From technical issues to challenging math problems and vocabulary hurdles, read our analysis of the May 3, 2025 SAT exam.
After the May 3, 2025 SAT, students flooded online forums with reactions to the digital exam. This report analyzes those discussions, highlighting five major themes: overall difficulty, general sentiment, logistical/technical issues, format and content structure reactions, and other widespread observations. Each section synthesizes what test-takers most commonly reported without revealing specific test questions.
Most students found the May 3 SAT challenging, particularly the Math section's second module. Online, students described the exam as "an absolute nightmare." The Reading & Writing portion also drew complaints about obscure vocabulary and niche topics. One student joked that the reading section felt like "a spelling bee for extinct plants," highlighting how esoteric the passages seemed.
However, a minority reported the exam felt fair or even easier than expected. Some found it "significantly easier" than the March SAT, especially the verbal section. These contrasting experiences often related to which module difficulty they received in the adaptive format—those who performed less well on the first module received an easier second module, which they found straightforward.
Overall, perceptions varied, but most students found at least one section particularly challenging, with the dominant narrative being that the May 3 SAT was more difficult than anticipated.
Student reactions were predominantly negative, with frustration, anxiety, and relief (once finished) being common emotions. Many expressed worry about their performance, with some calling the test a "dumpster fire." Several students considered canceling their scores to avoid low results, and discussions were filled with expressions of panic.
Despite this, some positive reactions emerged. A handful of students felt pleased with their performance, especially those who found the test easier than expected. These optimistic voices attributed their success to good preparation and calm test-taking.
Overall, sentiment skewed negative to mixed. For every student celebrating a smooth experience, many more expressed concerns about their scores. Online forums became support networks where students shared their frustrations and comforted each other.
Following the notorious March 2025 technical glitch that caused tests to submit prematurely, students were anxious about platform reliability. Fortunately, the May 3 exam had no system-wide interruptions. Most reported that the College Board's Bluebook app ran as intended, with many expressing relief that the March timing bug had been fixed.
Some isolated technical issues did occur. A few students experienced problems like text disappearing from screens, app freezing, or crashes requiring restarts. In these cases, proctors filed irregularity reports and helped students continue, though such events added stress. Some device-related issues like dying batteries or login difficulties were also reported, but these weren't widespread.
Logistically, test administration was generally smooth. Proctors adapted to the digital format, ensuring proper device setup. Few complaints about proctor behavior emerged beyond standard rule enforcement. The app's automatic timing control eliminated proctor timing mistakes common in paper tests, though some students felt breaks were rushed.
Overall, technical and logistical issues were minor and localized. Most completed the exam without interruption, and those with problems received on-site support—a reassuring outcome after March's difficulties.
Students discussed the adaptive module design extensively, trying to determine whether they received "easy" or "hard" second modules. This led to speculation about scoring caps based on module difficulty. Community members explained that SAT scoring is equated—an easier module simply means needing more correct answers for a top score. Nevertheless, the psychological impact of adaptivity was evident.
Test-takers were hyper-aware during the exam, noting when difficulty changed and worrying about implications for their scores. Many expressed desire for more transparency on adaptive scoring.
Regarding content structure, students had mixed reactions to the Reading & Writing section's new format of short passages. Some appreciated the focused approach, finding it less monotonous than long passages. However, many criticized the specialized or obscure material and challenging vocabulary. The writing questions received more positive feedback, with students finding them more straightforward than reading questions.
The built-in Desmos calculator for Math was generally appreciated, though few used its advanced features. Time management was sufficient for most, but some struggled to finish harder modules where questions required more time. Students were mindful of being unable to return to earlier modules.
Many noted differences between the actual test and practice materials. Several found official practice exams easier or more predictable than the May 3 test, leaving them feeling underprepared. Comparisons to the March SAT varied, with some finding May harder in certain areas while others thought it easier.
Overall, while students appreciated some digital format features (shorter passages, reduced duration, on-screen tools), many found the May 3 content more demanding or unpredictable than expected.
Students speculated about scoring and "curves" given the test's difficulty. Some wondered if the June 2025 SAT might be easier by contrast, while others calculated how many questions they could miss and still achieve competitive scores.
Many discussed retake plans, with posts about whether to attempt the June or August tests. Some considered switching to the ACT after their SAT experience. Students debated which test might better suit their strengths, especially after the challenging May 3 experience.
With scores scheduled for release on May 16, students shared information about the timeline and discussed whether to cancel scores or wait for results. Experienced test-takers advised against hasty cancellations, suggesting that actual scores might exceed expectations.
A notable trend was the community support evident in discussions. Students encouraged each other, with experienced test-takers offering reassurance that the SAT is just one factor in college admissions. Humorous posts lightened the mood, with jokes about post-test exhaustion and memes about obscure reading topics.
In summary, the May 3, 2025 SAT generated strong reactions centered on its difficulty (particularly in math and reading). Despite some technical issues, test day logistics were mostly stable. The digital, adaptive format received mixed reviews. Students engaged in post-test speculation, planned next steps, and supported each other through the experience. This feedback provides valuable insights for future test-takers and educators, highlighting challenging areas and emphasizing the importance of emotional preparedness for high-stakes exams.
For those planning to retake the SAT, here are some tips:
Expand Your Vocabulary: Study advanced vocabulary and practice interpreting words in context. Check out our list of 400 commonly tested SAT words.
Read Widely: Engage with diverse reading materials to improve comprehension and analysis skills. Explore our free list of recommended literature.
Practice Under Timed Conditions: Take timed practice tests to simulate test day conditions and improve pacing.