<p>But how do you find multiple methods?</p>
<p>Well…I could mention that there are SAT math books that emphasize alternate approaches 
</p>
<p>But actually, someone at your level probably doesn’t need another math book. You can use this forum’s search tools. I would say that any problem in the blue book that is challenging enough to bother you has certainly been discussed right here MANY times! So just search and then read…</p>
<p>But some questions on the actual test are totally aberrant and are unlike anything in the book?</p>
<p>Yes, there are weird questions sometimes. But they are weird with that same SAT flavor. There’s just no other magic prep for these other than thorough review of actual collegeboard tests. Also, that kind of review is likely to increase your speed on those items that do not present any “weirdness”, leaving you more time to puzzle over the ones that stump you. (But never TRY to go fast – that just leads to goofy errors. Let experience bring you higher speed naturally.)</p>
<p>What do you mean by “flavor”?</p>
<p>Even the “weird” questions have some things in common: they are concisely written and they mean exactly what they say. (The non-collegeboard tests can’t always say that.) They may be creative or original, but they reward careful reading and a sort of logical playful-ness. </p>
<p>I guess I’ll turn your question around on you: you say you know the blue book cold. Can you give me an example of a blue book question that you considered “aberrant” when you first looked at it?</p>
<p>I know this is old format but these were the first to come to mind <a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools;
<p>1-13,25
3-24,25</p>
<p>And Google says…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1291332-indians-love-math.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1291332-indians-love-math.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/87262-another-real-sat-math-question.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/87262-another-real-sat-math-question.html</a></p>
<p>Both of these test ideas that appear frequently. The first one hinges on the idea of overlapping categories and the perils of accidentally double-counting the overlap. And the second one is a RT=D problem. </p>
<p>The point is that neither of these is anomalous. I think you may be over-thinking the whole sat-prep thing. Do practice tests. Google for solutions. Repeat.</p>
<p>You wouldn’t agree the circle one is aberrant?</p>
<p>I am pretty sure I have seen blue book questions (maybe just one or two) where you had to realize that a vertex of an equilateral triangle cuts out 1/6th of a circle.</p>
<p>But anyway, who cares? What do you gain by labeling it “aberrant”? There is still no better way to prepare than to work steadily through released tests. (And yes, more recent would be better.) You KNOW what you have to do. Go do it.</p>
<p>I’ve done that already. But no two questions on the actual test are ever alike. “Ok congratulations you can do this one, now you’ll never see anything like it again”</p>
<p>And my second issue is the “visualization” questions. On that test again, 1-23 seems daunting. On my sat there was a question similar to that, and I had no clue where to start? Are those just intuition?</p>
<p>*****. I am in the Midwest and we take the ACT. I couldn’t crack it so I tried the SAT. My scores are MUCH better and I feel way more comfortable on the SAT than the ACT. Do what’s best for you: don’t let pride get in the way. Remember, it’s all the same to Adcoms.</p>
<p>There are definitely problems that require insight or a flash of understanding. Some of those will be the ones that you need more time for. But it is silly to complain of any problem that “you’ll never see anything like it” again. While the problems are always new, the ideas behind them just keep repeating. Even the “in how many places can this thing intersect that thing” has been tested more recently than the test you referred to. </p>
<p>No kidding, it almost sounds like you are looking for a reason to say “this can’t be done” so you can give up. That is a completely understandable feeling! But before you call it a day, give another thought to what the earlier posters recommended: try the ACT. It’s less of a wise-guy test and more like high school. And though some people prefer the weirdness of the SAT, clearly other people do not.</p>
<p>Ugh but I can do the SAT reading and writing already now I have to learn how to deal with all this other English and science stuff because of a lack of math knowledge. Super</p>
<p>For the ACT, the reading and math is totally transferrable. If you excel at SAT reading and writing like you say, you will have absolutely no problem with the ACT. As for the science, it is mostly reading comprehension and the ability to find info on charts and graphs. Practice a few tests, and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Things aren’t handed to you in life, and you need to show flexibility. Taking the ACT once or twice is really not a big deal. You will have to show a lot more determination and fortitude in a high level college than that.</p>
<p>Honestly I’ve committed so much time that I’m timid to run away from the SAT so quickly. I guess I’ll have to figure out if the “spark” is inborn or able to be gained first before making that decision.</p>
<p>It seems that everyone I know that did well “just got it”</p>
<p>Ahh.</p>
<p>Last attempt here. Don’t run away from the SAT. I don’t remember anyone advising that.</p>
<p>D1 took SAT 3 times and ACT 2 times. Sent all scores because it was before score choice. </p>
<p>D2 took the SAT 4 times and the ACT 3 times. With score choice she sent in 2 SAT scores and 1 ACT score. </p>
<p>Nobody is saying don’t take the SAT more. But stop trying to get someone to explain to you why you are not doing as well on math as you’d hope. </p>
<p>Instead take action! Take the SAT again AND take the ACT.</p>
<p>I already explained everything and you’re still asking the same questions…</p>
<p>Try harder. Nobody just “gets it” you have to do a ton of problems. You’re never going to see a problem that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before on the SAT if you did enough preparation. You aren’t going to get an 800 because you are a self-proclaimed mathlete. </p>
<p>Instead of complaining about how people you perceive as “weaker math students” do better than you on SAT math, do more practice tests.</p>
<p>You need to do practice tests until you consistently get 800s. It might take you like 20 practice tests, but if you want to do well then that’s what you have to do.</p>