is algebra 2 really that important for the SAT?

<p>So I just took a Barron's practice test and I did pretty miserable. I got a 730 on the reading, 720 on writing, and then, here's the kicker... A 440 in the math. A 1890.
I'm currently a sophomore so I haven't taken algebra 2 yet, but I consider myself a fairly decent math student - a 99 in my geometry class ATM and one of the highest math grades in my school.</p>

<p>I found the math problems totally archaic and like nothing I have ever seen. All of those functions were confusing and it came to a point where I just skipped problems over and over again because I had no clue how to do them. My last two math sections were dreadful - I missed more than half and I felt totally defeated during the test</p>

<p>I feel kind of hopeless at this point. Guess I'm a really poor math student? I even thought about majoring in math because my grades in math are so high but i actually suck at math lol. Will my score increase by taking alg 2? I HIGHLY doubt I can even break 700 starting at such a low point. </p>

<p>Algebra 2 is necessary for the test. Your grade WILL go up once you start taking alg 2. Also, taking Algebra 2 will help reinforce some of the topics in Algebra 1 and geometry. I think it’s safe to say that your score can go to at least 600 once you start learning alg 2. Don’t loose hope!</p>

<p>It actually depends if the topics he is missing are actually algebra 2 topics. If they are algebra 1 or geometry questions that you are missing then your score will actually go down because you will be another year removed from the topics. If you have the Official SAT study guide then that book actually tells you all of the math concepts that may show up on the exam</p>

<p>You should be familiar with topics covered in a typical algebra 2 course, but just as importantly, you should be familiar with the types of questions covered on the SAT math. They like to throw tricky problems at you using bizarre function notation (if x@y = …), and many problems have deceptive-but-incorrect looking answers. You should be able to answer most of the questions correctly without having taken algebra 2 though.</p>

<p>A lot of the ACT math test consists of info learned in algebra2; I’m assuming it’s the same way for the SAT. You’ll do fine once you take that class.</p>

<p>^ Some differences though. SAT doesn’t test any trig, while the ACT does.</p>

<p>I actually honestly believe most of the SAT math can be completed with solid Algebra 1 fundamentals - a grasp of all concepts. With that said, Algebra 2 should refresh your memory in Algebra 1 and will, as said above, reinforce ideas that you have learned in the past. Best of luck! Keep practicing most importantly! The SAT math questions can be a bit tricky to decipher. I’ve never gotten lower than a 780 on math section for SAT, whether its the practice or the real deal. Seriously, look over the fundamentals, practice to gain speed so you can do problems quickly and then go back to check your work, and more importantly, have confidence!</p>

<p>Uh, there is algebra 2 on the SAT? I think algebra 1 and geometry are the ‘highest’ subjects covered.</p>

<p>^</p>

<p><a href=“SAT Practice and Preparation – SAT Suite | College Board”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board;

<p>The above should give you a good idea of what is on the test.</p>

<p>Your scores will increase if you study those concepts included on the test. Look at the website mentioned above, and get the Blue Book (The Official SAT Study Guide). Get used to the “tricky” way questions are worded–many of them are like logic puzzles and not typical “math book” problems. Many of the answer choices are “tempting but wrong”–Are you falling for those? Do the math workbook section included in most prep books. (After the Blue Book, I recommend Kaplan.)
Most of the math questions can be answered with pre-Algebra, Algebra I and basic geometry. There is not much Algebra II on the test–just a few questions. ( I taught both Algebra I and SAT test prep this year. I do all the tests, and can answer nearly all of the math questions correctly. I was an English major and don’t know Algebra II.) IMO, a solid Algebra I course is the biggest help. Perhaps your Algebra I class/book wasn’t very challenging, or you’ve forgotten Algebra while doing Geometry this year? It seems surprising that you’d have such good grades in math, but not know the mostly–pre Algebra and Algebra I on the test.
Don’t skip so many questions next time. (Is that what brought your score down–did you just skip over everything you weren’t 100% sure of?) Even if you guessed and got wrong every “Hard” problem on the math sections, and took the penalty–you should still be able to get around 600-- if you get the Easy and Medium questions correct. You don’t need to take an Algebra II class to learn what is covered on the test. Don’t be a “victim” of the test. Attack the concepts you don’t know. Analyze each math question you skipped or missed and learn how to do it. Figure out exactly WHAT you are missing, WHY you missed it, and HOW to get it right next time. Analyze, analyze, analyze–then review, study, and try another practice test. Repeat.</p>