OK, the absolutely best SAT strategy is to KNOW THE MATH! Sorry to disabuse you of the myth that you can learn a collection of gimmicky approaches to specific questions and garner a top score. In many cases, memorizing the gimmick and actually applying it correctly is about as difficult as just knowing the underlying math. And knowing the underlying math has a wider usefulness, both on the exam, on other entrance exams, and yes, in life in general!
I will concede that SAT MATH questions often have a somewhat unique style of presentation or construction, and this is an idiosyncratic feature of the SAT MATH exam where preparation and “strategy” do definitely come into play. Also, the exam is a timed exam and it does follow a somewhat predictable pattern, so we’ll also look at those issues.
TIMING on the SAT—
The MATH portion of the exam occurs in two separate sections (Section 3 and Section 4), and you need to move efficiently through the exam. Here’s your average allotted times—
- Section 3 | 75 seconds
- Section 4 | 87 seconds
Don’t get fixated on any single question. Additionally, you’ll need to be quicker than those averages early on, affording you more time on the later!
Resist Temptation!
OK, the order of difficulty on the SAT is not as predictable as once was. However, it is still generally true that the more difficult questions are seen later in both Section 3 and 4, while early questions in each section tend to be easier.
So let’s say that a late-stage problem features a 40% discount and then a second discount (let’s say an additional 20%). Can you just add them to determine the total discount (i.e., 60%)?? Nope! Your suspicion of the overly easy answer choice should be further reinforced by the fact that this question is occurring late in Section 3 or 4, hence probably requires a more rigorous solution.
WHAT IF—
For instance, what if x equals 0 or 1 or a negative number? What if the original price paid was $100? Substituting in some convenient hypothetical values can sometimes quickly determine a value or identify the appropriate graph, etc. As mentioned, it provides an alternative way to solve thorny percentage problems (i.e., you’re asked to determine an original percentage, given a final amount paid after a discount and a sales tax). We practice the “What If” strategy at length in our premium content areas.
BACK-SOLVING—
In other words, inserting one or more of the given answers to see if it works. In general, I don’t think a well-prepared exam-taker should need to frequently resort to this strategy. However, it is the preferred approach for certain radical expressions and linear inequalities and if necessary, on difficult problems that are beyond your algebraic skills given the inherent pressure of the SAT MATH exam.
DIFFICULTY–
While prior SATs really telegraphed this phenomenon in the past, it is still generally the case that the easiest questions will appear early on in both Sections 3 and 4, while the more difficult questions generally come later. Therefore, if you’re late in the exam—
- Don’t get frustrated at questions that take extra time!
- Beware overly easy solutions!
NUMBER TWO PENCIL—
Use that iconic #2 pencil! Write out equations that you derive and sub-results. Cross out answers that you have eliminated. Do a quick sketch of something that’s tough to just visualize. Underline key information in the given problem text.
GRID-INS—
We provide a fairly in-depth interactive module in which you can learn all of the requirements of the SAT GRID-IN. Obviously, to correctly solve a problem, but then lose the points due to a simple GRID-IN error is something you really want to avoid. The biggest pitfall is attempting to enter a mixed number (such as three and two thirds, for instance). Instead you must convert the mixed number to a fraction (11/3, for instance, now can be safely entered in the GRID-IN). Finally, if the correct answer is a range of numbers, then just pick a simple number that lies within the acceptable range. Oh and one last thing—if you come up with a negative number on a GRID-IN question, it must be incorrect (because there’s no way to enter it!). So redo your math, time permitting.
