May 2025 SAT Predictions: 10 Problems You Should Prepare For
- Laura (Heslin) Whitmore
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
By Laura Whitmore
After analyzing recent trends and past tests, I've selected five math and five English problems that are highly likely to show up on your upcoming exam. I'll also explain quick, practical strategies to solve each one, so you can feel confident on test day!
Not up for reading? Watch my YouTube video instead!
English 🔮 SAT Reading Trick: “Last Sentence Strategy”
For certain SAT Reading questions—usually numbers 4 through 10—you often don’t have to read the entire passage. Instead, simply reading the last sentence can be enough to answer correctly. Typically, these are main idea or purpose questions. The test-makers frequently put the key information right at the end. Remember: look for a transition word like "moreover," "thus," or "therefore."
Math 🔮 Percent Solution Problem
A classic SAT math question involves mixing two solutions to create a new percent concentration. Expect a question asking you something like, "How many liters of a 50% chlorine solution must be added to 16 liters of a 5% solution to make a 20% solution?" The key to solving these is carefully setting up your equation and clearly defining your variables.
English 🔮 Non-Essential Clauses and Dashes
Be prepared for punctuation problems involving dashes. Specifically, watch out for non-essential clauses (extra information) set off by dashes. The trick is ensuring these clauses start and end with matching punctuation—usually dashes, but not semicolons. Pay attention and bookend your non-essential clauses correctly.
Math 🔮 Trigonometry Problem
The SAT often includes questions on special right triangles (30-60-90 or 45-45-90). Remembering the side ratios (for example, the hypotenuse is twice the shortest side in a 30-60-90 triangle) will save you time. Practice these ratios and entering approximate decimal answers into your calculator.
English 🔮 Shifting Transition Question
Transition words ("however," "therefore," etc.) often move around sentences on the SAT. You’ll need to choose correct punctuation and placement.
Tip: First determine whether you need a comma or semicolon (remember, a semicolon joins two complete sentences). Next, place the transition word carefully, always ensuring a punctuation mark follows directly after it.
Math 🔮 Equations with No Solutions or Infinite Solutions
Expect a math question testing your understanding of equations that either have no solution or infinitely many solutions. No-solution equations will have the same variable term but different constants. Infinite-solution equations will be identical on both sides. Practice recognizing these quickly.
English 🔮 Subject-Verb Agreement
Watch for questions testing singular vs. plural verb usage. Use my easy "pronoun trick": Substitute "he" or "they" into each verb option. The right answer will stand out immediately—this quick check can save you valuable test time!
Math 🔮 Consecutive Odd/Even Integer Questions
SAT math tests frequently include problems involving consecutive integers—both odd and even.
Remember the trick: represent each consecutive even or odd integer by adding two each time (for example, a, a+2, a+4...). Set up your equation carefully, solve step-by-step, and make sure your answer fits what the question is asking for.
English 🔮 Modifier Questions
Modifiers are introductory phrases at the start of sentences. SAT grammar questions involving modifiers usually have similar answer choices, differing only slightly. After the comma following a modifier, the very next word must logically match the modifier. Ensure the sentence makes sense logically to find the correct answer quickly.
Math 🔮 Exponential vs. Linear Growth
A common SAT trap involves confusion between exponential and linear growth. Even if percentages appear, don't automatically assume exponential growth. Translate word problems carefully into equations. For example, "175% of x" simply translates into "1.75x," which is linear, not exponential.
I hope these predictions help you feel ready for your upcoming May SAT. If you find these test predictions helpful and want to master more reading strategies, check out our upcoming June SAT: 2-Hour Reading Crash Course. It's a great way to boost your skills before test day!
Happy prepping!
