<p>I have been taking practice tests, and I've noticed a trend. On a bunch of problems, especially grid ins and higher level geometry problems, I would get totally stumped or start using very illogical reasoning to solve the problem, getting wild answers and/or stressing out unnecessarily. When I went back to grade my test, I would do those problems again, and they would be super simple and I wouldn't have any problem with them at all (one was even a 7th grade level proportion problem). It's like I forget all of my equation solving, math thinking skills. Why am I doing this? Are there any ways to boost my confidence while taking the SAT next time? Thanks in advance</p>
<p>Exactly same with me too… I screw such easy questions sometimes due to casual reading of questions… or carelessness mainly…
and end up with 2 , sometimes 3 math questions wrong…</p>
<p>Gahhhh I hate when that happens. There’s always 1 or 2 problems per practice test where it will be like impossible for me to figure the question out, but I’ll come back later and solve it in <15 seconds. It’s especially prevalent with awkwardly-presented geometry problems for me, or questions with multiple variables and no clear solution.</p>
<p>It’s probably a form of mental fatigue.</p>
<p>My best advice is to read carefully and ask yourself:
- Do I understand the question?
- Does the question require me to draw a diagram?
- Should I use my calculator?</p>
<p>I’ll try to do that, it seems like it’ll help. Dusterbug, it’s the same with me, but instead of one or two, it’s enough to bring my score down to a 560 (ewww). For me, any easy problem that is not worded nicely is “hard” for me. I waste time and get stressed. I bet if I took it without a time limit, I would have a 750 easy, but then again doesn’t everybody.</p>
<p>^Then try doing a couple sections without a time limit. It really helps you to think things through, making you a more efficient problem solver when you have to take it with time constraints. </p>
<p>Also, if you need some additional guidance/practice for the SAT Math section, you should check out Gruber’s Complete SAT Guide. Its math section is phenomenal and will surely be a boon for your score.</p>
<p>^Agreed.</p>
<p>Forget about everything except the problem in front of you. This mindset helped stop me from making silly mistakes & getting 800 consistently on practice tests recently</p>
<p>Also: Have fun! The SAT is a fun thing! You’re only gonna get better! How fun is that?!
Think like this, & you should see some improvement instantaneously. Just remember not to be discouraged.</p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>
<p>I’m gonna ask my parents if I can buy Gruber’s. schoolisfun, after taking three practice tests, I’m actually starting to like the SAT. The ACT is much more exhausting…</p>