How To Prepare for the SATs (especially Math)?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Hello there!</p>

<p>I'm a freshman in high school, and this year have begun to prepare for the SATs. I've taken two practice tests so far, and my results haven't been very satisfactory.</p>

<p>Practice #1:
CR: 650
Writing: 670
Math: 540</p>

<p>Practice #2:
CR: 660
Writing: 660
Math: 540</p>

<p>I realize the key to achieve scores of 700+ is to practice. I plan on taking another practice test later this week, and many more throughout the next few years. But I can already see that I am struggling with the SAT, especially with the Math section. I've always been a rather troubled Math student, and despite making it into Honors, the information just doesn't seem to sit with me as well as other subjects do. I've been trying to use Barron's SAT prep book to learn how to actually solve the problems. However, even despite their advice, it's only shortcuts and it doesn't seem to help.
I would like to know how to prepare for the Math section of the SAT properly. I will practice, of course, but I feel like I should probably learn the fundamentals of the material before I go about doing so. Is there any way to go about doing this? And are there any other available tips on how to do well?</p>

<p>I would also like to know if knowing Trigonometry and Geometry would help the average person. I realize that the PSAT and SAT can be solved by any person who really knows their algebra, but from others yet I have heard that Trig and Geometry are pretty much vital for the average non-math-oriented person. Is this true?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I would definitely look at some stickied threads in the SAT Prep forum. I would also buy some prep books. I recommend getting 320 SAT Math Problems, Grubers, and the Official Guide to the SAT.</p>

3

<p>You are right that trigonometry is optional – can get an 800 without knowing any trig. But geometry is absolutely required. </p>

<p>Also, before you take another practice test, make sure that you have completely analyzed the ones you have already taken. Otherwise, you’ll just churn through all of the released tests in just a few weeks without seeing any improvement. Remember: TAKING practice tests does nothing to raise your score. It’s the follow-up analysis that leads to improvement on the next test.</p>

<p>Also, since your are a freshman, all the more reason to hold off on practice tests. Focus for the next year or two on buiding a solid math background. Even though I like to show students the “trick” ways to solve problems, nothing is better than a true mastery of the mathematics on this test, and you have time to work on that. There will be plenty of time for tricks and practice tests as you get closer to junior year.</p>