Tutor Yourself #8: The Math Section
The SAT and ACT have slightly different math sections, but the bulk of the strategy is the same for both: learn the content, learn the question types, learn the tips and tricks.
Actually, you’ll see this as a theme in all the sections. Learning the content can get you to a 1200. Learning the question types can get you from a 1200 to a 1400, but only if you know the content. Learning the tips and tricks can give anyone a boost, but is most important for students wanting to get a 1400 to a 1500.
The content. First, you have to know the math that’s on the test. Most students preparing for these tests have learned all of the content, but need to brush up on some little details, like the rules for exponents or SOHCAHTOA.
Take a look at a practice test you’ve taken. Look through every single math question. Do you know all of the math on the test? Do you know how to do that problem algebraically, even if you guess-and-checked your way to the correct answer? Do you remember how to do that thing with special right triangles? Are you comfortable with all of the math topics listed on the SAT or ACT website?
If you have any gaps in content, address those first. Pick up an old textbook, dig out your binder from freshman year, or ask your math teacher to help. Learn the math first, because many of the tips and tricks won’t work if you don’t have the content down.
If, at any point in your studying or practice test-taking, you find a math problem you don’t know how to do, stop and learn the content.
The only exception is the set of topics that only appear occasionally, like operations on matrices or Law of Sines. It is helpful to know these things, but unless you are scoring 1500+, you are better off spending your time studying question types that appear more frequently.
The question types. Question types tend to repeat. Both tests offer similar questions over, and over, and over again. It’s what makes the tests standardized.
Learn the different types of questions. You can find the information scattered around the internet or in books.
Learn how to recognize the different types of questions. Sometimes triangle questions don’t have any triangles on the page. Sometimes graphing questions are hiding behind algebra questions.
Learn how to approach the different types of questions. Whenever you see a triangle question, you should run through the same set of thoughts (What information do I know? Is it a right triangle? Are there other similar or congruent triangles? Etc.).
Learn the tricks they like to throw at you. Once you solve for x, are you done with the problem, or do you have to find y? If you can identify the tricks, you can beat them.
Learn the common hard questions. The SAT loves to give you a circle inscribed in a square or a square inscribed in a circle. These questions are often solved in similar ways each time.
Tips and tricks.
Learn how to do grid-in questions on the SAT. They are often easier than the previous questions. There are sometimes multiple correct answers for a question. Don’t lose points on incorrect bubbling.
Process of elimination is always helpful. Sometimes you don’t know how to do a problem but can eliminate the negative answers. Do what you can to improve your odds of a correct guess.
Learn your formulas for the ACT. Get familiar with the formulas given to you on the SAT.
Make sure your favorite calculator is allowed on test day. If it’s not, make another calculator your favorite.
Next up: The English Section