The SAT is evolving — and fast! Are you keeping up?
As of 2025, the College Board has fully transitioned the SAT exam to a digital format. While this change brings a shorter test day and some new tools, it also requires a new approach to preparation. For students aiming to apply to college this fall or next year, now is the time to develop a strategy that works.
In other words, if you need help figuring it all out, there’s no time to waste!
True, not everyone needs an SAT score to apply to college. But even in a test-optional world, strong SAT results can unlock scholarship opportunities, improve your application’s visibility, and help you stand out from the competition. In other words, a good score still opens doors. Whether you’re planning to take the test for the first time or hoping to boost your superscore, smart preparation is key. So let’s get down to business.
Today, we’ll break down 10 essential SAT prep strategies for 2025 — plus expert tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and stay on track for success.
Top tips for SAT prep in 2025
As you start planning, focus your preparation strategy on the weeks leading up to your test. Here are 10 essential tips to keep you on the right path.
1. Master the core concepts.
Forget perfection for now. The SAT isn’t about memorizing trivia or obscure facts — it’s about applying core academic skills in reading, writing, and math to new situations. The digital SAT emphasizes efficiency and comprehension, so it’s essential to review the fundamentals early and thoroughly.
Start with algebra, grammar rules, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. Focus on how these skills show up in context. KhanAcademy provides a great introduction series to review the core concepts you want to know:
For instance, instead of drilling vocabulary words, practice interpreting tone and meaning within a short passage. Many students over-focus on test tricks. But in reality, the best scores come from strong fundamentals.
2. Take a full-length diagnostic test.
Before creating your study plan, take a full-length diagnostic test. This helps you understand where you currently stand, how you respond under time pressure, and what content areas need the most work.
If you’re a rising junior, don’t forget about the PSAT/NMSQT in October. A high score can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships — and it’s great SAT practice, too.
To simulate test conditions on your own:
- Use the Bluebook app (the real deal!) or a paper-based full-length SAT practice test
- Set aside 2 hours and 14 minutes in a quiet environment
- Take breaks as the official test does
Afterward, review your results carefully. Mark which questions you missed and why. The experience is not just about the score, but the insights behind it.
If you have time, take another full-length diagnostic test closer to your actual test date to see how you have grown.
3. Practice with realistic timing.
Time management is one of the biggest challenges on test day. While the digital SAT gives you slightly more time per question than the old version, students still feel the pressure.
To build your timing skills:
- Practice sections using a timer
- Note how long you spend on each question type
- Prioritize easy and medium questions first, then circle back to harder ones
Over a few weeks, you may notice your speed reading comprehension improve. Timed drills help you build both speed and confidence.
4. Prepare for the digital format.
The digital SAT is administered on a laptop or tablet using the Bluebook testing app. The test is shorter, adaptive, and fully online, meaning preparation should include both academic content and tech familiarity.
Key features to be familiar with:
- Built-in graphing calculator (available for all math questions)
- Countdown timer per section
- Highlighting and annotation tools
- Question flagging for review
You’ll also need to install Bluebook in advance and bring a fully charged, approved device on test day. If you need to borrow a device from the College Board, request it at least 30 days before your test. None of this is insurmountable on its own, but it can add additional stress if you aren’t sure what to do come test day.
Looking for further reading about the recent changes? Check out our free digital resource called Empowerly’s Guide to High School Exams (Download Here).
5. Plan for a retake (even if you don’t need it).
Very few students hit their goal score on the first try. That’s why it’s critical to leave time for at least one retake—even if you end up not needing it.
Most colleges superscore the SAT, meaning they’ll combine your highest section scores across multiple dates. This gives you the flexibility to improve incrementally. If you’re thrilled with your first result, great! Then you have some extra time for other parts of your application instead.
Suggested timeline:
- First SAT: August, September, or October 2025
- Retake: October, November, or December 2025
Bottom line? To avoid burnout and get meaningful results, give yourself 6–8 weeks between test dates, minimum. That leads into our next tip…
6. Don’t overcommit yourself.
It may be tempting to squeeze everything into one weekend, but overcommitting can backfire. Avoid scheduling your SAT too close to AP exams, ACT test dates, or major extracurricular commitments.
Why it matters:
- Mental fatigue can lower performance
- Preparation quality suffers when time is tight
- You need mental space to build confidence before the exam
Empowerly counselors work with students to create prep calendars that balance school, life, and test timelines. Your overall wellness is important, too.
7. Use strategic question-answering techniques.
Don’t feel like you have to answer every question in order. On test day, it’s smarter to tackle easier questions first, then circle back to harder ones if you have time.
In the digital SAT, you can:
- Flag questions for review
- Navigate freely within a module
- Use the process of elimination
Start strong and build momentum — this boosts your confidence and keeps your pacing on track.
This video provides some tongue-in-cheek tips for staying logical and using common sense to score better:
8. Eliminate wrong answers first.
If you’re not sure of the right answer, find the wrong ones. The process of elimination is one of the most effective SAT strategies.
Each question has one correct answer and three distractors — often including common errors or tempting misreads. Learning to spot these patterns can dramatically improve your score.
And remember: there’s no penalty for guessing. Always fill in every bubble.
9. Know your target score.
Your prep plan should match your goals. That’s why it’s essential to know the SAT score range for the schools you’re applying to.
How to find your target score:
- Search the middle 50% SAT range for each college
- Identify what scholarships or programs require SAT scores
- Aim for the high end of your top-choice school’s range
Empowerly counselors can help you build a realistic and strategic SAT goal based on your academic profile and college list.
10. Don’t let one score define you.
Even with great prep, sometimes test day doesn’t go as planned. If your score isn’t what you hoped for, remember — you always have options.
You can:
- Retake the SAT
- Employ Score Choice to choose your best sitting
- Submit your application without test scores (test-optional)
- Focus on other strengths: essays, extracurriculars, recommendations
Many students are admitted to top schools without submitting SAT scores at all. A disappointing test result does not define your future.
Curious how Ivy League admissions officers view your SAT? Check out this video from former Admissions Officer, Connie:
What’s new with the 2025 digital SAT?
First and foremost, don’t bother bringing paper notes. The physical paper tests are a thing of the past. Now, you can only bring approved materials (including your testing device and student ID).
The 2025 SAT is:
- Shorter: 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours
- Digital: Taken on a device with the Bluebook app
- Adaptive: Your performance on the first module influences the difficulty of the second
- More concise: Reading passages are shorter, and math questions focus on fewer topics
This means students need to practice differently: using digital tools, focusing on reasoning over rote memorization, and adapting strategies for a streamlined format.
Visit the College Board site for a full breakdown. The site has information on the timing of each section, as well as average student scores across the nation.
How Empowerly can support your SAT prep
At Empowerly, we believe SAT success isn’t about grinding for hours—it’s about studying smarter. Our test prep support includes:
- 1-on-1 tutoring with SAT experts
- Diagnostic assessments to target your weak spots
- Strategic test planning to align with college goals
- Regular progress tracking and encouragement
Final thoughts
With smart planning and proven strategies, the 2025 SAT doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. From mastering core concepts to navigating the digital format, each of these tips can help you build confidence, reduce stress, and reach your highest potential.
Need help creating your ideal prep plan? Our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor. Empowerly’s expert team is ready to guide you, whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills before test day.
Ready to take your 2025 SAT prep to the next level? Book a free consultation today.
