<p>I been practicing Math sections for a long time, but in every section I fall for one or two tricks. This is usually in the middle of the section, and these mistakes are absolutely STUPID.
But I can't seem to detect the trick in the wording of the question, or what the trick in the question as a whole is.</p>
<p>What do I do?</p>
<p>I had same problem. I got 700 because of that even though I am relatively good at math. What I did for Oct in order to get 800 - finish everything (but make sure you arent pushing yourself) in about 15 minutes for 25 min section and 13 minutes for 20 min section, then double check through EVERY problem. If you can't manage to do that, spend more time on reading your question</p>
<p>yea.......i sometimes end up doing that too...........but i like the idea of finishing it early and then double checking.......</p>
<p>^ I agree. I'll try that method, even though I'm absolutely terrible with the time. Does anyone have any tips for time on the Critical Reading and Math sections? Because I'm so slow, I end up leaving from 5 - 8 questions blank. What should I do? Thanks!</p>
<p>I finished EVERY section on the test in half the given time. That gave me tons of time to double check. You have to practice, practice, practice to get that fast.</p>
<p>Thank you people for the great advice.</p>
<p>That's pretty good advice.</p>
<p>I'm good in math but I tend to overcheck my work. Usually overchecking works, if there's no time limit. However, on the SAT you've got to work fast. I got a 730 score, and missed three questions due to lack of time, which means I got maybe one wrong answer of those I had the time to do.</p>
<p>That's good advice: Work quickly and then check. However, you must be sure you're good to pull this off, you've got to be reliable and fast. You don't want to see all your answers are wrong when checking.</p>
<p>haha ^ the last thing you said made me laugh</p>
<p>anyone have stories of improving + 100 points on math?
i hope to get in the 700 range this time, i got a 680 last.</p>
<p>I got a 800 on the October SAT even though I would get 700-750's on practice tests. What really helped me get that score was one piece of advice: underline/circle what the answer is.</p>
<p>For example, if I get something like x = 3 + y and y = 5, solve for 2x. I would underline the 2x. I made a LOT of careless mistakes all the time because I thought I was a supergenius at math, but this helped me get rid of some/most of them. Even if you think it's a super obvious and easy question, do it anyway.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>I got an 780 on the October SAT. I took every test in the bluebook, 3-4 from barrons, and some from my prep place and my math score NEVER went above 730. This was extremely fustrating for me because I could do virtually every problem but somehow end up bubbling the wrong answer.</p>
<p>The 780 for me more or less was a miracle...considering my average in practice testing was 690M. You could attribute luck to it, but the number one tip I have is just to be attentive and focused. Don't start working on the question without first reading it completely: Know exactly what they're asking for. Underline if you must. Cross check answers whenever possible.</p>
<p>I admire collegeboard for their ability to create simple math tests that trump those who have passed through calculus in high school. The math section I've discovered is more critical thinking and reasoning than actual math.</p>
<p>Focus focus focus. And best of luck to you.</p>
<p>To avoid bubbling the wrong answer, circle all your answers (every section) in the book with a pencil and then bubble them in groups of 5. Saves time and doesn't break concentration esp. on the reading when you have to look over, down, back to test, find place, start reading again.</p>
<p>Make sure you are using the formulas correctly. I'm almost sure I missed one of the math questions last October because I needed to calculate the area of a square and by mistake I divided the area by two (I got mixed up with the formula for the area of a triangle). This is really a stupid mistake that focus can avoid.</p>