How To Improve SAT Math Score: 6 SAT Math Tips
reviewed by Jessica Kaminski
Updated on May 28, 2024
Is your high school graduate wondering how to get a good score on the SAT? For many, it is a challenging, thought-provoking exam. But no worries, with some solid preparation, your schooler is good to go.
So how should they prepare? In this guide, we’re about to decipher a good SAT math score code.
How to get a high SAT score?
To get a high SAT score, a graduate should:
- Set distinct goals
- Prepare & register
- Review & master PSAT-related assessments
- Participate in challenging courses
- Make preparation & practice a top priority
- Eventually, do their best to pass the test
As you can see, your graduate has to go a long way to succeed. And, indeed, it’s easier to prepare when there’s someone to guide and help. Luckily, there are many online platforms like Brighterly, where professional tutors can consult students whenever they need help.
Here are the benefits of such curated preparation:
- No blind memorizing — tutors encourage students to understand what they study;
- Online accessibility at any convenient time;
- Personalized learning plan and tailored approach;
- Interactive math classes that guarantee a no-stress environment;
- 1:1 format, which means that all attention is devoted to your graduate.
Sure, the benefits of online tutoring are undeniable. But let’s explore some other SAT test- taking strategies to boost your schooler’s score. These are the core things to consider.
Set distinct SAT score goals
Even before starting their preparation, students should understand the minimum score they need to get. It’s pretty easy to define. They must consider the average SAT range of their dream college. Alternatively, they can review the participation requirements for a scholarship.
Prepare & register for the SAT
Choosing the date to pass the SAT is paramount (and it’s not only about superstitions). First, the day should leave enough time for preparation. Second, it should correspond to the application deadline at a chosen college. But note that some days are highly sought after so be sure to register for them beforehand.
Review & master PSAT-related assessments
If you wonder how to boost the SAT score, a good idea is to train with PSAT-related assessments like PSAT 8/9™, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT. All of these offer a good sense of the exam environment. Reviewing them helps define areas for improvement and outline a clear study plan.
Participate in challenging courses
Students should be attentive to their daily classes to get a higher SAT score. The reason is simple — at its core, the SAT contains the knowledge they receive in classrooms; nothing extraordinary here. Thus, an excellent way to get better at SAT math is by taking more challenging advanced courses, like Statistics, AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC.
Make preparation & practice a top priority
The best way to study for SAT math is to develop a clear plan and adjust it as a student progresses in some math areas. It allows for the maximum benefits with minimum time expenditures. But how do students know that they advanced in some topics? It’s where the sample assessments we’ve just discussed come into play!
Pass the SAT test
Your graduate should be 100% concentrated on the day X. Students usually get better SAT scores if they get a good night’s sleep, arrive on time, have a good meal, and minimize stress before the test.
Lindsey Wander, the founder and CEO of WorldWise Tutoring, strongly believes in each student’s ability to study. Here are some nuggets of wisdom she has to share about the SAT:
“Don’t rely too heavily on the categories in the score reports. For instance, a student might think they struggle with geometry, but in reality, they might face difficulties with fractions or vocabulary.”
To build confidence, schoolers should first complete the untimed test sections. It helps them focus on content and strategies and see how high they can score.
To overcome mental blocks, first, break the concept down into the simplest parts. Ensure you fully understand one part before moving on to the next one.
SAT Math Tips
The core SAT math tips for high school graduates are the following:
- Familiarize yourself with the subject and its areas
- Try to memorize essential formulas
- Practice your skills at demo tests
- Identify your weak areas and work on them
- Devote most of your time to challenging topics
- Ask for help
Remember that your schooler’s SAT math scores reflect how well they prepared. So, here are the tips for SAT math that will help them excel.
SAT Math Tip #1. Know the subject
All the best SAT tips and tricks to help you prepare for your SAT end up here — you must know what to study. It might seem obvious, but many students fail because they didn’t clarify the exact list of topics covered on the test. Here’s a cheat sheet:
- Manipulating & Solving Equations
- Exponents & Radicals
- Systems of Equations
- Exponential Vs. Linear Growth
- Word Problems
- Expressions
- Quadratics
- Lines
- Triangles
- Trigonometry
- Circles
- Probability
- Statistics
See? The list is even shorter than you might have thought. And many of these topics are regularly practiced in classrooms.
SAT Math Tip #2. Memorize the formulas
Did you know that most students ignore formulas? They usually say that the SAT provides a reference sheet, so there is no need to memorize each formula. But let’s be sincere: scrolling or flipping back and forth wastes time. Besides, the test won’t give every formula needed. So don’t let your high school graduate repeat that common mistake!
Here is a short list of 15 SAT formulas that students have consistently used during recent tests (and your graduate will most likely need, too).
1) Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
| y = mx + b |
2) Vertex Form of a Parabola
| y = a(x-h)2+k |
3) Distance Formula
| d = (x2- x1)2+(y2- y1)2) |
4) Quadratic Formula
| x = -bb2-4ac2a |
5) Exponent Rule (Multiplication)
| anam=an+m |
6) Exponent Rule (Division)
| aman=am-n |
7) Complex Conjugate
| (a+bi)(a-bi)=a2+b2 |
8) Simple interest
| A = Prt |
9) Compound interest
| A = P(1+rn)nt |
10) Area of an Equilateral Triangle
| A = 3s24 |
11) Equation of a Circle
| (x-h)2+(y-k)2=r2 |
11) Pythagorean Theorem
| a2+b2=c2 |
12) Regular Polygon Interior Angle
| (n-2)180n |
13) Length of Arc in a Circle
| length of arch = central angle360d |
14) Area of Sector in a Circle
| area of sector = central angle360r2 |
SAT Math Tip #3. Practice at demo tests
Practice tests are a must. They show the weak points and topics that need further studies. But one demo won’t be enough to improve the SAT math score. Let’s clarify: each test is a training, and the more training a student gets, the better their result.
And one more pro tip: it’s a good idea to retake those demo tests regularly, say, once every two weeks. Just to see the progress.
SAT Math Tip #4. Identify weak areas
All the most popular SAT tips and tricks won’t work if a student can’t analyze their weaknesses. In fact, knowing weak areas is half a battle. They should devote time after each demo test to review mistakes. This way, graduates will turn their weaknesses into strengths. And that’s where we approach the next discussion point.
SAT Math Tip #5. Work on your weaknesses
All the SAT strategies math teach students to spend their time reasonably! If they know some math topics well (especially if they cover them at school), why spend that valuable time honing them at home? Instead, graduates should focus on what they struggle with. Yes, those topics may seem daunting or depressing. But if your schooler wants to increase SAT score, they must do it.
Working on weaknesses is also the primary concern outlined by Sean Ivester, the owner of Pivot Tutors:
“One of the most important things students can do to improve their SAT scores is to focus on their struggles. ”
SAT Math Tip #6. Ask for help
But how to raise the SAT score if your graduate is on the humanitarian team? In most cases, experienced tutors can help. Those people are professionals in SAT preparation and can explain complex math concepts even to the biggest humanities-minded people. You can find such tutors on verified platforms like Brighterly and start studying online in a comfy setting. Sounds ideal, right?
The best ways to improve the SAT score
The best ways to improve SAT scores are to take practical demo exams, study effectively, use preparation materials, understand and memorize formulas, find a study group, and address a tutor. Overall, the SAT is the test of skills and nerve, so make sure your graduate trains both. Thus, they stay consistent and concentrated throughout the exam.
SAT test tips and tricks to use during the exam
Here are the best SAT math tricks to employ during the exam:
- Answer the easiest questions first;
- Use the same letter for each answer;
- Don’t postpone grid-in tasks till the last minute;
- Carefully read the questions & answers.
Now, let’s take a closer look at these top SAT tips and tricks from our experts to help your high schooler shine bright during the test.
Answer the easiest questions first
All questions are worth the same points, no matter their complexity. So, first, check out those that require less time to understand and complete — it’s the quickest way to raise the SAT score.
Use the same letter for each answer
If your schooler is up for a guessing game, choosing the same letter each time is the best option. The thing is that each answer choice (A, B, C, or D) is correct in about 25% of cases. So, if they pick only As, for instance, they’ll guarantee about 25% of the score.
Don’t postpone grid-in tasks till the last minute
The logic of any test is this: easier questions go at the beginning. It’s also the logic that graduates should follow in their answers. Firstly, they should solve multiple-choice questions.
Once those tasks get too complex, it’s time to move to grid-in tasks. The easiest grid-ins will go at the beginning, remember? Once they get too complicated, switch back to multiple choices. This strategy also saves time, as students can play that guessing game with multiple-choice questions but cannot pick their answers randomly for grid-ins.
Carefully read the questions & answers
Students often complain that they didn’t understand a question or were tangled by the answers provided. Thus, it is vital to keep a keen eye for detail and do everything possible to understand the task correctly.
Geillan Aly, founder and CEO at Compassionate Math, highlighted that reading and understanding the test questions is half a battle. So, she shared some tips on adopting the skill.
“The SAT may seem complicated for many students because of the wording problems. To eliminate the issue, you need to get used to the language of the SATs.”
- Don't rush trying to solve as many problems as possible when studying. Over time, your speed will improve as you get used to the wording.
- If you need to, read the question out loud to yourself. It can help clarify confusing language.
- You can also use pictures or imagine a movie with the problem played out to understand what’s asked.
- Finally, the best way is to practice with authentic questions that were once on the SAT. It means reading and studying REAL SAT problems (written by the College Board), not ones written by other companies.
Conclusion
SAT may be a complex exam that tests students’ skills, knowledge, and endurance. However, if there’s one sure way to increase the SAT score, it’s the proper preparation. So, why not help your high school graduate with that? Ensure they have an exact study plan, train regularly, and concentrate mainly on their weakest topics.
And maybe if they need extra help, is it time to book a lesson at Brighterly? Here, you can be sure that your schooler works with professionals.
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