<p>I've taken the SAT twice and my math score is killing me! </p>
<p>Critical Reading:660
Math:500
Writing:680</p>
<p>as you can see, math KILLED my chances of reaching my goal of selective schools. I'm confident I can get CR and Writing section into the 700+ range, but I want to give up on math at this point. How can I improve my math score for next time aroud, are there any specific formulas repeated on every test that i should know or techniques to use?</p>
<p>Update: I got my Math ACT Scores back and still didn’t fair to well…
Math - 21</p>
<p>Just do more exercise. Sat has similar math questions.</p>
<p>Hey Stan,</p>
<p>I am a former math-phobe myself. My scores never matched my potential when I was in HS and college. This was likely due to my attitude toward math and my math abilities and to my inability to look at the SAT math problems as different than the math problems I was used to doing in the classroom. Once I changed these two things, math became so much easier for me, and it is honestly my favorite part of the SAT now. I could write a whole book on how to do better on the math section (oh wait–I did. I still crack myself up), but you have to start with breaking down these two mental blocks. First, start thinking positively about math and your ability to succeed. Positive thinking is so underrated when it comes to the SAT. Second, you have set aside most of your classroom solution strategies to do well on the SAT. For example, if you find yourself reaching for your calculator to do anything other than add, subtract, multiply, or divide, you are likely being led on a wild goose chase. I am a big proponent of practicing without a calculator so that you can break your dependence on it. The College Board knows how students are taught to solve problems and they deliberately write problems that rely on these classroom strategies, when an easier, more efficient solution exists. Looking at the questions–especially the more difficult medium and hard ones–as mini-puzzles has really helped me change my solution strategies. After all, it’s a reasoning test, so students who are strong in verbal skills can learn to apply their reasoning skills to the math questions. The ACT does not allow you to do that. It tests those classroom strategies you’ve used for so long. </p>
<p>For required formulas and info, check out these flash cards: [PowerScore</a> SAT Preparation | Live Classes, Private Tutoring, and Publications](<a href=“http://www.powerscore.com/satmathbible/content_flashcards.cfm]PowerScore”>http://www.powerscore.com/satmathbible/content_flashcards.cfm). </p>
<p>Once you find a good math book to help you study, and you isolate your weaknesses, you can use our Blue Book Database to find questions that test your skills in these areas: [PowerScore</a> SAT Preparation | Live Classes, Private Tutoring, and Publications](<a href=“http://www.powerscore.com/satmathbible/content_bluebook.cfm]PowerScore”>http://www.powerscore.com/satmathbible/content_bluebook.cfm).</p>
<p>Best of luck to you in your studies!</p>
<p>(1) Learn SAT specific math strategies. If you don’t know these, then you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage. For example, if you find yourself doing algebra or complicated computations, then you are not optimizing your score.
(2) Practice SAT math problems 10 to 20 minutes per night. This will maximize your retention and keep you from burning out.
(3) Redo every problem you get wrong OVER and OVER and OVER again (a few days apart each time) until you can get the question correct ON YOUR OWN.
(4) Practice problems of the appropriate level (in your case you should focus mostly on Level 3 and 4 problems).
(5) Practice tests should be taken just a few times to make sure you are applying all the right strategies under timed conditions, and to make sure you are familiar with the structure of the test. This is NOT the time that you are actively improving your score.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>I used Dr John Chung’s SAT Math to raise my score from 660 to 800</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions, I will be sure to use them!</p>
<p>Jebh that’s an amazing improvement!</p>
<p>keep practicing! I went from a 680 to a 780 by just practicing :)</p>
<p>@jebhogiaye
I’ve been using Dr. Chung’s book, but I really don’t see it helping me at all. I am scoring around 690. How do you feel it is helping?</p>