I’d like to believe I’m really good at math, but I can’t even break 700 on the SAT math section of the SAT. Keep in mind I got a 5 on the AP Calc AB exam.
I’ve taken several practice tests, and I keep getting raw scores of 43-47 (620-690ish)
On the actual SAT I got a 620 both times I took it (raw scores 43 and 44)
After a 5th practice test I reverted back to the same raw score as when I took the SAT the 2nd time.
My question is, how the hell do I improve?? Because taking practice tests obviously isn’t working. I noticed I always have an issue with time, as it tends to pressure me into making stupid mistakes and overlooking things. Other than that, I can’t seem to find any other recurring problems I have trouble with. This is really pissing me off, and I have the SAT this Saturday!
Are you forgetting certain topics? Many algebra/geo/counting topics don’t show up in AP Calculus, so it helps to review any of those before doing tests.
If it’s just dumb mistakes, then there are quite a few things you can do to minimize dumb mistakes such as reading the question twice or more, keeping work organized and logical, back-solving, etc.
Yeah I know it doesn’t include topics in Calculus, I just wanted to demonstrate some type of credibility other than saying “I’m good at math”.
But for the most part it is dumb mistakes. Very few questions that may stump me because I am unfamiliar with the topic. Probably one or two on the whole test.
But any way thanks for the advice! I’m trying to get past the frustration and work on it.
The SAT, as you know, has tricky questions meant to confuse you. They aren’t direct and tend to be wordy. Try concentrating and simplifying the problem by breaking it down to its essence. If you are unable to improve: take the ACT. The questions on the ACT have higher level math (which you are clearly prepared for since you got a 5), but cut straight to the chase. There aren’t many word problems on the ACT.
I got 36 on the math section with a single practice test for review.
@jakerman1234 In hindsight, taking the ACT would have probably been a much more smarter thing to do. But it’s too late now, I’m already a senior who applied to colleges and I’m taking the the SAT on the latest date possible, which is January. Over these weeks, I learned the SAT is not for me. The content tested on the SAT math section is not hard, but the way the questions are worded can be extremely confusing. I’ve taken several practice tests, and I do see some improvement, but not as much as I anticipated.
Hopefully these people are computer science students or they won’t get what you are telling.
Anyways, I got a 800 in Math and let me tell you how I got there from 760(in practice tests).
I always used to make one or two careless mistakes so you need to work really fast(15-20s per question) through each section and then redo the entire section. After you confirmed mark it in your OMR. This works in increasing your score by like 30-40.However , if you are below 700, you better get your basics right and go through sparknotes for that…
That Calc AB/BC 5 is wonderful, but that material isn’t what is being tested on the SAT.
But here’s what I suggest. Take a couple of practice tests from any of the books that offer an end of test summary. They list the types of problems in a grid, and let you know which problem were on what topics.
After you have 6 or 7 sections done, go back and really look at your results. Highlight every question you got wrong, and circle every one you skipped. Then look for patterns. Are you consistently missing the proportion problems? The circle questions? The quadrilaterals? Learn them or skip them, but figure out which questions are costing you points.
Then concentrate on test strategies.
Take a look at “Up your Score, the Insider’s Guide to the SAT.” It was written by 5 kids who got perfect scores on the SAT, and is full of strategies on beating the test. (Disclaimer: it’s also chock full of pop culture references in an attempt to speak to you in your language. If you can stomach endless "lol"s and similar phrasing, the strategies in the book are actually very good.)
Obviously you’re decent at math. So spend your time on working the test, not the math.
@Rockerr83 Yes, occasionally the wording is confusing. Just read the problem one sentence at a time, and interpret the problem exactly as written, and you will be fine.
@MITer94@ucbalumnus@ronakice@bjkmom Thanks for all the tips guys! They are very useful. I’ve also noticed that recently I’ve had a general lack of concentration whilst practicing, so that tripped me up a bit as well. I noticed that if I just relax and focus on what I do, I make less careless mistakes.
