<p>How can I really prepare for the SAT Math? I do really well in the CR and W sections, but my M scores always tend to be low. I am staying away from prep classes. I'm just really looking for different strategies, is all. I also already have the latest College Board SAT book.
Scores from my last practice test ONLINE:
CR- 660
W-800
M-440</p>
<p>What grade are you in? Have you taken Algebra 2?
Strategy/test prep alone isn’t going to help you. Seems you need foundational work in Math.
Barrons Math workbook or PWNtheSat Math workbook are the best 2 in my opinion. Go through it and understand every section before taking another practice test. Lots of stuff from pwn math workbook is on his website.<br>
Check out Khan Academy. Lots of stuff on the Math section. Click on Sat Prep.
Also, check out SATQuantum. Video answers to every math question in the Blue Book.</p>
<p>I’m a sophomore taking Geometry. I won’t take Algebra 2/Trigonometry until my junior year. </p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, I’ll get my hands on those sources. </p>
<p>That is part of the problem.
You should have taken both geometry and algebra 2 as a sophomore. That is part of the foundational work.
It’s hard to prep for the Math portion of the SAT without Algebra 2 under your belt.</p>
<p>My school offers Algebra 2 with Trigonometry. Only Juniors take Trig. with Alg. 2. So It’s difficult. </p>
<p>You’re not allowed to take Alg. 2 as a sophomore?</p>
<p>I somewhat agree with TomsRiverParent – while nearly all of the questions can be solved with only a background in a typical algebra 1/geometry curriculum, it is definitely helpful to have taken algebra 2.</p>
<p>I have never heard of someone taking Algebra 2/ Geometry. I have only heard of Algebra 2/ Trigonometry. Also, you don’t need to take Algebra 2 or trig for the SAT. It tests 7,8, and 9th grade math. @TomRiversParent is wrong. They just ask it in confusing ways. If math really is that low, I really do think you should consider a prep course. Even if it is only online. You need a teacher to teach you the math tricks. It’s not as easy to just read what the book says and then try to apply it. I’m in your boat as well. I have both critical reading and writing at high levels, but math for me is at around 540. I am in a prep class right now and it has helped me a lot. I am taking the exam in June and I’m expecting at least 620 in math.</p>
<p>You take 2 math courses sophomore year. Geometry + Algebra2. Duh.
Sugar, you are wrong. Lots of Algebra 2 on SAT. That is why the both of you have low math scores.
There are no tricks to math. Ok… 2. Plugin and backsolve. But quite frankly if you are relying upon tricks to get over 600 in math… guess what, it ain’t happening.
The new SAT Math is a lot harder than current. Only 6 of 67 geometry questions and 1 Trig question. About 16 Algebra 2 questions.</p>
<p>I’m going to agree with @TomsRiverParent . </p>
<p>You need Algebra II, and maybe Trig.</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent not every student or school is the same. I took one math course (Calc. AB) sophomore year, and my school offers Algebra 2 as a year-round course. So it doesn’t deserve “duh.”</p>
<p>Also, trig is not tested on the current SAT.</p>
<p>And your point miter94?
At ANY school in the US a student can double up on Geometry and Algebra 2 sophomore year. You don’t need geometry as a pre-req for Algebra 2. So yes, it’s a DUH! Just a lot of horrible guidance counselors out there.</p>
<p>I found Gruber’s SAT book exceptionally helpful for strategies. Many of them have step by step tutorials for certain problems you may not know how to start and gives you tip for looking at patterns. Many of these same skills can be gained from doing numerous practice problems, and problems in the book tend to be more in depth, but I found it very helpful in doing problems I was stuck on.</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent I understand what you’re saying. Don’t get me wrong, I have heard that Alg. 2 is a good source of knowledge for the SAT, however I wasn’t allowed to take Geometry and Algebra 2. In my school Alg. 2 is ONLY offered with Trig, whichever year you take it. Also, it complicates with my schedule because I go to a vocational school whereas I have three periods of shop. I think that’s why I am not allowed to double on Geo. and Alg. 2.</p>
<p>@SugarBubbleTea Prep courses do not help me. I find them as a waste of money and time. My CR and W scores weren’t as high as they are now. I got there by myself and with the help of fellow peers. The courses are just a step back for me personally. </p>
<p>bookhugger
If you want to go to college, why are you going to votech school (shop). smh</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent Your posts are inflammatory. I am actually in Calculus right now and I am excelling in the course. I just struggle with the wording of the questions which is why I’m in prep class right now. You don’t need to insult me or try to degrade the OP. You do NOT be in Alg. 2 for the SAT. There are 2 questions tops about Alg. 2.</p>
<p>@bookhugger if you don’t want the prep class and the book isn’t helping you, I’m not sure what your want…</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent You are still very much wrong. My school doesn’t offer Alg 2/ Geometry either. Geometry in itself is a year long course and then they combine Algebra 2 and Trig into one year long course. Algebra 2/ Geometry is not an option in every school. Also, telling the OP they need to be in Algebra 2/Geometry isn’t very helpful because as of right now, that is no longer an option. So it isn’t “DUH” at taking Algebra 2/ Geometry. It is DUUHH at the fact that all schools have different systems and you need to be cognizant of that.</p>
<p>@SugarBubbleTea You obviously lack reading comprehension skills.
You take 2 math courses as a sophomore. Geometry and Algebra 2. Both are year long courses.
DUH!! Don’t take an elective your sophomore year!! Double DUH!!! How much do I have to spell this out for you.</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent I’ll just let you get yourself banned. No one said they were taking elective courses. But you can continue ranting and raving. I’m done. </p>
<p>OP- if you are interested I’m a normal conversation, please PM me :)</p>