5 answers
Aniya
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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Which SAT math topics should I put emphasis on ?
The SAT is coming up shortly for me. I want to know the math topics I definitely need.
#math #sat
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5 answers
Bill Russo
Program Manager, Professor
18
Answers
Dayton, Ohio
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Hello Aniya,
Here are some global ideas to keep in mind to help you do your best on the Math SAT.
1. The math topics I suggest you should put emphasis on are the ones you already know best.
a. The courses you completed most recently.
b. Any maths you are studying now.
c. The maths you studied last year - do some refresher studying so you can recall Key facts from those courses. Tip: The basic theorems and concepts are the most likely to appear on the test. Examples: Algebra: factoring, graphing functions, square roots that are integers, such a SQRT(25) = + or - 5. Geometry: Basic types of plane figures and finding lengths of sides and sizes of angles, properties of parallel lines. Arithmetic: Common factors, operations involving negative numbers, ETC.
d. Same as c. for the maths you studied two years ago. This should go faster because it was more elementary and since then you probably have used many of the concepts you learned then.
e. Repeat c again for three years ago - as time permits.
2. You will find questions on topics you may not be familiar with at all. Don't FREAK OUT! This is NORMAL! The test is intended to cover a wide range of syllabi and levels of study, and NO ONE will know all all topics equally well. So, when you encounter a question that baffles you, read it and then go on. As others have advised, skip answering this question at first (but DO read it to put it inside your head- there are times when you can get CLUES from OTHER QUESTIONS in the SAME EXAM as to the answers to hard questions!)
3. About 2 weeks before the test, take a timed practice test. Give yourself the same amount of time as the real test allows. Limit yourself to the same restrictions as to calculator, breaks, notes, etc. Go through the routine of answering the easy ones first, and then going back for harder ones, as others have suggested. If you are getting within 10-15 minutes of the end and you have lots of unanswered questions, go back and GUESS at an answer for each.
4. After you complete this (Item 3) test, ask yourself if you need to adjust the average time spent on each question to give you a better shot at answering the more difficult ones. That is, did you spend more time on easier questions than you could have, leaving less time to rush through the harder ones? Can you come up with your personal "average time I should spend on an answerable question (one I know at least a little about)" so that each question gets a fair chance of a correct answer?
NOTE: If you think it will be useful to make you more sure of your timing strategy, and time permits, take another practice test under the same conditions and average the results.
5. In #3 and #4 we are trying to collect info to devise a time optimization strategy to focus at all times on what will give you the best score. Ideally you can go into the test saying, I will try to average XXX minutes/seconds for each question. At YY minutes before the end (based on your results of the practice exam) , I will go back to my remaining skipped questions and read them again. If I still don't have a clue, I will guess and move on. (Note this guessing approach works only when you are NOT penalized by having points deducted for as wrong answer. It has been a while since I took an SAT and there were no penalties back then, but read the instructions carefully to see if that still applies.)
6. Another tip: Be cautious about changing an answer once you have made your choice (except for pure guesses) - the odds are better that you made the right choice to begin with.
7. Final secret of success: Studying a little each day (or almost each day) always beats cramming for a test at the last minute. That is because the daily reinforcement will improve your recall a little bit each time it is exercised. On the other hand, at the end of a cram session, you and your brain are tired, and most of what you cram gets forgotten very quickly. (Tired + no time for ongoing memory & recall practice = blank mind.)
1. Start preparing for the test 4-5 weeks ahead if you can, or right away if you have less time than that, when test anxiety is still low. Think: I am preparing well ahead so that I can feel confident on test day that I am doing my best.
2. Study a little each day - as long as you are alert and do not feel anxious (usually because you are neglecting other things you have to do.).
3. Schedule your SAT study time each day, just like a class. That may mean you have to juggle the schedule for other important things you still need to do, BUT make your scheduling intentional so important things do not simply fall through the "I just did not have time to do it all" cracks.
4. If you walk into the test room relaxed (because you studied well in advance) and alert (because you slept well instead of cramming the night before) , you will do well.
Here are some global ideas to keep in mind to help you do your best on the Math SAT.
1. The math topics I suggest you should put emphasis on are the ones you already know best.
a. The courses you completed most recently.
b. Any maths you are studying now.
c. The maths you studied last year - do some refresher studying so you can recall Key facts from those courses. Tip: The basic theorems and concepts are the most likely to appear on the test. Examples: Algebra: factoring, graphing functions, square roots that are integers, such a SQRT(25) = + or - 5. Geometry: Basic types of plane figures and finding lengths of sides and sizes of angles, properties of parallel lines. Arithmetic: Common factors, operations involving negative numbers, ETC.
d. Same as c. for the maths you studied two years ago. This should go faster because it was more elementary and since then you probably have used many of the concepts you learned then.
e. Repeat c again for three years ago - as time permits.
2. You will find questions on topics you may not be familiar with at all. Don't FREAK OUT! This is NORMAL! The test is intended to cover a wide range of syllabi and levels of study, and NO ONE will know all all topics equally well. So, when you encounter a question that baffles you, read it and then go on. As others have advised, skip answering this question at first (but DO read it to put it inside your head- there are times when you can get CLUES from OTHER QUESTIONS in the SAME EXAM as to the answers to hard questions!)
3. About 2 weeks before the test, take a timed practice test. Give yourself the same amount of time as the real test allows. Limit yourself to the same restrictions as to calculator, breaks, notes, etc. Go through the routine of answering the easy ones first, and then going back for harder ones, as others have suggested. If you are getting within 10-15 minutes of the end and you have lots of unanswered questions, go back and GUESS at an answer for each.
4. After you complete this (Item 3) test, ask yourself if you need to adjust the average time spent on each question to give you a better shot at answering the more difficult ones. That is, did you spend more time on easier questions than you could have, leaving less time to rush through the harder ones? Can you come up with your personal "average time I should spend on an answerable question (one I know at least a little about)" so that each question gets a fair chance of a correct answer?
NOTE: If you think it will be useful to make you more sure of your timing strategy, and time permits, take another practice test under the same conditions and average the results.
5. In #3 and #4 we are trying to collect info to devise a time optimization strategy to focus at all times on what will give you the best score. Ideally you can go into the test saying, I will try to average XXX minutes/seconds for each question. At YY minutes before the end (based on your results of the practice exam) , I will go back to my remaining skipped questions and read them again. If I still don't have a clue, I will guess and move on. (Note this guessing approach works only when you are NOT penalized by having points deducted for as wrong answer. It has been a while since I took an SAT and there were no penalties back then, but read the instructions carefully to see if that still applies.)
6. Another tip: Be cautious about changing an answer once you have made your choice (except for pure guesses) - the odds are better that you made the right choice to begin with.
7. Final secret of success: Studying a little each day (or almost each day) always beats cramming for a test at the last minute. That is because the daily reinforcement will improve your recall a little bit each time it is exercised. On the other hand, at the end of a cram session, you and your brain are tired, and most of what you cram gets forgotten very quickly. (Tired + no time for ongoing memory & recall practice = blank mind.)
Bill recommends the following next steps:
Shelby Steuber
Teacher
66
Answers
LaBelle, Florida
Updated
Shelby’s Answer
Hi Aniya,
I have been studying to be a high school math teacher, so I've been working with students studying for the SAT and ACT. This is a bit more specific of an answer than the other responses, but I felt it might be helpful. One of the topics that stood out to me were properties related to trigonometry and geometry. Anything involving finding the area or the angle measurement of something. I would suggest looking at the properties of angles when parallel lines are cut by a transversal, introductory aspects of "SOH CAH TOA," formulas for both 2D shapes and 3D objects (and how those formulas are derived, because that will help you remember them!), and beginner geometry proofs. Hope this helps!
I have been studying to be a high school math teacher, so I've been working with students studying for the SAT and ACT. This is a bit more specific of an answer than the other responses, but I felt it might be helpful. One of the topics that stood out to me were properties related to trigonometry and geometry. Anything involving finding the area or the angle measurement of something. I would suggest looking at the properties of angles when parallel lines are cut by a transversal, introductory aspects of "SOH CAH TOA," formulas for both 2D shapes and 3D objects (and how those formulas are derived, because that will help you remember them!), and beginner geometry proofs. Hope this helps!
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Aniya,
Studying for the SAT can definitely be a daunting experience! Luckily, there are tons of books and online study guides that can help you prepare if you’re feeling unsure of yourself. There are even practice tests you can take to get a feel for the test.
Math was the scariest part for me when I took the SAT, also. The test will give you a mix of math question types - mostly multiple choice, but there will be some grid-in answers where you fill in your own answers. In some sections, you’re allowed to use a calculator, but in some sections you’re not so make sure you’re comfortable doing quick calculations for yourself. Study up on your algebra, data analysis/problem solving, geometry, and trigonometry. It’s also important for you to strategize while you’re taking the test. Sometimes simple skills like process of elimination can help you get through a question much more easily.
I’m a big fan of collegeboard.org as a starting place for students preparing for this exam. There are explanations of all of the different question types, study tips, practice questions, registration deadlines, and pretty much anything else you can think of relating to the SAT. I’ve posted some links below for you as well.
Good luck with your studying!
Check out https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
Here is the math section: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/math
Studying for the SAT can definitely be a daunting experience! Luckily, there are tons of books and online study guides that can help you prepare if you’re feeling unsure of yourself. There are even practice tests you can take to get a feel for the test.
Math was the scariest part for me when I took the SAT, also. The test will give you a mix of math question types - mostly multiple choice, but there will be some grid-in answers where you fill in your own answers. In some sections, you’re allowed to use a calculator, but in some sections you’re not so make sure you’re comfortable doing quick calculations for yourself. Study up on your algebra, data analysis/problem solving, geometry, and trigonometry. It’s also important for you to strategize while you’re taking the test. Sometimes simple skills like process of elimination can help you get through a question much more easily.
I’m a big fan of collegeboard.org as a starting place for students preparing for this exam. There are explanations of all of the different question types, study tips, practice questions, registration deadlines, and pretty much anything else you can think of relating to the SAT. I’ve posted some links below for you as well.
Good luck with your studying!
Alison recommends the following next steps:
Neil Hamilton
Mechanical Engineer
1
Answer
New York, NY
Updated
Neil’s Answer
I am a mechanical engineer of average intelligence who works hard and is creative. I found test taking skills to be just as important as knowledge. Answer all the easy questions FIRST, skipping the hard ones for later. Answer the next hardest and so on.
Using THIS book certainly helped me get a 680 Math and 680 verbal score back in 1984. Get Barrons SAT premium book with 7 practice test and TAKE THE PRACTICE TESTS.
Take a couple ibuprofen before the test to stave off the stress headache and for Gods sake get a good nights sleep the night before.
Using THIS book certainly helped me get a 680 Math and 680 verbal score back in 1984. Get Barrons SAT premium book with 7 practice test and TAKE THE PRACTICE TESTS.
Take a couple ibuprofen before the test to stave off the stress headache and for Gods sake get a good nights sleep the night before.
Sayrin Kang
4
Answers
Oakton, Virginia
Updated
Sayrin’s Answer
Before anything else, I would take a free practice test and mark the questions/topics that you are not sure about. Then, if you are able to purchase a SAT prep book and/or borrow it from a library, I would try to study the prep books as they have specific sections going over different topics. Even if you are not able to get your hands on a prep book, there are plenty of resources online where the SAT prep is focused on different topics. I think that finding the areas you are weak in an working specifically on improving your performance in those areas is the best strategy.