<p>My daughter aced AP Calc and is, in fact, a straight A student (taking AP and IB classes). However, she's been struggling with the SAT math section (mid-600's). In contrast, she got a 790 on the SAT writing score. She's going to take the SAT's for a 3rd and final time in October. Any advice on how to improve her math SAT? Some of her friends are working with tutors. Anyone with experience or opinions on using a tutor to improve SAT scores? Anyone know of any good math tutors in the Minneapolis area? Thanks!</p>
<p>As an SAT math tutor I can give the following basic tips for your daughter:</p>
<p>(1) Learn SAT specific math strategies. If you don’t know these, then you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage. For example, if you find yourself doing algebra or complicated computations, then you are not optimizing your score.
(2) Practice SAT math problems 10 to 20 minutes per night. This will maximize your retention and keep you from burning out.
(3) Redo every problem you get wrong OVER and OVER and OVER again (a few days apart each time) until you can get the question correct ON YOUR OWN.
(4) Practice problems of the appropriate level.
(5) Practice tests should be taken just a few times to make sure you are applying all the right strategies under timed conditions, and to make sure you are familiar with the structure of the test. This is NOT the time that you are actively improving your score.</p>
<p>As far as getting a tutor goes, this is a personal decision. A tutor is only necessary if motivation is required. If your daughter can motivate herself to study and has good study materials, then a tutor is not necessary. If she requires some motivation I recommend finding a local SAT prep tutoring service that has a prep course with small groups (6 students maximum). Try to ask around and make sure that the service has a good reputation for improving scores. I do NOT recommend using big name test prep companies.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your daughter!</p>
<p>Yes! I highly recommend getting a tutor if she wants to improve her scores. They help tremendously because the student is not alone trying to improve, they have someone who knows what they’re doing and can help point out mistakes. I tried to teach myself, but it didn’t work so my mom got me a tutor. My score increased 130 points. Trust me, it helps to have a living, breathing person who specializes in these tests coaching you and supporting you up until that test date.</p>