Read our analysis of the August 23, 2025 SAT exam, including student and tutor reactions, section-by-section breakdowns, and what to expect from score reports.
The August 23, 2025 SAT exam left students with plenty to discuss, and several consistent themes stood out across their reflections.
Many test-takers agreed that the first Reading & Writing module was approachable, but the second demanded more focus. Students described heavier use of inference-based questions, complex transitions, and passages requiring attention to nuance. Science- and history-themed passages appeared frequently, and some mentioned that grammatical precision questions were trickier than expected.
Vocabulary also proved to be a key challenge. While context clues helped in some cases, many noted unfamiliar words slowed them down, especially in Module 2. Even strong readers admitted to second-guessing themselves on word choice items.
As with Reading & Writing, the math section showed a clear difference between the first and second modules. Module 1 was seen as fair, with algebra, geometry, and functions questions that were direct and solvable.
Module 2, however, required multi-step reasoning. Students highlighted problems involving quadratic functions, data interpretation, and geometry with layered reasoning. Timing was a recurring concern—several said they finished Module 1 quickly but ran short of time in Module 2.
There was also debate about whether certain unusual problems were experimental, which added to the uncertainty.
Across both sections, pacing was a major theme. Students emphasized that the hardest questions clustered toward the end of Module 2, often eating up precious minutes. Knowing when to move on and guess was viewed as an essential skill.
The digital format drew mixed reactions. Many found the on-screen calculator and highlighting tools useful, but others said relying on scratch paper alongside the computer slowed them down.
With results scheduled to begin releasing on September 5, students speculated about how the equating process would treat this exam. Some expected more generous scoring in Reading & Writing, given the difficulty of Module 2, while others predicted math scaling could be tighter if Module 1 felt too easy to many test-takers.
Predicted composite scores ranged widely, from the low 1300s to the mid-1500s, reflecting how even small mistakes in different modules could have significant impacts depending on scaling. Many students turned to unofficial online score calculators but noted these didn't always align with past SAT scoring patterns.
The August 2025 SAT reinforced a familiar digital-SAT pattern: relatively smooth first modules followed by tougher second ones. Reading & Writing challenged students with inference-heavy reasoning and advanced vocabulary, while Math Module 2 demanded careful, multi-step problem solving. Pacing and stamina were key factors, and many left uncertain how the scoring curve would balance the perceived difficulty.
Scores will soon reveal how this particular exam was scaled, but one message was consistent: students felt the August SAT tested not just knowledge, but endurance and strategy.