<p>I never test well in math, and it's usually stupid things that trip me up. I add instead of multiplying. (2<em>3=5, yay!) I lose a negative sign somewhere. I mis-multipy. (2</em>8=18!!!) I mis-interpret the question and look for an answer that doesn't matter. I always seem to only see the method of solving that is roundabout and long and complicated. </p>
<p>...I can get around this by checking my work carefully, but in timed tests I never have time (I usually barely finish in time, because of the aforementioned.) I employ those <em>test-taking strategies</em> easily-- I never let myself spend longer than a few minutes on any question, etc...but then when I finish everything else and go back I usually end up with five or six questions that either need to be carefully checked for stupid errors or just completely mystify me. I usually end up only getting to a couple of these because I can sit there puzzling over each of those questions for five or ten minutes and still come up with nothing.</p>
<p>SAT Reasoning Math Score:630
SAT II MathII Score: 700</p>
<p>My scores aren't <em>that</em> bad, but I'm looking to major in Computer Science, sooo...math is kinda important.</p>
<p>I was hoping someone could suggest a study method, a website, a book, et cetera, that would help me sharpen my math skills. I realize that nothing can replace simply practicing with SAT problems and completely familiarizing myself with the material, but last time I took the test I spent the straight week before breathing math and still had the same old questions stump me.</p>
<p>Thanks for any suggestions you can offer!
-Stacy</p>
<p>Those college board bastards...always trying to trick you. The only advice I can give is to read the question carefully. You really have to concentrate.</p>
<p>First of all, do not worry too much about doing 2*3 = 5 or 1+3 = 5. I'm student who prepares for national math olympiad levels and even I make those errors sometimes. It's natural thing and don't worry too much about it. Second, let's go straight to increase your score. If you're weak at algebra, here is a site that you can go (free) and learn all of them. Of course, it's up to you to find practice problems. </p>
<p>For geometry, get Barron's Geometry book (not for SAT but just regular prep book). It's a green book and well, I think it covers most of topics you need to know for SAT. Other ways to do well on geometry is play around with triangles, square, and circles, etc.. For instance, draw a regular hexagon and see if you can find the area of it (Answer: Six times the area of equilateral triangle made of side of regular hexagon). For probability and date analysis, main thing is to THINK. Most SAT books do not tell you how you get the idea of the solution. No matter how long it may take, try to think ways to solve the problems. Also, learning nCr and nPr can be helpful.</p>
<p>Other thing is to stay concentrated and do not make mistake. Remember, 2 wrong problems can mean 40 points deduction. So, be very careful.</p>
<p>Remember that what I said is nothing like a trick. Just like Xiggi said long time ago, there is no magical trick on SAT. Do about 100 practice problems on each type of problem and you'll be good to go. Unlike other sections, Math is one section that you know what to expect.</p>
<p>Always recheck your answers after you have finished a section.Read the questions very carefully.I too get ticked off when I make silly mistakes due to misreading a question( ex: finding the area of an unshaded region when the question asks for the shaded one)</p>