Hi! I was hoping to get some tips for SAT math, whether it be tips or books! I know I could find other threads similar but I wanted this one to be more specific to me! I took the June 6th SAT and got a 590 on math, even after heavily studying for that specific section. I think the cancelling of Section 8/9 hurt it a little, but probably only 10-30 points.
I am going to retake it in October and I am aiming for a 650 (or higher)!
Prior to my first SAT, I read all math chapters in it before taking the SAT. I also watched these SAT math videos on YouTube, and used MethodTestPrep. In addition I kept a notebook of all the strategies and Qs I got wrong. Obviously these didn’t work out too too well for me so I thought others may have some keen insight!
I struggle with sequences, probability, and most of all FUNCTIONS. And I was considering buying PWN the Math SAT guide, does anyone know how helpful that is?
Also, I was wondering how many Qs one should/can skip before it greatly affects your score? I know many people say you should only skip when you can’t omit any choices, but for me that happened on about 4 or 5 Qs and that seems like an awful lot!
And this may sound stupid, but it seems like you don’t necessarily have to be a great math student to do well on the math SAT? Because ive heard several stories of those who struggle with math getting 670+s (some of them being my friends).
Anyways I was just curious and any feedback is greatly appreciated, thank you! 
Math level has little to do with how well you score. I’ve seen Geo kids get 800’s while Calculus BC kids get like flat 600’s.
I do not own PWN the Math SAT, but I heard Dr Chungs SAT Math was really good.
For math, losing 1 point raw score can greatly affect your score. So I would advise just to guess only if you look at the question for over a minute and you still can’t eliminate any answer choices.
I would suggest that you continue to do practice tests (Blue book, and if you can afford it, the SAT Online Course which is like 70 bucks) and continue to record what you got wrong. The SAT tests are basically the same and a lot of it is about recognizing the patterns of the test.
If you have any questions on specific problems, I’ll be glad to help. Just PM me.
My kid is working through the PWN the SAT book, and it has given him a lot of insight into the types of problems he was having trouble with. You will need to use it together with the SAT Blue Book. The current SAT tests open-ended problem solving skills. Many of the more difficult problems are very much like middle school math contest problems - so you can also google mathcounts problems or AMC8 problems.
The curve at the upper end of the math portion is harsh: 3 wrong and you are already down to 740. You are at 590 now, so I think with focused studying and practice, 620- 650 should be within reach. Focus on getting the easy and medium problems correct. The hard ones are going to be hit or miss, and they are always at the end of each section.
PWN the SAT has a lot of strategies and I think it is helpful for kids in your score range.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the responses! I am going to start studying next week and all this information is very helpful! I will definitely check out Dr. Chungs! I read a few Amazon reviews and most are by people who had around my score, and claimed the book was key in boosting their scores 60+ points! And thanks @rdeng2614 in the comi weeks I’m sure I will!
Hmm I’ve never heard of mathcounts or AMC8, I’ll look into those! Oh wow, I didn’t know the curve was that rough.
And thanks! I certainly hope so! Frankly, I’d be happy with anything in the 600’s. And thanks! I’m still interested in PWN the SAT and I think I’ll get it within the next few days!
…Although I don’t want to invest in too many books, out of fear of being overwhelmed…hmmm…
I’m a mediocre math student and I received a 650 on the math SAT–not perfect or anything, but definitely good for someone who isn’t a math whiz Definitely invest in some of the books others have mentioned–practice makes perfect, and for most at least okay math students, being fast while still being accurate is more of an issue than just being accurate so practicing with the time constraints will definitely help, as will reviewing the topics you specifically have the most trouble on.