I keep scoring really low on the math section of the SAT (lower than 600), and I really need a way to improve that score before the next august SAT. I’m currently using Khan Academy and the SAT prep book but I was wondering if there were any tricks/tips that have helped you in the past in improving your score.
Thanks:)
Okay, so first and foremost, I am going to recommend that you do not use Khan Academy. Most of the problems on there do not resemble the problems on the test, let alone the topics and difficulty levels. I also used Khan Academy while I was prepping…until I came across a differential calculus problem. This was a few days before my SAT. I was not well prepared for it, but I scored a 720 because I knew how to manage my time.
I will be retaking the SAT in August and right now I’m using the Princeton Review book and a tutoring program. Both aid me with strategies, tips, and tricks, as well as hundreds of practice problems. My latest score on the SAT math section was a 780.
By no means do I recommend that you enroll in a tutoring center. Most are very expensive, especially the ones that guarantee a 150+ point increase. If you think it will be useful and you can afford it, gladly join a program. To be honest, my program has been helping me.
Please PM me for tips and tricks, I think I know a few that will help you. I can also help you out with certain topics if necessary. The internet is an amazing resource as well.
Best of luck.
Before any prep, I tested out at 1370 on the PSAT.
I started using the collegeboard practice and consistently climbed into the high 1400s and plateaued.
My tutor put me on kaplan, which didnt simulate any SAT or ACT tests, but made me dig deeper into the tougher questions. I would hit anywhere between 1350 to 1550 on the next set of Kaplan practice tests.
My first try with SAT 1520. So from 1370 PSAT to 1520 SAT in a span of 6 months. 770 on math was the highest I ever tested even during practice.
So it is possible, but gotta dig your nose in it. I would start with collegeboard and then move into Kaplan if you want top level scores.
Good luck to you.
I definitely started out being pretty bad at math too, so I get where you’re coming from. I personally like Princeton Review and Collegeboard tests because I think they’re the most reflective of what’s on the actual SAT. The others like Kaplan and Barron are harder and don’t always have good questions. The method I used to improve was just by doing a ton of practice tests. Definitely mark the questions you got wrong or even had some trouble with. The SAT uses the same concepts most of the time so by doing a lot of practice tests (no matter the source) you’ll get a good idea of your weaknesses and be able to improve on them from there. Also just make sure to read the question carefully cause I often missed out on points because of careless mistakes. These tips may not apply to you, but I was able to improve to getting only 1-2 questions wrong consistently. Hope this is helpful to you!
Doing practice tests over and over. Take the ones you get wrong to your math teacher. There are many cheaper test tutors. The advantage is they will quickly point out and help you with concepts your having trouble with. Try as much my yourself and see how it goes. If going to use tutor about 2 months before. Until then use your teachers.
I agree with SkyRaven. Princeton Review was very responsive when I requested information through their website