The SAT exam format has transformed over the years. The latest modifications have significantly transitioned from a traditional pen-and-paper format to a digital one. Whatever the format is, high school students have always strived to excel in SAT exams and get admission to their dream college. Historically, the Math section has been one of the most daunting portions of the SAT.
While Practicing for the exam, the math section appears to be nerve-wracking. Yet, It is a core section, and you must approach it tactfully. However, to help you succeed, we’ve curated 10 game-changing SAT math strategies to boost your performance and amplify your chances of scoring well in your exams.
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1. Understand the SAT Format
| Subject | Time allotted(minutes) | No. of questions |
| Reading and Writing | 64 ( 32 minutes for each module) | 54 |
| Math | 70 (32 minutes for each module) | 44 |
| Total | 134 | 98 |
First thing first, familiarize yourself with the SAT format before diving into SAT math practice. The exam format consists of three main parts: Reading, Writing, and Maths. The total time allotted for the test is 2 hr. 14 mins. You will have 64 minutes to complete the reading and writing section and 70 minutes for the math section. To cover all sections, It’s essential to plan your time wisely.
As stated earlier, the 70-minute math part comprises 44 questions, of which 25 percent are multiple-choice and 35 percent are student-produced responses. One advantage of multiple-choice questions is that there is no negative marking for guesswork, which can be a blessing in disguise to the students.
Furthermore, the section covers four main categories: algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. Therefore, the critical component is managing your time to complete all sections. To do so, you must be disciplined to manage time constraints. During SAT practice tests, ensure your pace effectively.
2. Creating Study Schedule
Setting fair and achievable goals is a crucial SAT Math strategy. It allows you to focus on your strengths and manage your time effectively. Start by identifying the categories where you have the most expertise and allocate time for those portions first. Then, organize your study time for other topics accordingly.
Apply this same strategy to the Math section, kick off with problems you’re confident in solving. Create a study schedule that syncs with your learning style and daily routine. You can explore free study schedule templates on Canva or create your custom plan. Consistency is crucial in your study sessions. Remember, mastery can’t be attained overnight. Practice more often and persistently until you’ve honed your skills. Additionally, start your exam preparation well in advance to ensure ample time for revision.
3. Utilizing SAT Practice Tests
One of the most effective SAT tips for the math’s section is to take practice tests to become acquainted with the exam format. SAT practice tests allow you to analyze your current preparation level and find areas for improvement. When taking tests, set a timer to replicate actual exam settings and comply with time limits for each section. Nonetheless, regular practice enables you to:
- Monitor your performance over time
- Identify your shortcomings
- Review and learn from your mistakes
- Improve your time management skills
- Enhance your performance
Furthermore, you can join study groups’ online forums to connect with peers, gauge your performance, and discuss the tricky parts of the exam. Conversely, you can use online resources for practice tests to further access and refine your skills.
4. Mastering SAT Math Problem-Solving Techniques
The ideal method for mastering SAT math section is to boost your skills in problem-solving techniques. Here are some of the powerful tips and tricks to follow:
- Familiarise yourself with common mistakes – practice consistently until you reach perfection in the SAT math section. Focus intensively on where you make mistakes and strive to learn from them. Doing so will familiarise you with common pitfalls and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Learn to check work systematically: review your work thoroughly from top to bottom, after completing practice tests. Check out those areas that need improvement, Observe and learn from mistakes, and focus on topics that require more effort.
- Breaking down complex problems – adapt to a strategic approach when you’re practicing the math section. Take up with questions you’re confident in answering before dealing with complex problems. This method allows one to master time management skills.
5. Identifying Weak Points
Review your practice test to pinpoint the areas where you face more hurdles. As a result, you can cover up your weak points and practice those areas to gear up for your exam.
6. Use Elimination Method
Don’t dwell upon the questions you’re unsure about. Instead, skip them and move to the next question. Start by eliminating wrong choices and focus on the remaining portions. Besides, use logical reasoning to rule out unlikely answers, allowing you to consider the correct answer. Flag difficult questions and return to them later.
7. Get Adapted with Calculator Functionalities
The digital SAT has a built-in DESMOS calculator, yet students are permitted to carry their calculators. However, it’s important to ensure that your calculator is functioning well and complies with college board regulations. If you fail to abide by these guidelines you’ll be disqualified from using your preferred calculator during the test. On the other hand, the test includes a 25-minute no-calculator section and a 55-minute calculator section. Therefore, you must practice with and without a calculator before the exam.
8. Time Management
The Best way to prepare for the SAT math section is to learn how to manage time. Giving a mock test is crucial; setting a strict time limit is equally essential. Therefore, this allows you to gauge how long it takes to solve each type of question and accordingly helps you adjust your strategy to answer within a stipulated time. By refining your speed, you’ll be better equipped for actual exams.
This approach helps you manage time and makes you accustomed to the pressure of time conditions. Additionally, timed mock tests will reveal which area takes you the longest, allowing you to focus on improving your speed in those sections.
9.Consider Drawing Graphs and Diagrams
This technique is the most effective for mastering SAT math test-taking strategy, and it includes leveraging visual diagrams available in digital format. When practising, prioritise analyzing these visuals by labelling them with relevant values in the questions. If the diagram is not provided, you can draw your own. This method minimizes errors and clarifies connections between values, boosting problem-solving ability.
10. Staying Calm and Focused
It is natural to freak out before exams, But letting it overwhelm you can hamper your performance and shake your confidence. Instead, try to stay calm and follow these simple tips:
- Techniques for managing test anxiety – to combat test anxiety, practice deep breathing to relax your muscles or practice mindful meditation. Another helpful method is taking a deep breath and noticing things around you, like a cup or table, to bring your mind to the present movement and instantly reduce rapid heartbeat or sweating. Besides, you can place your palm on your chest and say positive affirmations like “I’ll crack the test and score well in the exam.” This will trick your mind and boost your confidence
- Importance of taking breaks—Incorporating frequent breaks during your study session is vital to reduce stress. Short breaks allow your brain to rest and rejuvenate, helping to prevent burnout. Moreover, engaging in light physical exercise during these breaks can further reduce stress and boost concentration in study.
- Developing a positive mindset—Adopting a positive mindset will significantly impact your performance. As mentioned earlier, practice positive affirmations and avoid negative self-talk. Moreover, watching motivating YouTube videos can be an excellent way to boost your confidence and stay inspired.
- Ensure Adequate Sleep— Adequate sleep is essential for optimizing brain function and emotional regulation. Focus on 7 to 9 hours of sleep before your exams to reduce stress and anxiety. Besides, taking short naps of 10 to 15 minutes during your study time can help revitalize your mind when feeling overwhelmed.
Hence, achieving success is not a one-time task; you must focus and practice regularly. Remember, practice makes man perfect! Hope, these strategies help you in Mastering SAT math section.
So, are you ready to take your SAT preparation to the next level? Check out Highscores.ai our comprehensive SAT exam guide and start practising today. Stay tuned for more such posts!
