<p>Between the two, which do you feel is easier to improve via studying? I know the SAT Math seems a bit easier at first glance, but it seems that it is trying to trick me all the time, and I don't know if I can study for tricks of that sort. </p>
<p>ACT Math on the other hand seems a lot harder and more complex, but more straightforward. Would this be easier to study for? </p>
<p>Timing is not a problem. I am terrible at both Math sections, but I'm willing to put in the effort to work hard on improving each. Just need to know what you guys think is easier to raise via drilling.</p>
<p>“Drilling” might not be the best word here…ACT math covers more topics (including trig and other pre-calculus topics) but the questions aren’t as advanced. SAT questions only cover up to algebra and geometry and they throw in occasional “trick” questions that you have to be careful on.</p>
<p>I did alright on my SAT Math (not great, but paired with the rest of my scores my 630 didn’t kill me too much, I have a 2000 on the SAT), but so far on two practice tests my math scores on the ACT have been MISERABLE!!!</p>
<p>I got 800 and 36 on SAT and ACT math, respectively, but I found the ACT math to be slightly easier (mostly because of the occasional trick question on SAT).</p>
<p>I don’t really know, they’re both predictable. Also I didn’t prepare for the ACT, so I don’t even remember any math questions (except the fact that there was a little trig on it). SAT math has a lot of repetition.</p>
<p>If I’m getting around 650 without knowing much about Geometry and w/o prep, do you think I could realistically raise it to 750+ by November with Grubers + practice?</p>
<p>Yes…the geometry on the SAT is very easy. You could pretty much answer all the geometry questions using the reference sheet. Although I strongly suggest that you’re familiar with everything on the formula sheet (areas, volumes, etc.).</p>
<p>Dude, I was thinking the same thing. I’ve done about three practice ACT tests and the math just seems to get harder. I’m in Calc and some of the trig questions and geometry questions in there are really confusing. I don’t know if it’s just me but I feel like the ACT is getting more difficult. I thought I was pretty good at math but I can’t get higher than a 32 on here. I felt like the SAT math was easier. I got a 650 on my last test but I feel like I could have easily pulled off a 720 if I had been more cautious of not making silly mistakes and falling for the SAT “tricks”.</p>
<p>ACT math is more straightforward and designed to take less time, making it easier. The SAT math is designed to take more time. You get more time on the SAT math section but less on the ACT math section. I got a 35 ACT math but only a 740 SAT math.</p>
<p>Do you think you might be just forgetting a few things? I know a lot of calculus students who are in the same position…</p>
<p>IMO, I think the ACT math was slightly easier, since the SAT throws in occasional trick questions. I almost missed a math problem on an actual test because it took me awhile to realize that the correct answer was E, It cannot be determined from the given information (which is very rarely the correct answer).</p>
<p>Same here bro. I got a 570 (I know lol) on the Math section on my June SAT, but yesterday I took a practice test and scored a 670 (still not what I want, but a noticable improvement). I didn’t prep between the two dates, but I felt I concentrated a lot more and was more willing to skip questions I wasn’t 100% confident in. ACT Math seems like it may require a lot more knowledge and memorization.</p>
<p>@rspence</p>
<p>I did terrible in Geometry my freshman year, so I pretty much tried to blank it out from then on. I think that screwed me over for all standardized testing in the future lol.</p>
<p>Ah. One thing you could do is, try geometry problems from Mathcounts and AMC8. They’re a little more “out-of-the-box” and include some good problems.</p>
<p>If you’re not good at Geometry, I would reccommend SAT math. BUT, you can always give ACT math a shot too; maybe try taking at least 2 practice tests and see how that works out for you. </p>
<p>Honestly, at first glance, ACT math seems like a piece of cake. But when you get near the end, for me at least, time starts running out big time. And when I correct my work, up until problem number 45 or so, I don’t miss any. But then, BAM, I start missing like 5-8 at the end and that’s really what gets me.</p>
<p>I feel like the time limit for the SAT is more reasonable too.</p>
<p>@ rspence I actually think I know most of the material for the ACT but they’re all so wordy. Like they have to make the simplest problems in word form and for me, that takes up very much needed time. Toward the end, the problems get pretty difficult. I understand them for the most part, but I start worrying about the time and sort of lose my focus. But I still think it’s ACT math is pretty do-able.</p>
<p>Yeah, I do remember the harsh time constraint. I’m used to those kind of tests (AMCs, Mathcounts, AIME, etc.).</p>
<p>I just glanced over at a practice ACT test, the math does appear a little tricky near the end, but it’s not too bad. I was able to solve all the problems and get a 36 (the other subjects I didn’t do as well).</p>
<p>@ rspence LOL. um, you’re clearly a genius. I don’t think it would be reasonable for you to compare yourself with us.</p>
<p>I mean, I’m not saying the math problems are out-of-this-world impossible to do within the time given, but certainly, I have a feeling the ACT math is only getting harder.</p>
<p>@riadapaki95, but you say you’ve done three or so ACT practice math tests. Unless the practice tests are ordered by year, you can’t claim the math is getting “harder.” Maybe if you did them in reverse order, they’d be getting “easier.” Or maybe ACT math is in fact getting harder…I don’t really know at all.</p>
<p>In my opinion the SAT Math especially and the ACT Math to a degree also are extremely easy to coach…you just need to encounter enough of the problem types you see on the tests to get a good score…</p>
<p>Maybe I am one of the few but I would really like to see the College Board change the SAT math section to distinguish people of extremely high ability
have an 800 equate to 99.95%ile
because besides like 2 questions on average per exam all of the problems are really easy
if they made it so that there was like 7 challenging problems per test someone with an 800 would have a much easier time getting into good school
maybe I am saying that because my score range is above the ceiling of the current 800 score</p>
<p>lolz, yes, it seems like the SAT math is not challenging except for a couple questions. I got an 800 by simply recognizing the little tricks that I need not to make mistakes on. I don’t know though, if the math section needs to be harder. Yes, many people get 800, but then again, thats why the curve is fairly harsh, and one wrong is usually 770.</p>
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