My son is taking his first SAT next month. He uses a basic $20 scientific calculator at school (currently in Calc 2) and feels that it will adequate for the SAT.
Wondering if anyone thinks a graphing calculator makes a reasonable difference taking the SAT? I’ve read through a few different takes on this via SAT prep sites, but wondering what the CC take is on this.
I’ve encouraged him to buy a graphing calculator, but he doesn’t feel it’s worth the expense (which his parents would cover). He is extremely thrifty overall, and I just want to make sure he isn’t selling himself short, so to speak.
Besides the expense, you should also consider whether your son is comfortable using a graphing calculator. Has he used one? Does he know how they work? If he’s never used a graphing calculator before, I suggest staying with the scientific calculator he is used to. The only benefit I personally found to using a graphing calculator was its ability to solve systems of equations. But even then, I ran the risk of taking too much time to input everything into the calculator, when I could have just answered the question in lesser time by doing the algebra by hand. SAT math is generally computational with the occasional trig needed. I would just go with what he is used to. Graphing calculators like the TI-series have more advanced operating systems that you need to get used to in order to feel comfortable while using them in test scenarios.
Use the calculator you are comfortable with, as long as it’s approved and does the conventional stuff. My S19 will use the TI-83 for the upcoming SAT, but only because that’s the calculator he’s used to, not because he needs to access the graphing functions.
Graphing calculators may well have a different placement of crucial functions from the scientific versions, as evidenced by an inspection of the TI-83 to the TI-30XIIS. They may also have a different way of getting the answer from what you are used to. Therefore, any switch up to a more sophisticated instrument will take time to learn, etc. Not a good idea going into a test. College Board recommends that you use the same calculator for the test as you did in practice.
Obviously, if your curriculum calls for a more sophisticated instrument, then a switch is warranted and you can always check to make sure that calculator is also approved (or just don’t use it during SAT practice). But the general rule for any test, competition or race is don’t change anything right before
It’s up to him. If he’s lukewarm to the graphing calculator, he is unlikely to drill and practice enough with it to become familiar enough with it to noticeably raise his score.
A new graphing calculator slows you down until using it becomes second nature.
Just (re) read the calculator policy. Most - but not all - graphing calculators are allowed, ALL scientific calculators are allowed and all 4-function (though not recommended). Your son seems to have made the right choice for his SAT.
JeanJeanie As someone that has taken the SAT before I believe that a graphing calculator makes a small difference and if he knows how to use it then it is the most effective. However, why not just borrow a calculator from a friend or buy one then return it to the store after your test is over. Good Luck!
@JeanJeanie If your son is more comfortable with the scientific calculator, let him stick to that. Personally, I was well versed in using a graphing calculator when taking the SAT and ACT, which I felt was very helpful.
S18 felt on the SAT, a graphing calculator would have slowed him down. He owns one, and is comfortable with both a graphing calculator, and a scientific calculator, but prefers doing things by hand. His advice is: do what you are most comfortable with, but he did not feel any SAT questions REQUIRED a graphing calculator. Problems could have been done by hand.
I always advise my students to use the calculator they’re most comfortable with.
That $100 graphing calculator would have been useless to him if he didn’t know how to use it. And there’s a lot to it; he couldn’t have picked it up at the last minute and learned it.
He trusted his instincts and made the right choice.
