<p>I’d just like to add that some “experts” on writing assert that the presence of just one plural subject, regardless of its proximity to the verb, renders the sentence in requirement of a plural verb. There is also the proximity rule, which, converse to my first sentence, not every writer follows. There should never be a sentence in which the writer cannot simply move the plural subject closer to the verb, but I’m not sure what the SAT asks for. Most other grammar topics on it are universally accepted. </p>
<p>If it does come up on the next SAT, well, that wouldn’t be the first time a student provided an “incorrect” answer that can be justified with evidence from experts.</p>
<p>A sentence with the plural subject further from the verb than the singular would just be evil.</p>