Using Your Time Efficiently to Raise Your SAT Math Score

In this article I will emphasize the best ways to use your time as efficiently as possible. Take note of the list below. Review this list once every couple of weeks - if you do not, you risk forgetting some useful tips in this article.

(1) Make sure you are familiar with the test: Learn all of the directions long before taking the test, and make sure that you are familiar with the layout of the test. In particular, there are three math sections (as you know), each a different length, and there are two different types of questions - multiple choice and grid-ins. SAT math tests four major subject areas - number theory, algebra and functions, geometry, and probability and statistics. The questions roughly increase in difficulty level throughout each section, and each question is worth the same amount of credit. There is a guessing penalty for getting a multiple choice question wrong so it's best to guess on these questions only if you can eliminate at least one answer choice. You can use a calculator on the SAT - I always recommend using a TI-84, or a graphing calculator that is comparable to this one.

(2) Memorize all relevant math formulas: There is a short list of formulas that you should commit to memory as soon as you begin your SAT math preparation. For starters, memorize the formulas that are given to you on the SAT - no need to waste time looking these up when you can just commit them to memory in a very short time.

(3) Learn SAT specific strategies: You should be learning two to three strategies each week for a period of three to four months before taking your SAT.

(4) Practice SAT math problems ten to twenty minutes per day: Each day you should learn one new strategy, or quickly review one that you already know. Then choose one of the four subject areas to focus on. Spend half your study session trying new SAT math problems, and the second half redoing problems you have previously gotten wrong. It is very important that you are focusing on questions that are at and slightly above your current ability level.

(5) Practice tests should be done in moderation: Taking practice tests is NOT the most effective way to improve your SAT math score. Some students prepare by doing practice test after practice test, but their score shows little to no improvement because they are violating the basic principles established in point (4) above. The purpose of practice tests is to make sure that you are implementing the strategies you have learned correctly under timed conditions. If you are going for an 800 or near perfect score, then watch this video for details on how to take these practice tests (as well as the actual SAT) the best way. You should take at least four practice SATs before test day, about one per month. These tests should all be actual SATs or at least tests created by The College Board. Make sure you time these tests correctly, and score them yourself using the formula c - w/4, where c is the number of questions you got correct, and w is the number of multiple choice questions you got wrong.

(6) Break bad patterns: If your score is not improving as you would hope there is usually a simple explanation. If you find yourself making a lot of "careless errors," then you need to ask yourself if you are dismissing these questions too quickly. If you are struggling with the last few questions at the end of each math section, then watch this video. Are you redoing questions that you got wrong? Failing to do so will keep you from showing any major improvement. Make sure that you keep redoing the problems you get wrong until you can get them right on your own without messing up at all.

 
Best of luck,