8 Big SAT Traps to Avoid in 2026

By Laura Whitmore

Struggling with tricky SAT questions that seem to trip you up no matter how well you’ve prepared? Whether it’s confusing Math problems, subtle Reading traps, or questions designed to catch even the smartest students off guard, the SAT is full of surprises. But once you know the common traps and the strategies to avoid them, you can save time, improve accuracy, and boost your score.

In this post, I break down eight of the most common SAT traps, covering both Math and Reading, and show you how to approach them with confidence.

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💡 Trap 1: System of Equations with Fractions

Fractions in systems of equations are a classic SAT Math trick that catches students off guard. On the surface, it might look like a problem you can graph or plug into a calculator, but repeating decimals and subtle slope issues can easily mislead you.

The best approach is often to solve these by hand, carefully finding the slope of each line and checking for parallel or overlapping lines. Paying close attention to these details ensures you don’t lose points on what seems like a straightforward problem.

💡 Trap 2: Transitions That Look like Contrasts But Aren't

Transition questions in SAT Reading passages often seem simple, but they require careful attention. The College Board designs these to test whether you truly understand the relationship between sentences. Picking the first contrast word that seems to fit is usually wrong. Instead, read for understanding, paying attention to what each sentence actually conveys. Once you do, the correct transition often becomes clear, helping you avoid a common SAT Reading trap.

💡 Trap 3: When There's Already 2 Semicolons in the Text

The SAT is full of trap answers. Instead of searching for the single right choice, try looking for three wrong ones. By eliminating the answers that are clearly incorrect, the correct option often becomes obvious.

This approach goes against traditional school test-taking habits, but it’s a powerful way to increase accuracy while saving time.

💡 Trap 4: Percent Greater Than or Less Than Problems

Percent increase or decrease problems are one of the most common mistakes in SAT Math. Students often forget to add 100% when something is “greater than” or only take the percent remaining when something is “less than.” Translating the words into the correct math equation is essential. Once you know the trick—like using 2.2 instead of 1.2 for a 120% increase—you’ll avoid losing points on these deceptively simple problems.

💡 Trap 5: Overstated or Understated Degree in Reading Passages

SAT Reading passages often include answer choices that exaggerate or downplay the information in the text. Words like “primarily,” “significantly,” or “partly” can completely change the meaning of an answer choice.

Precision is key: make sure the choice matches the scope and degree described in the passage. By paying attention to these adverbs of degree, you can avoid a subtle Reading trap that trips up many students aiming for a 700+ score.

💡 Trap 6: Regression Problems That Fail

Some SAT Math problems look like they can be solved with regression, especially when given two points. But not every problem works this way—sometimes a regression tool will fail or give misleading results. Knowing when to calculate by hand, use the axis of symmetry, or apply other strategies is essential.

Understanding the limits of regression and when manual calculations are required will save you time and prevent unnecessary mistakes.

💡 Trap 7: Comparing Similar Shapes in Different Dimensions

Scaling problems are trickier than they appear. Many students assume that a linear proportion works for areas or volumes, but moving from length to area or volume requires adjusting the scalar multiple appropriately.

For example, if the area scales by 25, the corresponding length scales by 5, and the volume scales by 125. Being precise about these conversions ensures that you avoid a common SAT Math trap that can cost valuable points.

💡 Trap 8: Determining the Median from a Frequency Table

Frequency tables often seem simple, but many students make careless mistakes when finding the median. It’s not enough to look at the “middle” number—you have to account for the total frequency and locate the exact middle entry. Carefully counting and understanding the structure of the data ensures you select the correct median, avoiding a sneaky SAT Math trap that can appear on problem-solving sections.

⏰ Final Thoughts

The SAT isn’t just about knowing content—it’s about spotting traps, thinking clearly under time pressure, and applying precise strategies. These eight common Math and Reading traps are designed to catch students off guard, but once you recognize them, they become much easier to manage. By understanding these pitfalls and practicing the right strategies, you can approach the SAT with confidence, improve your timing, and boost your score.

For those looking to take their prep further, my self-paced SAT courses cover in-depth strategies, practice problems, and tips to handle every type of SAT question. Armed with these tools, even the trickiest traps can become simple points on test day.

Happy Prepping,