and create visual representations.

Pass Rate: 58.9%

5-Rate: 19.1%

The hardest part about AP Macroeconomics:

Macroeconomics tends to build upon itself, so you cannot risk falling behind. If you find yourself not understanding a topic or concept, it’s imperative to get help immediately.

Each unit after the first unit requires understanding of previously learned concepts. For example, in Unit 1 Basic Economics Concepts, supply and demand is taught. These concepts will appear throughout the rest of the course. If you had trouble with understanding these concepts, it will be nearly impossible to apply them in later units. 

The Best AP Macroeconomics Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Economics Micro & Macro Prep, 2023: 4 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

12. Microeconomics

Rather than the study of the economic system as a whole, AP Microeconomics teaches you about the principles of economics that apply to the behavior of individuals within an economic system. You’ll learn about economic concepts, including the nature and functions of product markets, factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

If you have the opportunity to take both AP Micro and AP Macro Economics in your school, it is suggested to take Microeconomics first. There are ideas in Macroeconomics that draw from things you’ll have learned in Microeconomics (but generally not the other way around). 

The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes long and broken down into 2 sections. There are 60 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions – 1 long question and 2 short questions. These will test your knowledge and reasoning of the economic concepts, principles, models, outcomes and effects taught on the course. You’ll also be asked to perform numerical analysis and calculations, and create visual representations. 

5-Rate: 24.3%

The hardest part about AP Microeconomics:

There is a fair amount of math in this course – you need a good grasp of basic arithmetic and conceptual algebra. Also, there is limited time to complete the free-response questions so you need to be able to write concisely.

The Best AP Microeconomics Review Book:

13. seminar.

The AP Seminar class content involves developing and practicing the skills that you’ll need in any academic discipline – research, communication and collaboration. It includes investigating a variety of subjects, reading and understanding advanced source material, synthesizing information and formulating research questions. You’ll also write research-based essays, and take part in oral presentations and team projects.

If a student takes AP Seminar followed by AP Research and receives at least a 3 on each test, then he or she will be awarded with the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Similarly, if a student takes and passes AP Seminar and AP Research with a score of 3 or more, as well as takes two more AP classes with a score of 3 or higher, then he or she will receive an AP Capstone Diploma . 

There is a 2-hour end of course exam, which makes up for 45% of your overall score. The other 55% is made up of two performance tasks that you complete over the course of the year. One is a team project and presentation based around an academic or real-world problem, question or issue. The other is an individual research-based essay and presentation on a provided stimulus. 

Pass Rate: 81.1%

5-Rate: 7.1%

The hardest part about AP Seminar:

Participation relies on reading and absorbing a lot of course material, which some students find hard to stay on top of. 

14. Research

AP Research is the second class taken in the AP Capstone program , building on the skills learned in AP Seminar. Students are encouraged to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue that interests them and design, plan, and conduct a large-scale, year-long research-based investigation centered around it. 

There is no exam; instead you’ll be assessed on performance tasks within your year-long research project. This includes a 4,000 – 5,000 word academic paper and a presentation with an oral defense. The presentation will be on your research question, methodology, and findings, and the oral defense will address a set of questions about your research inquiry.

Pass Rate: 75.9%

5-Rate: 10.7%

The hardest part about AP Research:

Your entire grade rests on one long-term project so you have to remain diligent about staying on task throughout the year. It’s a tempting course to procrastinate on, as a year to complete one project sounds like a long time.

Related: The 5 Best Calculators for the SAT

15. Music Theory

In this class you’ll learn to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music. You’ll practice musical skills through listening to, reading, writing and performing a variety of music, as well as build your understanding of the features of musical concepts and theory. 

The exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes long and will test the musical concepts you learn on the course. There are 75 multiple-choice questions based on aural stimulus and analysis of printed musical scores, 7 free-response questions (which include melodic and harmonic dictation questions) and 2 free-response sight-singing questions.

Pass Rate: 63.7%

5-Rate: 21.2%

The hardest part about AP Music Theory:

The two sight-singing questions at the end of the exam can be tricky as they demand a very distinct skill set. Having at least basic performance skills in voice is strongly recommended.

The Best AP Music Theory Review Book:

AP Music Theory Premium, 2 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Audio

16. World History

sat practice tests difficulty ranked

Pass Rate: 55.3%

5-Rate: 8.6%

The hardest part about AP World History:

While you may be learning about fewer time periods since the course changed to AP World History: Modern, each time period will now be studied more thoroughly. 

The Best AP World History Review Book:

Princeton Review AP World History: Modern Prep, 2022: Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (2022) (College Test Preparation)

17. United States History

AP United States History is often classed as another of the hardest AP classes and tests out there. It covers the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the US from c. 1491 to the present day, such as the events which led to the American Revolution, and the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States . You’ll analyze a variety of sources and evidence, and write essays expressing historical arguments. 

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and is made up of three components – 55 multiple choice questions, 3 short-answer questions and 2 long-answer questions (one document based question and one long essay questions). You’ll be tested on your understanding of the course’s historical concepts, and your ability to analyze sources, and identify patterns and connections to support a historical interpretation. 

Pass Rate: 53.7%

5-Rate: 11.8%

The hardest part about AP United States History:

The class has an incredibly detailed curriculum due to its covering such a narrow span of history and geographical area. This makes it one of the hardest AP tests as you have to know specific dates, movements, people and laws. It’s also known as being a fast-moving and assignment-heavy course, which some students find tough. 

The Best AP United States History Review Book:

Princeton Review AP U.S. History Premium Prep, 2023: 6 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

18. Physics 1

The most popular physics AP class out there, Physics 1 is about the foundational principles of physics. The course content is broken down into units which cover Newtonian mechanics; work, energy and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. 

The Physics 1 exam will test your knowledge of these scientific concepts and your ability to use algebra when solving problems related to them. The exam itself is 3 hours long, and is broken down into 2 sections – 50 multiple choice questions and 5 free response questions. 

Pass Rate: 45.4%

5-rate: 6.7%, the hardest part about ap physics 1:.

Students tend to find applying algebra when solving problems tricky, so you should have completed a geometry course, Algebra II or an equivalent course in order to be prepared.

The Best AP Physics 1 Review Book:

19. spanish literature.

This class explores the work of literature written in Spanish, as well as cultural and historical concepts. Its goal is to better your Spanish communication skills in reading, analyzing, interpreting and discussing a mixture of literary works (novels, plays, poems, etc.) which incorporate narratives from Span, Latin America, and the US over a range of different time periods. 

The exam is 3 hours long, and tests your understanding of the literary and cultural concepts learned during the course, your Spanish communication skills, and how you apply what you learned from required texts to interpret and analyze non-required texts. The exam has three components – 15 multiple choice interpretive listening questions, 50 multiple choice reading analysis questions and 4 free response questions. 

Pass Rate: 72.3%

5-Rate: 9.5%

The hardest part about AP Spanish Literature:

English will be excluded as much as possible from class – you’ll be reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. Although you don’t have to be fluent, you’ll need to know the basics and have a solid grasp of grammar and vocabulary.

20. European History

This class explores the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c. 1450 to the present day, like 20th century global conflicts, and the Cold War and contemporary Europe. You’ll analyze historical evidence, including texts and visual sources, and write essays which express historical arguments. 

The exam tests your understanding of the course content, your analysis of primary and secondary sources, and how you identify patterns and connections that can support a historical interpretation. It’s 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with 3 components – 55 multiple-choice questions, 3 short-answer questions and 2 free-response questions, one of which is a document-based question.

Pass Rate: 58.1%

5-Rate: 11.7%

The hardest part about AP European History:

AP European History covers a huge time period, so the amount of content for the course is pretty massive. The document-based question in the exam is also notorious for being tricky.

The Best AP European History Review Book:

Princeton Review AP European History Premium Prep

Includes 6 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques

21. Italian Language and Culture

This AP class will develop your Italian language skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Italian. You’ll study real-life Italian materials, like newspapers articles, films, music, and books and learn about the Italian culture, including global issues within Italian-speaking communities.  

The exam is 3 hours and 3 minutes long. You’ll be tested on your understanding of Italian culture as well as your ability to apply Italian communication and language skills. The test is made up of 4 components – multiple-choice questions based around texts, multiple-choice questions based on audio sources, 2 free-response written questions and 2 free-response spoken questions. 

Pass Rate: 66.1%

5-Rate: 13.6%

The hardest part about AP Italian Language and Culture:

While there are no formal prerequisites for this AP course, it isn’t a beginner’s class. You will need a good foundation of knowledge of the Italian language in order to be successful (approximately 4 years of previous study).

22. Art History

The AP Art History class gives you the chance to study, evaluate, and foster an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the history of art from different eras and cultures, dating from prehistory to the present. Skills such as seeing connections and developing theories about meanings will be developed through observation, discussion, reading and research.

The exam is 3 hours long and will test your knowledge of the art historical concepts taught during the course and your ability to analyze and compare works of art and place them in historical context. There are 80 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions. 

Pass Rate: 63.1%

5-Rate: 11.9%

The hardest part about AP Art History:

A common misconception is that AP Art History is an easy class, but it actually requires a fair amount of work. For instance, you’ll have to be familiar with and identify 250 different art pieces. It’s also more history-based than people realize, making this more than just enjoying and appreciating art. 

The Best AP Art History Review Book:

AP Art History Premium, Sixth Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice

Related: 1-6 Month SAT Study Schedule

23. Gov. and Politics – US

This class will take you through the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the US, including civil liberties and civil rights; foundations of American democracy; and political participation. You’ll develop your skills at reading, analyzing, and discussing US documents and complete a research/applied civics project.

The exam is 3 hours long and consists of 2 sections – 55 multiple-choice questions, 4 free-response questions (3 questions and an argument essay). It will test your knowledge on the content covered on the course, such as describing, explaining, and comparing political concepts and processes and applying Supreme Court decisions to real-life scenarios.

Pass Rate: 55.1%

5-Rate: 12.9%

The hardest part about AP Gov. and Politics – US:

While US Gov. and Politics is considered to be one of the easiest AP classes, it’s not one to be underestimated. The exam is meant to be tough, particularly in the way the questions are structured and asked, so you need to be properly prepared. 

The Best AP Gov. and Politics – US Review Book:

Princeton Review AP U.S. Government & Politics Prep, 2023: 3 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

This class involves reading and analyzing the linguistic and literary features of Latin literature, while exploring ancient Roman history and culture. You’ll learn skills like how to translate Latin texts into English, including the writings of Vergil and Caesar, and develop arguments that analyze Latin poetry and prose. 

The exam is 3 hours long and will test your understanding of the course content and your ability to translate Latin texts into English.

It’s split into 2 sections. Firstly, 50 multiple-choice questions, based around Vergil, Caesar, poetry, and prose. Then 5 free-response questions – 2 translations questions (one each on Vergil and Caesar), 1 analytical essay question, and 2 short answer questions based on passages from the required readings. 

Pass Rate: 62.9%

5-Rate: 13%

The hardest part about AP Latin:

Latin is hard – it’s a tricky language to learn and develop, and even after 3 years of studying, you’ll still have to be prepared to work hard. If you have no prior Latin learning, don’t take this course! 

25. French Language and Culture

This class develops your French language and communication skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. You’ll learn about cultures in French-speaking parts of the world, including how social status and cultural perspectives can have an impact on their quality of life. You’ll also engage with real-life materials like French newspaper articles, films, and books. 

The exam is 3 hours and 3 minutes long and tests your communication and language skills as well as your cultural understanding. There are 4 components – 30 multiple-choice questions based on authentic print sources, 35 multiple-choice questions based on audio sources, 2 free-response written questions and 2 free-response spoken questions. 

Pass Rate: 77.1%

5-Rate: 16.1%

The hardest part about AP French Language and Culture:

It’s taught primarily in French, so you need to be comfortable in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French. Like the other language AP course, if you aren’t in your fourth year of study, it’s not advisable to take it. 

The Best AP French Language and Culture Review Book

AP French Language and Culture with Online Test & Downloadable Audio (Barron's Test Prep)

26. German Language and Culture

This class develops your German language skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing. You’ll study real-life German materials like newspaper articles, films, and books and explore the cultures in German-speaking parts of the world, including the environmental, political, and societal challenges faced by these communities. 

The exam is 3 hours and 3 minutes long and tests your German communication and language skills, and your cultural understanding. There are 4 components – 30 multiple-choice questions based on authentic print sources, 35 multiple-choice questions based on audio sources, 2 free-response written questions, and 2 free-response spoken questions. 

The hardest part about AP German Language and Culture:

Again, like the other language AP courses, the difficulty of this course comes down to your prior German studying – it’s recommended that you are in your fourth year of study and are comfortable communicating in German. 

The Best AP German Language and Culture Review Book:

Learn German With Stories: Café in Berlin – 10 Short Stories For Beginners

27. AP Calculus AB

This class will give you a calculus background that’ll set you up well for college math. It covers core and fundamental calculus concepts, methods and applications, such as limits, derivatives and integrals. You’ll learn to understand the theoretical basis, solve problems, and develop your mathematical reasoning skills. 

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, testing your understanding of the calculus concepts learned during the course, your ability to determine the proper formulas and procedures to solve problems, and your use of correct notations. There are 45 multiple-choice questions, followed by 6 free-response questions. 

Pass Rate: 58.4%

The hardest part about AP Calculus AB:

You have to memorize the formulas you’ll need in the exam because there’s no formula sheet given. Learning how to accurately use your graphing calculator is essential as the questions which allow one are nearly impossible to solve without one. 

There’s still plenty of memorization of terms, theories and psychologists to be done. 

The Best AP Calculus AB Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Prep, 2023: Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

28. AP Spanish Language & Culture

During this class, you’ll develop your Spanish language and communication skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing. You’ll study real-life Spanish materials like newspaper articles, films, and books, as well as explore the cultures in Spanish-speaking parts of the world, such as the study of family life and values within these communities. 

The exam is 3 hours and 3 minutes long and will test your Spanish language skills, and your cultural understanding. There are 4 components – 30 multiple-choice questions based on authentic print sources, 35 multiple-choice questions based on audio sources, 2 free-response written questions and 2 free-response spoken questions.

Pass Rate: 88.7%

5-Rate: 25.2%

The hardest part about AP Spanish Language and Culture:

As with all AP language classes, the hardest part of this course is having a good enough grasp of the Spanish language in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). You want to be either a confident speaker or in your fourth year of study. 

The Best AP Spanish Language and Culture Review Book:

Cracking the AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam with Audio CD, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5 (College Test Preparation)

29. Japanese Language & Culture

This class will enable you to develop your Japanese language and communication skills in all 4 areas – listening, reading, writing and speaking. You’ll also explore Japanese culture, like how developments in technology affect and shape daily life in Japanese-speaking communities, and engage with real-life Japanese materials, such as books, films, newspaper articles, and music. 

The exam is 2 hours long and is administered at a computer. It will test your Japanese language and communication skills through interpreting a range of written and audio texts, and presenting your ideas in both written and spoken Japanese. You’ll also be tested on your understanding of Japanese culture. There are multiple choice reading and listening questions, as well as 7 free-response written questions and 5 free-response spoken questions. 

Pass Rate: 79.3%

5-Rate: 45.3%

The hardest part about AP Japanese Language and Culture:

Communication in this class is primarily in Japanese, so unless you’re comfortable with the language, you’ll find this tough. As with all the AP language classes, you’ll need to have taken Japanese for several years or speak it at home to be successful.  

30. Chinese Language & Culture

This class develops your Mandarin Chinese language and communication skills in all 4 areas – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You’ll also explore Chinese culture, like how beauty and art influence and reflect culture in Chinese-speaking communities, and engage with real-life Chinese materials, such as books, films, newspaper articles and music. 

The exam is 2 hours long and is administered at a computer. It will test your Chinese language through responding to a range of written and audio texts, and presenting your ideas in both written and spoken Chinese. You’ll also be tested on your understanding of Chinese culture. There are multiple-choice reading and listening questions, as well as 7 free-response written questions and 5 free-response spoken questions. 

Pass Rate: 89.9%

5-Rate: 60.1%

The hardest part about AP Chinese Language and Culture:

Don’t be fooled by the pretty high pass rate and 5-rate – these students will either speak Chinese at home, have studied it abroad or have studied it for several years. If you don’t have a decent grasp of the Chinese language, this will be a challenging class. 

The Best AP Chinese Language and Culture Review Book:

AP Chinese Language and Culture: With Downloadable Audio (Barron's Test Prep)

31. AP Chemistry

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 7 free-response questions, which includes 3 long essays and 4 short-answer questions. You’ll be tested on a range of scientific concepts you’re taught in the course as well as on aspects such as your ability to design and describe chemical experiments and justify and support scientific claims.

AP Chemistry is famed for being one of the hardest AP classes. It teaches you about the fundamental concepts of chemistry, which includes the structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You’ll learn the skills to solve problems using chemical calculations and mathematical relationships, and take part in lab investigations and experiments.

Pass Rate: 55.6%

5-Rate: 11.5%

The hardest part about AP Chemistry:

AP Chemistry is rated as one of the hardest and most time-consuming of AP exams, as well as one of the most challenging when it comes to self-study.

The Best AP Chemistry Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Chemistry Premium Prep, 2023: 7 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

32. Physics 2

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based class that aims to expand your understanding of physics. Delving into more advanced topics than AP Physics 1, this course covers topics such as thermodynamics with kinetic theory; electric force, field, and potential; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. There’s also lab work and hands-on and inquiry-based activities. 

The exam is 3 hours long and split into two sections – 50 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (2 short-answer questions, 1 experimental design question, 1 quantitative/qualitative translation question) . It will test you on the scientific concepts covered on the course, like your skills at using algebra and mathematics when solving problems. 

Pass Rate: 65.4%

5-Rate: 14.2%

The hardest part about AP Physics 2:

This AP course was designed to be a second-year physics course, so maybe don’t jump straight into it. It should follow on from AP Physics 1 or any comparable introductory physics course, and you should have taken Pre-Calculus or an equivalent course.

The Best AP Physics 2 Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Physics 2 Prep, 2023

Includes: 2 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies &amp; Techniques (College Test Preparation)

33. Calculus BC

This AP Calculus class is also known as one of the hardest AP classes and tests, covering the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. You’ll study topics which include parametric, polar, and vector functions, and differential equations. You’ll take part in experiments and investigations, as well as solving problems. 

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and has two sections – 45 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions. Both these sections will test your understanding of the mathematical concepts taught on the course. They’ll also test your ability to determine the proper procedures and formulas to effectively solve problems, as well as your use of notations. Parts of the exam require the use of a graphing calculator. 

Pass Rate: 81%

5-Rate: 43%

The hardest part about AP Calculus BC:

Intense pacing is said to be the hardest part of AP Calculus BC – it has to move fast because it covers so much material. You need to be able to keep up with the intensity.

The Best AP Calculus BC Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 2023: 4 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

34. Physics C: Mechanics

One of the supposedly hardest AP classes, this class will teach you about a number of scientific concepts including kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; gravitation; and oscillations. There’ll be some hands-on lab work and in-class activities where you’ll investigate phenomena and use calculus to problem solve. 

The exam is one and a half hours long and consists of two sections. There are 35 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions which are focused on your understanding of the scientific concepts covered during the course. They’ll test skills like analyzing and interpreting data, developing and supporting scientific claims with evidence, and your ability to use calculus to solve related problems. 

Pass Rate: 81.8%

5-Rate: 37.7%

The hardest part about AP Physics C – Mechanics:

Not only does this AP course require a great depth of knowledge of physics material, you also need to know calculus alongside it. This is why both the class and test is said to be tougher than Physics 1 and 2. 

The Best AP Physics C – Mechanics Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Physics C Prep, 2023: 2 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

35. Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

This AP Physics C class is also said to be one of the hardest AP classes and tests. It teaches you scientific concepts like electrostatics, conductors, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. Similar to the Physics C: Mechanics course, you’ll do a mix of hands-on lab work and in-class activities to explore phenomena, as well as using calculus to problem solve. 

This exam has the same setup as the other AP Physics C exam – it’s an hour and a half long and is split into 2 sections. Again, there are 35 multiple-choice and 3 free-response questions, which are based around the scientific concepts taught on the course. Skills like determining the relationship between physical quantities, and solving physics problems using calculus are tested.

Pass Rate: 73%

5-Rate: 37.6%

The hardest part about AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism:

Like Physics C: Mechanics, this AP Physics class is tough due to the in-depth physics material you’re tested on and the fact that you need to know calculus well enough to apply it in physics. 

The Best AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism Review Book:

36. english language and composition.

This class covers the elements of composition and arguments. Students are taught to critically read and deconstruct arguments and rhetorical strategies in mostly non-fiction works from a range of time periods. There’s also a heavy writing element, with students learning to express their argument across different forms, including persuasive essays, memoir writing, and reports on current affairs.

The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and tests your understanding of the literary concepts covered in the course and your ability to use your interpretations to analyze texts and develop written arguments. There are two sections to the exam – 45 multiple-choice questions, broken down into “reading” questions and “writing” questions, and 3 free-response questions, which test your skills on synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument. 

Pass Rate: 54.3%

5-Rate: 9.9%

The hardest part about AP English Language and Composition:

The exam requires very fast writing skills – you need to plan, outline, write and edit 3 essays in 2 hours and 15 minutes …which works out as about 45 minutes per essay.

The Best AP English Language and Composition Review Book:

Princeton Review AP English Language & Composition Premium Prep, 2023: 8 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

37. English Literature and Composition

Known as one of the hardest AP classes and tests in the humanities, AP English Literature requires reading pretty difficult texts and writing essays to explain and support your analysis of them. You’ll be taught how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from a range of cultures and periods of time. 

The exam is 3 hours long and broken down into 2 sections – 55 multiple choice questions and 3 free response questions. You’ll be tested on your understanding of the literary concepts taught in the classes and your skills to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your own interpretations.

Pass Rate: 49.7%

5-Rate: 6.2%

The hardest part about AP English Literature and Composition:

The long and hard reading list and taking accountability for what you’ve read in class – one of the free response questions requires you to write an essay about a text you read in class, but without having the text in front of you. 

The Best AP English Literature and Composition Review Book:

AP English Language and Composition Premium, 2023-2024: 8 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)

38. Biology

AP Biology is another AP class renowned for being hard. It has a pretty demanding and challenging curriculum covering core scientific principles, theories and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. Units cover a variety of content, such as cell structure and function, gene expression, and regulation and ecology. The course also involves some hands-on lab work. 

The exam is 3 hours long and will test your understanding of the biological concepts covered during the course, as well as your ability to utilize scientific methods and analyze data. There are 60 multiple choice questions and 6 free response questions.

Pass Rate: 64.7%

5-Rate: 7.2%

The hardest part about AP Biology:

The exam is famed for being challenging, making it pretty tough to get a high score – this is down to the fact that the free-response section has 6 questions, which is on the higher end for AP exams. The test also requires extensive knowledge that span across many of the learned topics.

The Best AP Biology Review Book:

Princeton Review AP Biology Premium Prep

Included: 6 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

About This AP Class List

While you may think that the pass rate would be the best indicator of how hard an AP class is, this information can actually be rather misleading. Sometimes AP classes that have higher pass rates can be the more difficult ones . This is because, quite often, the subjects that have a reputation for being more challenging tend to attract the most well-prepared and motivated students who are more likely to pass the test. 

This can work the other way too. Sometimes a course that has a lower pass rate may not actually be as challenging as the data suggests. Take AP Environmental Science , for example, which has a reputation for being on the easier end of the AP spectrum. Due to its reputation, this course is one of the more popular classes and so it attracts a large number of students who may simply be taking it as an easy class. This then increases the proportion of students who may be under-prepared for or under-estimate the test. 

Since it’s important to not just go on the national passing rate when choosing an AP class, we need some more information to help us make an informed choice. This is where 5-rate scores come in. As you may know, 5 is the highest possible AP score. The 5-rate score indicates the percentage of students who passed the exam with a score of 5 . In theory, this means that the exams with the lowest 5 rate scores should be the hardest. 

While the 5-rate can paint an accurate picture of how tricky an AP class is, as with the pass rate, this isn’t always the case, so you do sometimes need to take the information with a grain of salt. Decidedly hard exams, like some of the language exams, have very high 5-rates – over 60% for Chinese. In the case of the Chinese class, this figure includes students who speak Chinese at home or have spent time studying it abroad, and for them, the exam is pretty easy as they have the experience. If you don’t have this experience, or several years of Chinese study under your belt, this would be a very challenging class for you. 

Although it’s a good idea to take both the pass rate and 5-rate into consideration when figuring out how hard an AP class is, it’s worth remembering that these don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes the best way to find out how hard an AP class will be is to find out more information about the classes themselves, like how much material they cover, how difficult the topics are, and what each class and test actually entails. 

Related: The 7 Best SAT Prep Courses For Your Learning Style

So, What AP Classes Should I Take?

Before choosing an AP class, the following are some points to think about:

  • Do your research and get as much information as possible on the classes you’re interested in. This will include finding out the pass rates and 5-rates, but also find out about the syllabus and what the test is like. You also want to choose classes that are meaningful and interesting to you, so the more you know about them, the better.
  • Speak to a teacher of the class if you can, as they will give you a good indication of what the workload is like and their expectations of students both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Find out what the word of mouth is about the classes by talking to students who have already taken them. Look for general trends rather than one person’s opinion to get a more rounded response. For instance, if a common trend is that a class is hard, but students learned a lot and passed the exam, the class may still be worth taking. 
  • Think about your strengths and weaknesses – where do you do well? Where do you tend to struggle? If you usually do well in a subject, odds are you’ll do well in a corresponding AP class, even if it’s got a reputation for being tough.
  • Think about your overall schedule – this includes other classes, extracurricular commitments, and work and family responsibilities. You don’t want a tough AP class to add to an already jam packed schedule. Also, don’t feel pressured to overload on AP classes in general. Quantity isn’t necessarily better than quality – getting two scores of 4 is better than four scores of 2!

Final Words

While there are some AP classes out there with a reputation of being hard, don’t necessarily let this put you off. If you are already strong in that subject area or willing to put the hard work and effort in, then go for it.  You should never underestimate an AP class or exam – always be prepared to work hard and put in the study time. Good luck!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, these are the hardest ap classes and tests for you.

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You might be tempted to look at this table and say the tests with the lowest passing rates are hardest, and the ones with the highest passing rates are easiest. After all, if not many students can pass an AP test, doesn't that mean it's one of the hardest tests?

But when you look at the data, the exams with some of the highest passing rates (Spanish, Chinese, Physics C: Mechanics) are often considered among the hardest. We're not including AP Seminar and the AP Studio Art scores in this assessment, since those grades are all portfolio-based, rather than exam-based.

Meanwhile, some of the tests with the lowest passing rates (Human Geography, US Government and Politics, Environmental Science) are often seen as the easiest . So what's going on here?

The truth is, the national passing rates often say more about the students taking the exams rather than the exams themselves.

Some of the exams with low passing rates have those low rates because they are often taken in freshman/sophomore year, while some of the exams with high rates have more stringent prerequisites at many high schools. This means that the harder exams tend to have older, better-prepared students taking them, which raises their pass rates.

In short, we have to look beyond national passing rates when figuring out which tests are the hardest.

A Possibly More Reliable Indicator: 5 Rate

Since pass rates don't actually tell us much, what about the 5 rate? Remember, a 5 is the highest possible AP score (read more about AP scores here ). Shouldn't we be able to find the hardest AP tests by looking at the exams with the lowest 5 rates?

Below is a table with all the AP exams, this time ranked by the percentage of test-takers who got a 5 in 2022.

The 5 rate is, in fact, a decent way to spot some difficult exams , including US History and Chemistry. They both have very low 5 rates (13% for Chemistry, 11% for US History).

But on the flip side, a relatively easy exam, AP Environmental Science, has a low 5 rate of 9%. Furthermore, some decidedly hard exams, like Chinese, Calculus BC, and Physics C, have very high 5 rates—up to 49%+ for Chinese!

In other words, just looking at 5 rates doesn't tell the whole story, though some other articles have assumed that .

This is why the best way to find the hardest AP exams is to focus on the ones with the most material to cover —as well as the most conceptually difficult topics, which we will do below.

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Disclaimer: Take Into Account Your School's Variation

Before we talk about which classes are the hardest, we want to clarify we mean the ones with the most difficult course material and hardest end-of-year exam. There is enormous variation in how the same AP class can be taught at different high schools, so we can't speak to the specific class difficulties at your high school.

It may be that there is an AP class at your school that is known as the most difficult since the teacher is really tough, even though nationally it might be considered one of the easiest. Or maybe there is an AP class at your school most students see as a joke, even though the material is still very difficult.

Since we can't report on the specifics at different high schools, we are focusing on which classes have the most/hardest material to cover and have a reputation for difficulty at multiple schools. We'll discuss below ways to explore how hard AP classes are at your school specifically so you can build an optimal schedule.

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Any AP class Professor McGonagall teaches would likely be super hard.

Okay, Seriously, Which AP Classes Are the Hardest?

United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests. These classes have large curriculums, tough tests, and conceptually difficult material.

We put together this list based on personal experience, online chatter, passing rates, 5 rates, and looking at their curricula in depth.

We are not ranking these since their difficulty will vary quite a bit based on the student. For example, if you're a math whiz, Calculus BC will likely be easier than AP English Literature. But the opposite could be true for another student.

But if you're considering any of these, be prepared for a tough course!

AP US History

Even though most students are exposed to American History multiple times, beginning in elementary school, AP US History is still a very tough class.

First of all, this is a harder history exam than AP World History or even AP European History, since it covers a narrower span of history and a smaller geographical area , meaning the curriculum is incredibly detailed. This means you can't rely on general trends and observations like you can sometimes in World History— you have to know specific dates, movements, people, and laws.

To take a small example, in a world history class, you might need to know that slavery ended in the United States during the Civil War. For a US history class, you would need to know the dates of the Civil War, the exact year of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the dates and content of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. You would also be expected to know about the major leaders and law-makers involved. The more detail you can remember, the better!

This is because APUSH is known for having a very difficult multiple-choice section that requires a very detailed knowledge of US History from the pre-Columbian era up to the present day. Also, the more concrete evidence you can include in your free responses, the better essay scores you will get.

If you have a knack for history, this class will be easier for you, but most students report it's very challenging. It's also likely to be a hard class to pass at many schools because teachers have to assign tons of reading and assignments to get through all the material before the AP test in May. Expect a fast-moving, assignment-heavy course.

You can read College Board's full description here .

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If you think this is a figure from American History, you might want to consider fitting AP US History into your schedule.

This is a tough class and test any way you slice it. Even with the redesign back in 2012, which was meant to make AP Biology more accessible and less memorization-heavy, you still have to memorize tons of material for the test, everything from super detailed chemical processes (Krebs Cycle, anyone?) to cell biology to evolution.

This means AP Biology teachers have to pack a ton onto their syllabi for this class, including time for experiments. The huge volume of info, coupled with the fact that Biology can be conceptually difficult, makes this a tough AP course.

If you have taken a strong prerequisite Intro to Biology course, this test will be more manageable. Check out a full course description here to learn more.

AP English Literature

Along with AP US History, this is one of the hardest AP courses in the humanities. While AP English Language is also challenging, Literature requires reading texts that are generally more difficult. Compare, say, AP English Literature staple Crime and Punishment to a nonfiction article about the criminal justice system you might read in AP English Language. As a novel clocking in at over 400 pages, Crime and Punishment is much more difficult!

AP English Literature also tests more specific rhetorical/literary terms and requires you to have a more fine-tuned ability to close read a passage. You're not just looking for the overall argument or effect like you are in AP English Language. You have to go under the hood and explain in detail how a piece of literature works.

Finally, for AP Literature, you have to come prepared to write one of the essays about a book or play you read in class, but you can't actually bring the book or play with you to the exam. This means you have to study what you read in AP Literature very closely. So closely that you could formulate a detailed argument about a book, and even use quotes from it, without having the book with you! SparkNotes summaries won't cut it.

In short, expect a longer and harder reading list, tougher multiple-choice questions, and more accountability for what you read in class. You can read the full College Board description of the test here .

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AP Chemistry

Similar to biology, chemistry has a ton of material, lots of memorization, and requires a solid conceptual understanding of complicated chemical processes .

AP Chemistry is known at many high schools for having tons of homework and tough tests —all necessary for students to learn enough to pass the AP exam at the end of the year.

Don't attempt AP Chemistry unless you have already taken an introductory chemistry course. It would be impossible to learn everything you need to know about chemistry for the AP exam in just one year. You can read AP Chemistry's full course description here .

AP Physics C

Physics C is especially tough because not only are you learning challenging physics material, you also need to know calculus alongside it. While AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based, both Physics C courses (Electricity & Magnetism and Mechanics) are calculus-based, meaning students need to know calculus well enough to apply it in physics . Some consider it "two classes in one" due to the necessary calculus knowledge.

Furthermore, the material tested in Physics C is much more in-depth than Physics 1 or 2 (or the old Physics B). Physics C courses go into a great amount of depth about a few topics, while Physics 1 and 2 cover many topics with less depth. So just as US History is harder than World History, Physics C is tougher than Physics 1 and 2 because you need a greater depth of knowledge.

Because of this, you should definitely have a physics prerequisite under your belt before taking Physics C, and you should have either already taken calculus or be taking it at the same time.

You can read about Physics C at the course home pages for Electricity and Magnetism and Mechanics .

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AP Calculus BC

Finally, AP Calculus BC is the toughest AP math exam, if not one of the hardest AP exams period. AP Calculus AB is also challenging, but covers less material and moves more slowly. AP Calculus BC often covers everything taught in Calculus AB in just the first semester of school —revealing one reason why it's so hard: intense pacing.

You move fast in Calculus BC, which means you need to be prepared to keep up. There is not a lot of time to be lost in this class. If you struggle with a concept at the beginning of the year, it can make it harder to learn everything after that. In fact, if you find yourself struggling, seek out extra help from the teacher or a tutor as fast as you can so you don't fall behind.

In some schools, Calculus BC requires an extra period in the day to fit in all the material before the AP exam. You also get into more conceptually difficult calculus topics than Calculus AB. In short, be prepared to work very hard and be vigilant about keeping up with the course. You can read College Board's description here .

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Note on Language AP Exams

You may be wondering how hard the AP language tests are—after all, you can take AP tests in languages from Chinese to Spanish to French. The difficulty of these is a bit tougher to quantify, since AP Language exams test multiple years of learning a language, as opposed to one year of material.

For students with tons of foreign language knowledge these can be incredibly easy exams. If you've lived abroad or are fluent in a language, the AP language test will not pose much of a challenge. (Some students who are native speakers of a language will even take an AP language exam!)

But for students who have just been taking a language in school, these exams can be difficult, particularly the listening portions. So if you're thinking about an AP Language class, think about how many years of past experience you have.

For example, if you've taken French for four years, you're probably well-prepared for AP French. But if you've only taken it for two years, you will probably struggle. Most schools have pretty stringent prerequisites for AP language classes for this reason.

Action Steps

If you want to take any of these classes, you need to get info about the class at your school. Although they are all objectively difficult, there can be huge differences in how the classes are taught and graded. Ideally, these classes should be taught by excellent teachers who can teach the material clearly and include plenty of review and AP exam practice.

You should also think about your own strengths and weaknesses, and how well a tough AP class will fit into your schedule.

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Even though all of these AP classes have tough material, the difficulty of the class might vary from school to school. The class itself could be incredibly difficult (lots of assignments, reading, and hard tests)—and you should be prepared for that. However, the class could also be easy (not very many assignments, easy tests), meaning you will have to put in a lot of work on your own to be ready for the AP test.

Knowing what the class's workload is like, and how that prepares you for the exam, is crucial to being prepared once May arrives. If the class is easy and you don't actually learn the material, you could fail the test despite getting good grades in the class.

The bottom line here is that you'll have to work very hard to succeed in any of these classes. But that work could come at the behest of a teacher or from your own willpower. If you don't think you're learning the material well enough in class to pass the test, consider getting a prep book and studying on your own in the second half of the year.

Get Info About a Class

To get info about an AP class, first talk to your guidance counselor. Ask for the class's syllabus, the class's passing rate on the AP exam for the last few years, and what other students tend to say about the class. This will give you an idea of how well-taught a class is. Your guidance counselor can also recommend good prerequisite classes and teachers.

Next, speak to the teacher if you can, or speak to a teacher you have who teaches the prerequisite class (for example, the Honors Biology teacher if you're thinking about AP Biology). The teacher can give you a sense of what the workload is like, what they expect of their students, and how much work they expect students to do on their own.

Finally, find out what the word of mouth for the class is at your school by talking to older students. Don't rely too much on any one person's opinion, because students can exaggerate, but look for general trends. For example, if everyone says that AP Biology is really hard but they learned a lot and passed the AP exam, that's a sign the class is worth taking.

Think About Your Strengths

If you tend to do well in a subject, you will likely do well in a corresponding AP class, even if it's one of the hard ones. For example, even though AP Biology is hard, if you've done well in previous science classes and have a knack for memorization and critical thinking, you might be better prepared for AP Biology than, say, AP European History, even though that's not seen as one of the hardest AP classes.

On the flipside, if you really struggle with something—like writing or math—you need to be extra careful about taking a tough AP class like AP English Literature or AP Calculus BC. We're not saying to avoid those classes if you think you might have a hard time. We are saying to be prepared to spend lots of time studying!

Think About Your Overall Schedule

How well you do in a hard AP class could also depend on your schedule. For example, AP Biology might be more feasible your sophomore or senior year since you won't be worrying about the ACT/SAT. However, if you take it junior year, you might have a hard time balancing ACT or SAT studying with the AP Biology class.

Also consider other classes, your extracurricular commitments, work schedule, and family commitments before signing up for any of these AP classes. You don't want a tough AP class to overload an already busy schedule.

Along the same lines, do not feel pressured to overload on AP classes in general . More is not necessarily better, even if there is pressure at your school to take 5 AP classes in one year. It's better to get two 4s than four 2s! And it's better to take AP classes that are interesting and meaningful to you.

What's Next?

Find out about the flipside of this discussion: the easiest AP classes . Also, read about how many AP classes you should be taking total .

Also studying for the ACT/SAT? Come up with a target ACT or SAT score based on your top schools .

When's the ideal time in your high school career to take the ACT/SAT? Find out here .

Halle Edwards graduated from Stanford University with honors. In high school, she earned 99th percentile ACT scores as well as 99th percentile scores on SAT subject tests. She also took nine AP classes, earning a perfect score of 5 on seven AP tests. As a graduate of a large public high school who tackled the college admission process largely on her own, she is passionate about helping high school students from different backgrounds get the knowledge they need to be successful in the college admissions process.

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Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Big changes are coming to the SAT, and not everyone is happy. What students should know.

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Last fall, a junior named Mia approached Candice Mackey with an unusual request: She wanted to take the SAT – typically administered at her school in the spring – a few months early. Mia was one of several juniors to broach the idea with Mackey.

Mackey coordinates testing at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) and is also the public magnet school’s only college counselor. Normally, she’d discourage her students from taking the standardized exam prematurely. She’d want them to fulfill their maximum potential, to pack in as much test prep as possible before they take the high-pressure ( if now largely optional ) assessment. 

But this time, she understood the students' concerns: Starting in March, the SAT will be digital . The traditional paper-and-pencil format is no longer available, with rare exceptions for students with visual impairments, severe reading disabilities or other documented challenges. 

Mia, who asked to use her first name only to avoid harming her college prospects, said she has eye problems and gets headaches when she stares at a screen for an extended period. The materials she’s been using to train since middle school, including Preliminary SATs (PSAT) and practice SATs, were almost always in paper format. There are relatively few digital prep materials. 

Other students expressed similar concerns, Mackey said. 

“They felt an urgency ... to take the paper exam,” she said, knowing that they won’t have that option anymore. 

The new format comes amid fierce debates over whether colleges should consider students’ race in admissions , and after some colleges reinstated the test score requirement .

Some say the new SAT could make college admissions even messier. 

The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, believes digitization is for the better – that societal changes demand the modern format and that students are ready and eager to enter a new electronic era. Educators, test-prep experts and youth advocates, however, are worried the digital rollout could make the admissions process more precarious. They say many students, especially those without the means or savvy to keep up with the latest developments, are ill-prepared for what's to come. 

“This past year, a lot of big changes have happened too quickly,” said Diane Barnett, a consultant with the online education provider Knovva Academy.

How is the SAT changing in 2024?

The digital SAT launched internationally last year, and the digital PSAT debuted in the U.S. last fall. This spring when students in the U.S. will take the SAT using their personal or school-provided laptops or tablets, via an app called Bluebook . 

While the College Board says the scores will be comparable , the new exam isn’t just an on-screen version of the paper-and-pencil test from years past. Test takers will experience something fundamentally different in several ways .

A key change is that the new test is what the College Board describes as “adaptive” in nature. Both the math and reading sections will be divided into two parts. A student’s performance in the first part of each section will determine the difficulty level of the second part that shows up on their screen. 

The second half of the test will either be harder or easier than the first half, depending on a student's performance. If a test taker breezes through the first half of the math questions, the second half of that person’s test be more difficult. For a test-taker who struggles during the first half, the second half will be easier. In both scenarios, a person’s scores will be calibrated based on the questions’ difficulty.

This system benefits students who have studied, are good at test-taking and are unintimidated by difficult questions. And psychologically, test-prep experts say, it could benefit students who are prone to botching their performance when faced with questions too hard for them because they'll perform better with a second set that’s more manageable. 

But the adaptive functionality could disadvantage others, educators say, like students who simply have bad luck with the first half and are forced into getting to a lower-than-expected score because they won’t get as many points with an easier second half. 

Adaptive testing allows the College Board to more quickly assess what an individual is capable of – it doesn’t waste time asking the student questions that are too easy or too hard for their performance level. 

That efficiency allows for the second major difference in the digital SAT: At a little more than two hours, it’s roughly an hour shorter than the last iteration, which was launched in 2016. With the digital SAT, students will get more time per question. Math questions will be explained more concisely than before, and reading passages will also be shorter. 

The format works better for testers, said Priscilla Rodriguez, the College Board’s senior vice president of college readiness assessments. The organization ran pilot programs, she said, and “what students are telling us is … they feel less tired, less rushed and less freaked out.” 

SAT is going digital: Exam will be online-only, shorter as colleges ditch standardized tests

SAT registration deadline is coming up, but lots of students unaware of changes

The deadline to register for the March SAT is in just a few weeks, on Feb. 23. 

“It’s not on everyone’s radar,” said Knovva Academy’s Barnett. “A lot of kids … are really going to be surprised by it and have not had time to practice that calculator in the app or to figure out how to get their own (device). And that will adversely affect them.”

The College Board first announced the move to digital two years ago. It has partnered with Khan Academy, which provides free online learning resources, to disseminate materials and help students prepare for the digital SAT. The College Board also provides four free full-length digital practice tests via its Bluebook app. 

Rodriguez feels confident that word has spread far and wide and assured that the exam will continue to improve to meet applicants’ needs.

“My hope is that students who are about to engage with this new SAT … know what to expect, they know what’s coming; they know it’s shorter, they know how to practice,” she said. “Given this is a test that can open up a lot of doors for them, it might as well be the best possible test.”

Still, counselors say news about the digital-only test likely hasn’t reached many students, especially those who live in rural or high-poverty communities and have less access to people in the know.

The rationale for changing an admissions exam

Mackey, at LACES, says the benefits of the new format are evident, at least for people like her who will administer it. 

The traditional exam necessitated piles of paper materials being shipped to schools or centers and locked up before test day, a cumbersome process that allowed would-be cheaters easier access to booklets beforehand. 

With the digital format, students will take the exam on their own devices, and each test taker will see a unique sequence of questions, making it more difficult to cheat. 

Many educators are optimistic because the new test takes into consideration accessibility issues and students’ well-being. The fact that it’s shorter and adaptive makes it less stressful for students, Rodriguez said. 

The shorter prompts make the 2024 test more manageable for students who are learning English. The app and the built-in calculator students can use on the math questions feel more intuitive to a digital-native generation, according to some educators and students.

Lujain Malash, 17, a high school senior in Egypt who has taken the digital SAT several times, disliked that her performance in the first half determined the difficulty level of the second: “The worst part is that depending on how you do in the first part ... if you don’t do well you don’t end up with a really good score.” 

But Malash said the shorter length makes it worth it. As someone who prefers math over reading, she felt the briefer passages are “more relaxed” than the longer, paper-format ones.

While the digital exam may be more convenient and secure, Mackey and other observers say those improvements could make success more uneven as it’s rolled out. 

Admissions tests have long been criticized as being a better measurement of students’ wealth than of their competence or potential. Since so much of the exam necessitates strategies such as intelligent guessing and time management, teens with the means to enroll in expensive test prep services are better equipped to score well than students who are just as smart but haven’t had the time or resources for practice. 

“Practice makes perfect – there is something to that,” said Charles Lang, senior executive director of the Digital Futures Institute at Columbia University’s Teachers College. “Getting a scenario that you can practice in that is as similar to the actual event is a very important factor” in achieving a high score. He said it’s problematic that the College Board is pitching this new test’s scoring system as essentially the same as the old one’s: “I don’t think it’s quite as straightforward as they’re painting it.”

Are SAT scores fair? New exam faces ongoing equity concerns

Some College Board skeptics, like Akil Bello of the advocacy group FairTest, say the digital SAT doesn’t do anything to address the exam’s inherent inequities and may make student performance more uneven.

“Theoretically, digital testing is better; theoretically, (the College Board has) prepared schools and provided guidance,” Bello said. “But I’m concerned about the practical realities and the differences between what your ideal school has and what the common school has.” 

On a basic level, people need technology to take the new test.

The exam requires that each student have a device and reliable broadband. Two-thirds of students take the SAT on campus during class time, and many students use devices provided by their schools, but huge gaps remain in terms of which districts have access to adequate infrastructure for administering the new SAT. 

What happens if, say, a rural school has faulty broadband service and there’s no IT person on staff on a day when troubleshooting is needed? What if a student doesn’t have consistent access to a device on which they can practice, that comes with the app downloaded on it? 

Judy Henriquez, the director for career and college counseling at the Bronx Center for Science & Mathematics (BXCSM) in New York City, said the Chromebooks provided by the school can be unreliable and students can have unstable internet access. Because of the issues, many teachers choose not to do computer-based testing in their own English language arts and history classes, for example.

Ama Oduro, a 17-year-old senior at Henriquez’s school, said she frequently struggles to sign in or access assignments on the Chromebooks. The malfunctions suck up a lot of class time. Even if the school manages to troubleshoot problems that arise on a test day, and the new format doesn't require a continuous connection to proceed, a flustered student might struggle to concentrate for the rest of the exam.

“Certain people who are not built for testing are, in a way, excluded,” she said. 

If students can’t get a testing device from their school, the College Board says it will send a loaner to the campus. But navigating an unfamiliar computer can be overwhelming and glitchy for anyone, educators noted, especially for someone taking a stressful test.

Others are concerned about the adaptive nature of the assessment. There’s little clarity about how the change-as-you-go tests will be scored or about the implications of the adaptive model for applicants. 

“My number one concern about going digital is that there’s not an option to have it on paper as well,” said Mackey, the educator in Los Angeles. “I just don't think that it is in the best interest of students to only have it in that format.” 

Is the SAT making a comeback in college admissions?

Since the pandemic, the vast majority of colleges no longer require applicants to submit standardized test scores. The trend toward de-emphasizing the SAT began before COVID-19 and it became the default policy when circumstances made access to in-person exams difficult. 

Fausto Rivera, a 17-year-old senior at BXCSM, is grateful colleges are less interested in test scores, which he sees as a misleading and unfair “way to analyze students’ potential and … control students’ future.” Last spring, Rivera took the paper SAT, having never practiced because of his work and family obligations. He was curious about how he’d fare. 

His score reinforced for him that the SAT was “not really measuring your capacity.” A student could be having a bad day. People who buckle under pressure or who can’t pay for expensive test prep seem fated to perform poorly on the exam, he said.

A few schools are returning to the test requirement. Dartmouth on Monday became the first Ivy League institution to reinstate it . The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgetown, which are Ivy-adjacent, already returned to requiring it for applicants. They’ve often cited research suggesting the scores are more predictive of college success than grades, which are sometimes inflated.

The College Board, meanwhile, is eager to remain relevant as it continues to compete with the ACT. The digital format is one lever for boosting its market share, according to Lisa Speransky, whose company, Ivy Tutors Network, works with students from a broad range of backgrounds. The ACT will offer a digital version beginning this year but it will continue administering the paper option as well. 

Henriquez has embraced the fact that many colleges are distancing themselves from admissions exams. She has intentionally de-emphasized test prep when counseling her predominantly low-income students at BXCSM.

She saw how fixated they’d become on getting a good score, on how quickly they lost sight of the parts of learning she thinks truly matter – the essays where they could describe their passions, the after-school activities where they could explore new hobbies, the community service where they could help families like their own. 

“They thought (the SAT) was the only way they could get into a ‘good’ school,” she said. “I hated what they were giving up.”

More changes to college admissions: What students can expect after Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action

Disrupting the fixation on the Ivy League, ‘elite’ colleges

Swaths of students still place immense weight on the exam even though it is largely optional at the most selective of institutions. Nearly 2 million high school seniors took the test during the last school year, the highest number since the start of the pandemic and just a hair short of the record rate – 2.2 million members of the Class of 2019. For comparison, roughly 2.5 million freshmen enrolled in a college or university in the fall of 2019 , while 2.3 million enrolled in the fall of 2022. 

Bello and others said the hullabaloo about the new SAT format distracts from a more pressing concern: students’ ongoing fixation on highly selective – or, as they put it “highly rejective” – schools.

“I worry about students who think that those top 10 or 15 schools are the only schools and that they won’t be successful if they don’t end up there,” Barnett said. “There is a school out there for everyone. It’s OK if you haven’t heard of it yet. It’s OK if it’s not what your parents want on their bumper sticker.”

Contact Alia Wong at (202) 507-2256 or [email protected]. Follow her on X at @aliaemily.

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COMMENTS

  1. College Board Practice Test Difficulty Rankings : r/Sat

    Basically, I compared the scoring scale for each of the 13 released test forms that are actual SAT tests (Tests 5-10, plus the other 7 tests that have been released in QAS form) and ranked their scoring from most to least difficult for each of the three sections (Reading, W&L, and Math).

  2. Rank the Collegeboard practice tests from hardest to easiest : r/Sat

    Rank the Collegeboard practice tests from hardest to easiest Test Prep Here's mine: Hardest 3, 1, 4, 2, 7, 8, 6, 5 Easiest Share Sort by: BranofRaisin • When you say that, does that mean a score I got on lets say 5, the easiest one is not accurate, or is there not too much of a difference between them?

  3. Which SAT Practice Test is the Hardest

    So for students who struggle with math, SAT Practice Test #3 is probably going to be the most difficult. That is because the equating scale looks like this compared to other practice tests: Equating Across SAT Math Practice Tests

  4. The 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions Ever

    The absolute best way to assess your current level is to simply take the SAT practice test as if it were real, keeping strict timing and working straight through with only the allowed breaks (we know—probably not your favorite way to spend a Saturday).

  5. Which Official SAT Practice Test Is The Hardest?

    Share Finding The Hardest SAT Practice Test And Why It Matters There are 8 free practice SAT exams offered through the College Board's official website. These tests present the opportunity to simulate what it will be like to take the SAT on test day, and will also allow you to calculate your score to see where you are relative to your goals.

  6. 10 Best SAT Practice Tests To Take

    10 Best SAT Practice Tests To Take By Ryan Smith December 10, 2023 It's normal to feel stressed and anxious if you are about to take the SAT for the first time. Nothing can be more nerve-racking than having very little to no idea of how the real deal would go. The good news is that there are many SAT practice tests.

  7. Khan Academy SAT Practice Test Difficulty Ranked : r/Sat

    Khan Academy SAT Practice Test Difficulty Ranked. Please rank the Khan Academy SAT practice tests from the most difficult to the easiest. Thanks! You can see that in the first free link in the sidebar of the subreddit.

  8. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy (article)

    Overview. At Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy, you can link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts to get automatic personalized recommendations based on your PSAT performance. If you didn't take the PSAT, you can take a diagnostic assessment. Next, we'll recommend practice to you based on your results.

  9. 18 SAT Practice Tests to Help You Ace the Exam

    The company also offers 200 practice questions that break into 10 content areas, such as algebra, data analytics, literature, science, and problem-solving. Students can answer practice questions for free or double the number of practice questions by paying $14 for premium access. SAT Practice Test.

  10. SAT Practice and Preparation

    This resource provides parents and guardians with a schedule outline to help their child prepare for the SAT and includes links to free official practice materials. PDF. 530.87 KB. Article. From free practice tests to a checklist of what to bring on test day, College Board provides everything you need to prepare for the digital SAT.

  11. Is the SAT Hard? An In-Depth Analysis

    Length and Timing. There is a notable difference between the SAT and PSAT in both length and time. The SAT requires more stamina because you have to answer more questions in a shorter time. The SAT is a three-hour exam with 154 questions. The PSAT, on the other hand, is 15 minutes shorter and comprises only 139 questions.

  12. Is The Real SAT Harder Than The College Board SAT Practice Tests

    Practice test #3 is often the most challenging SAT practice test because it has the most intense grading scale. You can take it to encounter tough SAT practice questions and have an easier time on the standard exam. If you want to challenge yourself with difficult practice tests, we list several options in our Best SAT Test Prep books article.

  13. 10 Most Difficult SAT Questions

    Here are the 10 toughest SAT questions from our New SAT Prep, as well as the 10 toughest questions from our current "old" SAT Prep.See how many you get right by checking your answers at the end of the post! (P.S. If you can get these right, then you should check out Harvard SAT scores and Yale SAT scores…). 10 Toughest New (Redesigned) SAT Questions

  14. Is the SAT Hard? Expert Analysis of 8 Key Factors

    Here are a few factors that make the SAT a difficult test for many students. These include time pressure, challenging math concepts, difficult reading passages, and a high-stress environment. Factor 1: Time Pressure. The SAT is a timed test, so even if you understand all the content, time pressure can lead to careless mistakes and excessive ...

  15. 18 Free SAT Practice Tests: Boost Your Scores with Official PDFs

    18 Free SAT Practice Tests Updated: November 29, 2023 Mary Banks 9 min read ‍ Are you considering incorporating an SAT practice test in your preparation? This guide will shed light on the significance of utilizing practice tests to boost your readiness for the SAT. When preparing for the SAT, practice tests are invaluable tools.

  16. 15 Hardest SAT Writing & Language Questions

    SAT Writing & Language Topics. 15 Hardest SAT Writing & Language Questions. Final Tips. The SAT Writing & Language section is 35 minutes long and features 44 questions. You'll be asked to read passages and correct any weaknesses in the writing. Questions cover aspects like tone, word choice, syntax, punctuation, and more.

  17. How Accurate Are The Khan Academy Practice Tests?

    Though Practice Tests 1-4 do not fully reflect the current state of the exam, I still highly recommend that you use them as practice material 1) because the vast majority of the questions are accurate and 2) because you should never not do a practice test from The College Board. Practice is always a good thing.

  18. 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions in 2023-2024

    The complete solution for this problem is available on page 47 of the answer guide for SAT Practice Test 7. Hard SAT Math Questions: Problems that are difficult to comprehend. Although math involves numbers, having a firm grasp of reading comprehension and logic is often necessary to understand a problem.

  19. What are the SAT practice tests ranked by difficulty? : r/Sat

    1 latte164 • 7 yr. ago Not a practice test, but Khan Academy's questions, IMO atleast, are harder than the actual test.

  20. Full-length Digital SAT Practice Tests (Nonadaptive)

    Full-length digital SAT practice tests are an essential component of SAT prep. Getting familiar with the test format and time limits will help you feel more confident and cut down on test-day anxiety. Fortunately, there are many resources that make real, full-length practice SAT tests available to you for free.

  21. Is the Digital SAT Actually Harder?

    Similarities between the Digital and Paper-and-Pencil SAT. It's helpful to know what won't change between the two tests. The scoring scale is still 400-1600 (which helps to answer the question of which test is harder - more on that below). The College Board states that both versions of the SAT test the same knowledge and skills.

  22. How to Perform Well on SAT, ACT Test Day

    Stress isn't necessarily a new feeling for high school students, but taking a standardized test like the ACT or SAT can bring its own set of challenges. These college entrance exams are somewhat ...

  23. Hardest AP Classes & Easiest AP Classes [All 38 Ranked 2024]

    The hardest part about AP Studio Art - 2D Design: Coming up with numerous different and original ideas can be the hard part of this AP course, and students are expected to keep up with their work and put in time outside the classroom - these are high requirements in a limited time frame. 10. Studio Art: 3D Design.

  24. These Are the Hardest AP Classes and Tests for You

    They both have very low 5 rates (13% for Chemistry, 11% for US History). But on the flip side, a relatively easy exam, AP Environmental Science, has a low 5 rate of 9%. Furthermore, some decidedly hard exams, like Chinese, Calculus BC, and Physics C, have very high 5 rates—up to 49%+ for Chinese!

  25. SAT exams will see big changes in 2024. What students need to know

    A key change is that the new test is what the College Board describes as "adaptive" in nature. Both the math and reading sections will be divided into two parts. A student's performance in ...

  26. Opinion: The lose-lose decision on the SAT

    Elite colleges may bring back mandatory SAT or ACT scores, tests that reflect long-standing racial and economic inequalities, but getting rid of them may actually be worse for underprivileged ...