Preparing for SAT is already a difficult task, and then the math section in it takes away most of the energy. But don’t worry – I have just what you need – a quick guide to help you ace the SAT Math section.
1. Identify your weaknesses and work on them
Many students, while prepping for the SAT Test, already know their weak areas. But that isn’t your goal here. You must not only identify where your weaknesses lie but also work on them actively.
For example, if time management is a struggle for you, keep track of time when you sit down to study or take a mock exam. Keep a stopwatch or alarm clock next to you. On the other hand, if retaining formulae is where you mess up, keep writing them down again and again and apply them to the sums given to you.
Focusing on your weaknesses might not sound like an appealing idea because nobody wants to face their fears. But when you’re preparing for a major exam like the SAT, this is your best bet. Keep practicing your strengths but never ignore your weak areas.
2. Digest the maths syllabus
Before appearing or preparing for any test, you should know what you are getting yourself into. SAT math section is quite dissimilar to the maths you have practiced in your school’s math class.
The syllabus can contain chapters that you have learned ages ago or never even heard about, including:
- Absolute value
- Linear functions
- System of linear equations
- Single variable equations
- System of equations with nonlinear equations
- Functional notation
- Exponential equations
- Exponential functions
- Manipulating polynomials
- Dividing polynomials
- Quadric equations
- Data analysis and problem-solving
- Experimental interpretation
- Scatterplots and graphs
- Ratios and proportions
- Medan, median, mode, standard deviation
- Categorical data and probabilities
- Coordinate geometry: lines and slopes
- Coordinate geometry: nonlinear functions
- Geometry: circles
- Geometry: Lines and angles
- Geometry: solid geometry
- Geometry: triangles and polygons
- Trigonometry
- Complex numbers
This list does not include all the topics that will appear in your SAT math section. Make sure you research more and practice more on chapters that you’re unfamiliar with.
3. Take SAT Mock tests
The more you will practice high-quality SAT mock tests; the more chances are you will ace the math section.
But you should ensure you are not using substandard practice sets or study materials. Or else it can hamper your whole preparation.
However, make sure you try to take full-length SATs in one setting. This will give you a real-time experience of the real test.
4. Work on the questions backward
This is a very popular strategy used by multiple students. However, in this technique, you must work around the existing answers.
To try this, select one answer from the options. The chances of picking the correct one on the first go are 15%. Then, calculate the whole math backwardly just by using the answer.
Don’t use this technique for variables, frictions, or radicals because it can confuse you. Instead, while choosing answers, narrow down the number of options by selecting solutions more likely to be accurate. For example, if you think options b and c are too high or too low for the math problem, cut them and focus on options a and d.
This will save a lot of time.
5. Retain important formulas and mathematical facts
If you apply math formulas with the help of your formula book, you are wasting valuable time.
Buddy, you need to memorize all the necessary formulas and mathematical facts – there’s no way around it. You can’t go back to your shelf every time the question requires you to apply a formula.
6. Get a tutor
Let’s be honest- math is a major problem for most students in the world. No matter how much you practice, you can’t seem to get the hang of sums, right? If this is the case with you, then it’s best to appoint a tutor or some coaching.
Not only will a good tutor help you to identify your mistakes, but it will also save you a lot of time from repeating them. Nowadays, you won’t even have to walk to a physical classroom to be taught; there are numerous online coaching platforms to help you.
7. Have faith in yourself
Lastly, one of the most essential tools you can arm yourself with is your self-confidence. Make sure it never falters, even when your mock test scores are below your expectations.
If you don’t have enough faith in yourself, no amount of practice will help you to overcome your fears. Know that you’re capable of scoring well.
Over to you…
Apart from this, the secret mantra to ace the math section in SAT is to practice rigorously from suitable sources.
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