Why the March 2025 SAT Seems to be the Busiest Test Date and How to Prepare for It

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

• March 2025 SAT is in high demand – Many juniors want to get it over with before AP exams and end-of-year stress.
• Why it’s so crowded – More students may be choosing SAT over ACT, and early testers are looking for an edge.
• Backup Plan? August SAT – Many assume summer prep will be easier without schoolwork.
• Prep Checklist for March SAT – Practice test schedule, study time, resources, stress management, and game-day strategies.

⏳ Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

Why Is the March 2025 SAT So Popular?

If your high school junior (or you, if you’re a student!) is signed up for the March 2025 SAT, you’re not alone. It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest test dates of the year. But why?

1) Is the SAT Gaining an Edge Over the ACT?

The SAT and ACT have long been competing college admissions tests, but in recent years, there’s been a shift in preference especially with the ACT’s recent acquisition by a private equity firm (that’s always a good thing, right???).  Some students believe the digital SAT (which launched in 2024) is more user-friendly than the traditional ACT. With its adaptive format and shorter testing time (about two hours), it’s an appealing choice.

Additionally, many colleges have made SAT/ACT optional, but for students aiming for top-tier universities or scholarships, submitting a strong SAT score is still important. As a result, many students are focusing on the SAT and skipping the ACT altogether.

2) Early Juniors Want to Get It Over With

Many juniors take their first SAT in March because they want to be done early. If they score well, they can check “standardized test prep” off their to-do list and focus on AP exams, finals, and college applications.

3) May and June Test Dates Clash With AP Exams and Final Exams

By the time May and June roll around, students are swamped with:
✅ AP Exams (which usually take place in early May)
✅ Final projects and semester exams
✅ End-of-year events like prom and graduation prep

Many students recognize that trying to prep for the SAT in the middle of all that would be overwhelming. That’s why March has become the sweet spot.

What If March Doesn’t Go Well? The Backup Plan: August SAT

For those who aren’t thrilled with their March SAT scores (or just want a second try), August is the go-to backup plan. It’s appealing because:
✔️ No schoolwork conflicts – Students have all summer to prepare.
✔️ Less stress – No finals, APs, or school deadlines to worry about.
✔️ Room for improvement – If the first test didn’t go well, there’s time to adjust strategies.

But here’s the catch: Many students think they’ll study all summer… and then they don’t. Vacations, summer jobs, and general burnout can make it tough to stay motivated. If August is your backup plan, make sure you actually stick to a study schedule!

How to Prepare for the March SAT

Now that you know why the March SAT is so busy, let’s talk strategy.

1) Practice Test Schedule

Taking full-length practice tests is crucial. Here’s a suggested schedule:
📌 8 weeks before the test – Take a diagnostic SAT to establish a baseline.
📌 6 weeks before – Start timed practice sections 2-3 times a week.
📌 4 weeks before – Take a full-length practice test every weekend.
📌 2 weeks before – Review mistakes and focus on weak areas.
📌 1 week before – Light review; avoid cramming.

2) Study Time Per Week

A good rule of thumb is 4-6 hours per week of dedicated SAT prep. That could look like:
⏰ 2 practice sections on weekdays (about 45-60 minutes each).
⏰ 1 full-length practice test on the weekend (about 2 hours).

3) Best Resources to Use

📚 Official College Board SAT Practice Tests – The best way to get familiar with real test questions.  There are now 10 full-length tests in the Bluebook app.
📚 Khan Academy’s Free SAT Prep – Personalized practice based on your weaknesses.
📚 SAT Prep Book by College Board – Official material is always the best way to prepare.  Third-party creators like Princeton Review, Barron’s, or Kaplan are always second to the official material.

4) Stress Management Leading Up to Test Day

It’s easy to get overwhelmed before a big test, so try these stress-busting techniques:
💡 Sleep well – Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night the week before the test.
💡 Eat nutritionally dense foods – Stay away from overly processed foods.
💡 Exercise – Even 30 minutes of walking or stretching can help reduce anxiety.
💡 Avoid last-minute cramming – Focus on reviewing your biggest mistakes instead.

5) The Day Before the Test

📌 Prepare your materials – ID, admission ticket, calculator, pencils, snacks, and water.
📌 Double-check your test center location and arrival time.
📌 Get a good night’s sleep – No late-night cramming!

6) Test Day (Game Day Plan!)

🔹 Eat a balanced breakfast – Protein + complex carbs = energy boost.
🔹 Arrive early – Get to the test center at least 15 minutes before check-in.
🔹 Stay calm and focused – If you get stuck on a question, move on and come back later.
🔹 Use all the time given – Double-check your answers if you finish early.

7) Post-Test Reflection

After the test, jot down:
✔️ Which sections felt easiest and hardest?
✔️ Any time management issues?
✔️ What strategies worked well?
✔️ What needs improvement for next time?

Keeping track of these reflections will make it much easier to improve if you decide to retake the SAT in August.

Final Thoughts

The March SAT is popular for a reason—students want to get it done before the end-of-year chaos. If you’re taking it, make sure you have a solid prep plan in place. And if March doesn’t go as planned? No worries. August is always an option, as long as you commit to summer study.

📣 Parents: Encourage your student to stick to a study plan. Having structured prep and stress-management strategies will make a huge difference in their confidence on test day.

🎯 Students: This test is just one step in your college journey. Prepare well, stay positive, and trust your practice!