Hey everyone,
Let’s be real. The SAT math section can be intimidating. Maybe you feel like you know the concepts but still make careless mistakes, or maybe you run out of time. I get it. I used to be there too. I didn't get a perfect 800 on my first try. It took a lot of strategic practice.
The good news? SAT math isn't about being a genius. It's about being prepared and having a clear game plan. I’m going to share the five best strategies that helped me lock in that perfect score, so you can do the same.
1. Should You Memorize Formulas, or Just Use the Reference Sheet?
The SAT provides a formula sheet, but you shouldn't rely on it. You'll waste precious seconds flipping back and forth, and that's a killer for your pacing.
· When to use the reference sheet: Only for formulas you genuinely don't use often, like those for volumes of specific 3D shapes.
· How to maximize it: Make your own "cheat sheet" of the key formulas you need to memorize. Review it daily until they're second nature. The more formulas you have in your head, the faster you'll solve problems.
2. How Can You Stop Making Careless Mistakes?
Careless mistakes are the biggest reason people lose points on the SAT math section. You know how to solve the problem, but you make a tiny error, a sign wrong, a number misread, and suddenly your score drops.
· How to maximize it: After every practice test, create a "mistake log." I used a simple spreadsheet. For every wrong answer, write down:
-The question number
-The type of mistake (careless error, content gap, timing issue)
-The correct solution
-One sentence on how you'll avoid this mistake next time.
· When to use it: This log is your study Bible. Before every practice session, review your mistakes. This active learning approach is way more effective than just doing more problems.
3. Why Is Your Calculator So Important?
The Digital SAT lets you use a calculator on the entire math section, but that doesn't mean you should. Sometimes, solving a problem mentally is faster and less prone to data entry errors. The built-in Desmos calculator is a game-changer, but you need to know how to use it properly.
· When to use a calculator: For complex calculations, graphing functions, and checking your work. For example, if you have a quadratic equation, you can quickly graph it to find the roots and verify your algebraic solution.
· When to go manual: For simple arithmetic or problems where you can easily find a common denominator or factor. Using a calculator for these will just slow you down.
· How to maximize it: Before test day, get incredibly familiar with the Desmos calculator. Learn its shortcuts and key features. You can practice with it for free on the official Bluebook app.
4. How Do You Manage Your Time Effectively?
Time is your most valuable resource. You can know every math concept in the world, but if you don't finish the section, it won't matter.
· How to maximize it: Practice every single test under timed conditions. Don't pause the clock. If you get stuck on a problem for more than 60-90 seconds, mark it and move on. The goal is to get all the easy and medium questions right first. You can always come back to the hard ones if you have time left over at the end.
· When to use this strategy: This is crucial for every practice test you take. Train yourself to be comfortable skipping questions and returning to them.
5. Where Should You Focus Your Prep Time?
Don't just do random problems. The SAT math section has four main content areas: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics.
· How to maximize it: After analyzing your practice tests, double down on the content areas where you're weakest. If you're consistently missing questions on "Problem Solving and Data Analysis," dedicate a week to that topic alone. Use Khan Academy or a trusted prep book to drill those concepts.
· When to use this: This targeted approach is most effective once you've taken a few practice tests and have a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
Following these strategies will turn your SAT math prep from a marathon of random problem-solving into a strategic, targeted effort. Good luck!
