<p>"I am here to ask for help."</p>
<p>You have to the right place. </p>
<p>As far as understanding what has happened, let me provide a glimpse. While it is unusual to see a student earning an 800 on the IIC and struggling on the SAT Math, it does happen. The first thing to realize is that acing calculus won't do you much good on the SAT Math. The SAT is a totally different beast, but a beast that can be tamed by understanding what the test is and what it isn't. One usually gains that understanding by practicing on released tests. This is the best way to start "getting" the format down and recognize the type of questions. In a typical test, 90% of the questions are testing "old" concepts and very few questions (maybe 3 to 5) are a bit newer and unfamiliar. </p>
<p>The key to a good score is not to have a deep knowledge of math. For example, you can solve most -if not all- of the problems without ever using a calculator. Compare that with the IIC that is mostly a test of how well one knows his TI-89! So, what does it take? What is needed is the ability to recognize the questions and patterns without effort and time waste. In other words, it is all about knowing how to solve the problems FAST. This is one of the reasons that I always recommend students to review all practice tests and devote as much time on verifying the CORRECT answers than on the missed the ones. Why? Because you need to start building little blocks of knowledge/security and developing techniques to save time. The SAT is mostly a test of mental quickness. People who like to solve puzzles tend do well. The good part is that the puzzles on the SAT are rather simple and known. </p>
<p>I could provide you many examples of this. One of my favorite is the average speed problem -a pernnial favorite of TCB. A student who knows how to develop the formulas from algebra or physics will find the answer, but too slowly. This type of problem (usually a level 5) can be solved in a few ... seconds. If it appears on a MC, it takes no time at all because the answer is VERY predictable. If it appears on a grid-in, it takes less than 20 seconds as you only need to know a rather simplistic formula that always works. However, good students who are not familiar with the question could waste 2 to 4 minutes on the problem. Losing 3-4 minutes could cost one as much as 80 points!</p>
<p>There are no great secrets. Good students should be able to learn the techniques, leave the calculator in its case, and know what NOT to do. Everyone should be able to reach his or her optimal scores. It may sound like a broken record, but the key is to practice with intelligence and ... dedication. Developing time saving techniques is not hard for some one who looks not only for the answer, but for the best answer in the shortest amount of time. The four answers that are rejected do NOT matter: nobody needs to show the steps and confirm the answer. </p>
<p>I would encourage you to read past posts on CC. There are a lot of repetitions in the days before a test. Also, posting specific questions will usually yield good answers and suggestions from members.</p>