<p>First, to anyone who scores above a 650 in SAT math, I envy you. Really, I do. My problem is that I don't know how to actually SOLVE the math problems. I think this is due to me taking Algebra II in 8th grade instead of 10th grade. I took Geometry during 9th grade, and know how to do most of the geometry problems correctly. The issue is mostly probability and algebra. Yet, I know how to do all the concepts that are considered basic (factoring, exponents, functions, equations, etc.) so I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I take lots of practice tests, as well. The SAT tests up to Algebra II and Geometry, which I've taken, so school isn't going to help me. Anyway, to the point, I was just asking for some advice pretaining to what I have to do at this point. I have this remaining summer left, and the next summer before my SAT (I'm a rising sophomore). It's not possible to study during the school year due to my busy academic schedule. The books I already have are:</p>
<p>The blue book, which I will save for last.
Gruber's Complete SAT Math Guide, which I'm working on.
Kaplan's Math, which I will start after Gruber's, and
Barron's Math, which is for after Kaplan. </p>
<p>I may use Dr. Chung's if I improve to a decent score. If it's of any help, my current math score is 570. </p>
<p>So, what should I do at this point?
Thanks so much for reading and any help!</p>
<p>Hi! My first ever math score was a 460 on the PSAT. I’ve honestly never been good at math, except in classes where I’d get As, but we all know that’s plausible without being super smart.However, I never had the knack. I retook my PSAT junior year and got a 560 just by attending class. This March I took the actual SAT and got 590, with some studying, but not much. These past two weeks I’ve been insanely studying like 4 hours daily (2-3 on weekends). I purchased:
BB, PWN The SAT and found some DVDs in the library by Video Aided Instruction. I’ve closely followed PWN The SAT by doing their examples and then going to the BB to do the recommended problems. I still haven’t finished that book or the DVD and I’m greatly improving. Before all this I also reviewed the math concepts in Grubers complete SAT 2009 (PDF in google) since my knowledge was so minuscule. Point is, yesterday I took my first complete math prac test in two weeks and my score was 670!! Just keep working, I also suggest you make a chart with a few problems (works great with PWN the sat since they provide one for you) and keep track of whether or not you got it right, then go back in about 3 days and try to redo the wrong ones. Also keep track of all your scores. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Wow, aares1! That’s a significant improvement! So it seems that PWN The SAT can really help. I’ll be sure to get it. </p>
<p>jaminjuni, thanks for the links! I already knew about Khan Academy, and I’ve got to agree, they’re great! I’ll be sure to watch the videos on SATHabit, as well. </p>
<p>You might want to read my articles on “the correct way to prepare for SAT math,” and “stop making careless errors in SAT math.” They’re posted at least a couple times on this forum.</p>
<p>Thanks! I think you shouldn’t for like the first and second test. Take your time and learn to view patterns, that helps so much. Then you can time yourself.</p>
<p>Just to expand on what aares said I would recommend taking between 4 and 6 timed tests, roughly one every 3 to 4 weeks. This is definately enough to make sure you are applying strategies correctly under timed conditions (this is in the article, but I just thought I’d stress it here).</p>
<p>I definately recommend saving the first 3 tests from the 2nd edition blue book for timed practice tests - these are the only 3 actual SATs.</p>
<p>wow! this is great. thank you so much for the advice and links! i love math, but my sat score doesnt seem to show it. are there any links for good pratice tests i can take weekly? i mostly used up my bb.</p>