An Anomaly in the System

<p>Well... you see, I'm kind of a brute when it comes to math. I have never been very good at math and I slept during my Algebra and Geometry classes, or read books instead. While most people tend to do a lot better in the math sections than in the verbal, I am the opposite and get great scores in verbal, but horrible ones in Math. So my question is, what can I do to improve my math scores and cram all the information that I didn't learn in my 4 year high school carreer in 40 days? I'm taking the April 1st test, and I'm determined to start studying tomorrow, the 19th of February. I have the blue book and I have ordered the Kaplan and Princeton Review books. My plan is to do one math section from a random book each day. That will give me about 500 hours of math practice before I actually do the test. Is this enough? What else do you recommend I do?</p>

<p>My practice scores thus far have been:
750 writing
700 critical reading (I can improve this)
530 Math
Total: 1980</p>

<p>If I raise my math to 650, I'd have a 2100... a lot better than a 1980.</p>

<p>As you can see, my math score is waaaay lower than the other two. I have the CR and Writing practically perfected, but I am in desperate need of improving my math skills, especially my arithmetic. Any tips from some of you math wizzes?</p>

<p>This is my full study schedule for the next 40 days:</p>

<p>February</p>

<p>19: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>20-25: Math sections each day</p>

<p>26: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>27-31: Math sections each day</p>

<p>March</p>

<p>1-4: Math sections each day</p>

<p>5: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>6-11: Math sections each day</p>

<p>12: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>13-18: Math sections each day</p>

<p>19: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>20-25: Math sections each day</p>

<p>26: Full Practice Test</p>

<p>27-31: Math sections each day</p>

<p>April</p>

<p>1: Real Test</p>

<p>What do you think? Effective? My opinion is that if I manage to take this seriously and discipline myself to complete the schedule as stated, my math score may increase up to 200 points.</p>

<p>I'm planning to take the May test too, so that may give me some extra studying time if I am not satisfied with my April 1st score.</p>

<p>You can pull it off as long as you have some aptitude for math.</p>

<p>Well I have some... but not much. :p</p>

<p>I'm generally good with algebra and geometry. I'm lacking in arithmetic.</p>

<p>Do this.</p>

<p>Get all the geometry theorems and algebra theorems on a piece of paper, and study it intently. Try to learn the connections and see how one can connect to others: i.e.</p>

<p>-Pythagorean theorem and volume of a circle: given a triangle inside a circle whose hypotenuse is equal to the diameter, find the area.</p>

<p>Make up problems yourself, and learn one VERY important concept:</p>

<p>-Review all your work. Regardless of mathematical knowledge, stupid mistakes will kill someone. I have had a 750+ on the Math Ic since about freshman year, but can't get an 800 because I lack focus, and I'm normally sick on the test days =(.</p>

<p>Good tips. :) I'll give them a try. I have no trouble with concentrating. I have a talent for focussing on the most boring of tasks.</p>

<p>
[quote]
and I'm normally sick on the test days =(.

[/quote]

That must suck... really badly. Must be the stress.</p>

<p>Your school might also offer SAT-prep programs specifically for math that will cover the material needed; I know that my school has a program like that.</p>

<p>Just make sure that you go back and learn how to do the problems that you missed or skipped...</p>

<p>Nope, bad luck.</p>

<p>For SAT II's I ate ribs the night before, and they were bad...... =(. Stomach virus/cramps throughout the test.</p>

<p>Stress doesn't affect me simply because I no longer really care about much, or I've become used to nothing but stressful situations like</p>

<p>Writing 2 VERY important papers for IB English Higher Level 1 week before it is due that will determine whether I pass/fail the six weeks, and get the diploma. (My school has 100% success for 4 years now and they mean to keep it so the classes are absurdly hard)</p>

<p>while</p>

<p>-training for a martial arts sparring match the following weekend
-doing a 15 page math report
-physics lab on general relativity</p>

<p>etc lol.......</p>

<p>It is quite funny.</p>

<p>The math reasoning test is hard to study for because it involves what is stated reasoning. There aren't any formulas needed to solve, just problem solving skills.</p>

<p>But you still have to have a basic skills and knowledge for Alg, Geo, and some Alg. II to get through it.</p>

<p>
[quote]
The math reasoning test is hard to study for because it involves what is stated reasoning. There aren't any formulas needed to solve, just problem solving skills.

[/quote]

I'm a good puzzle solver, I have extensive reasoning abilities, but I get tied down in the technicalities of math. With this in mind, I might not have a problem with raising my score if I actually learn the different equations and patterns of operation in the SAT. </p>

<p>I took the practice test twice. The first time, I received a 480 math, and the second time, a 530. It's steadily increasing, even though I haven't really practiced any math nor am I taking a math course in school (i dropped out of my senior math class). </p>

<p>So, if I continue to study and actually put an effort on teaching myself what teachers failed to teach me for four years (hehe... funny story about how I passed the geometry final), then I might actually have a chance at the 600s, and maybe, just maybe, at the 700s. Wish me luck! And if you don't mind, I want to use this topic so that some of you guys can help me decipher the mysteries of my left brain. :p</p>

<p>"Review all your work. Regardless of mathematical knowledge, stupid mistakes will kill someone."</p>

<p>There really aren't stupid mistakes they are more like reckless mistakes. (Read Rocket Review). Sephi is giving you good advice though, just make sure you totally understand how to do every single problem in the blue book and you will improve drammatically.</p>