SAT Prep Math Survival Guide Part 3

Table of Contents

The Correct Way to Take the SAT

Effective SAT Math Test-Taking Strategy

The system provided is simple but requires practice to build confidence before test day. It’s recommended to take at least four full-length SAT practice tests, spaced out roughly one per month, to maximize preparedness.

For Students Scoring at Least 600 in SAT Math:

Pacing Guidelines:

On average, you have about 1 minute and 15 seconds per question. If you’ve been preparing correctly, this is ample time:
- Easy questions: ~30 seconds on average
- Medium questions: ~60 seconds on average
- Hard questions: ~75 seconds on average

Example Breakdown for the 25-Minute No-Calculator Section:

15 Multiple Choice Questions and 5 Grid-In Questions:
- Questions 1-5: Easy
- Questions 6-10: Medium
- Questions 11-15: Hard
- Questions 16-17: Easy
- Question 18: Medium
- Questions 19-20: Hard
Suggested time allocation:
- Easy Questions: ~3.5 minutes
- Medium Questions: ~6 minutes
- Hard Questions: ~8.5 minutes
This pacing leaves roughly 7 minutes to check answers and focus on any remaining tricky questions.

Personal Example:

I can personally complete any 20-question section in about 8 minutes without rushing, leaving ample time to review and catch any mistakes. This speed comes from applying the same strategies I teach, which you can learn and implement effectively.

Pacing Strategy Tips:

Decision Making After 30 Seconds:
- If you do not feel confident about a question after 30 seconds, mark it and move on. Return to it later.
- The worst mistake is to get stuck on a single question.
Eliminate and Guess (When Needed):
- If you’ve ruled out one or more answer choices, make an educated guess and mark it for review.
- This strategy applies to both multiple-choice and grid-in questions.
Calculator Use (On Applicable Sections):
- Use your calculator when appropriate, but avoid over-reliance as it can slow you down.
Order of Question Completion:
- Note that the last few multiple-choice questions tend to be more challenging, while the initial grid-in questions are often easier. Consider skipping the last few multiple-choice questions initially and returning to them later.
Second Pass Through the Section:
- After completing the section once, return to marked questions and solve as many as possible within a few minutes.
- Reserve some time to review all answers and revisit any particularly challenging problems if time permits.

Additional Tips for Effective Practice:

Use your practice tests to simulate these strategies under timed conditions.
Focus on minimizing careless errors by pacing correctly and using strategic problem-solving approaches.

By following these pacing strategies and practicing diligently, you will become more efficient and confident in tackling SAT math sections effectively.

Pacing Strategy for Students Scoring Below 600 in SAT Math

General Pacing Guidelines:

Prioritize Time Management: If a question seems too hard or is taking too long (more than 1 minute), make a quick decision. If you understand it well enough to finish quickly, proceed; otherwise, mark it and move on.
Avoid Getting Stuck: Do not get hung up on one question. It is better to move on and come back to it if time permits.
Elimination and Guessing:
- If you can eliminate at least one incorrect answer choice (or if it is a grid-in question), make an educated guess.
- Still mark the question and return to it later if possible.
Calculator Use:
- Use your calculator for appropriate questions but avoid over-relying on it, as it can slow you down.

Order of Question Completion:

Hard vs. Easy Questions:
- The last few multiple-choice questions in each section are typically more challenging.
- The first few grid-in questions are usually easier. Consider skipping the last few multiple-choice questions initially and returning to them later.

Appropriate Number of Questions:

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity:
- You should not attempt to solve every single question. This approach may actually lower your score.
- By pacing yourself to attempt fewer questions, you’ll avoid feeling rushed, have more time to check your answers properly, and not waste time on questions you’re likely to answer incorrectly.

For All Students: The Correct Way to Check Over Your Answers

Rechecking Strategy:
- Do not simply review your previous work. Start the test over and redo each question without looking at your prior solutions.
- Ideally, use a different method from what you used initially. For example, if you used number picking, choose different numbers. If no alternative method comes to mind, reattempt the problem and compare results.
- If your answers match, proceed. If they differ, take some extra time to identify and correct any mistakes.

Summary of Effective SAT Math Test Strategy

Pace Yourself Properly:
- Be conscious of your time and manage it effectively across different question types and difficulty levels.
Monitor Time Spent on Problems:
- Decide within one minute if you can solve a problem quickly or if it should be marked and revisited later.
Check Answers the Right Way:
- Always use a different approach to double-check answers and identify potential mistakes.

Practice Recommendations:

Apply this method on at least four practice tests before taking the real SAT to build confidence and familiarity.
Proper preparation and pacing will give you the best chance to maximize your score.

How Many Questions Should You Be Attempting in Each SAT Math Section?

In this post, we are going to discuss how you can actually increase your SAT math score by answering fewer questions. This advice is particularly relevant for students currently scoring below 630 on the math section of College Board practice SATs.

Many students mistakenly believe that they are supposed to get through every single question on every section of the SAT. This is not true! In fact, answering around two-thirds of the questions on each math section can help you achieve a score as high as 600. Keep in mind, a score of 600 on SAT math is considered a strong score.

Why Answering Fewer Questions Can Improve Your Score

This may sound counterintuitive—how can answering fewer questions result in a better score? In a traditional school test, answering only two-thirds of the questions correctly would typically be a failing grade. However, the SAT is a standardized test designed to classify students by their skill levels for college admissions. It is not about “passing” or “failing” in the traditional sense.

Here is an important breakdown of the test: roughly one-third of the math questions on the SAT are considered “easy,” one-third “medium,” and the final third “hard.” Therefore, scoring 600 or above can be achieved by correctly answering all the easy and medium questions without needing to tackle the hard ones.

Score	MC (Calculator Allowed)	Grid In (Calculator Allowed)	MC (Calculator Not Allowed)	Grid In (Calculator Not Allowed)
< 330	10/30	3/8	4/15	1/5
330 – 370	15/30	4/8	6/15	2/5
380 – 430	18/30	5/8	8/15	2/5
440 – 490	21/30	6/8	9/15	3/5
500 – 550	24/30	7/8	11/15	4/5
560 – 620	27/30	7/8	13/15	4/5
630 – 800	30/30	8/8	15/15	5/5

Should You Go with Your First Instinct When Guessing in SAT Math?

Many students have heard the common advice to “go with your first instinct” when answering questions on a test. The idea is that your gut feeling is often right, so if you change an answer, you might make a mistake. While there is some truth to this for certain types of questions, when it comes to the SAT math section, this advice needs to be approached with caution.

Understanding When to Trust Your Instinct

For Easy Questions: Your first instinct can often be trusted for the first third of the questions in a math section. These questions are typically straightforward, and your initial reaction is often correct. On a 20-question section, questions 1-5 and 16-17 are generally easier and more intuitive.
For Medium and Hard Questions: Things become trickier with medium and hard questions. For the second and last third of the questions (questions 6-15 and 18-20 on a 20-question section), relying solely on your gut can often lead to incorrect answers. Why? Because these questions are designed to trick students. Going with your first instinct here can actually lead to more mistakes.

Using the “Quasi-Elimination” Technique

If you find yourself unsure on a difficult question (like question 19), and your instinct is telling you that the answer is B, consider eliminating that option and choosing from the remaining choices instead. This counterintuitive strategy works because difficult questions are often structured in ways that mislead most students. Remember, these questions appear late in the section precisely because they have tripped up test-takers on past exams.

Key Takeaway: Trust your instinct on easier questions, but for the harder ones, it may be beneficial to go against it and apply careful reasoning instead.

Stop Making Careless Errors in SAT Math

Careless errors are often the biggest obstacle for students striving to improve their SAT math scores. But what exactly is a “careless error”? The term is commonly used by students, but it can refer to different types of mistakes. Understanding the causes behind these errors can help you avoid them and improve your overall performance.

Types of Careless Errors

Errors Due to Lack of Focus and Attention: This is the traditional definition of a careless error—simply not paying close enough attention. Maybe you misread a question, forgot to carry a digit, or accidentally marked the wrong bubble on your answer sheet. While frustrating, these errors are preventable with more focus.
Errors Caused by Trick Questions: SAT math questions are intentionally designed to mislead and confuse students. The math itself is often straightforward, but the wording, answer choices, or structure of the question may cause you to fall into a trap. When you see the correct solution, you might dismiss your mistake as a “careless error” because it seems obvious in hindsight. This can lead to overconfidence and an assumption that you don’t need further practice.

Avoiding Careless Errors

Pay Attention to Details: Slow down and carefully read each question. Watch out for common traps like “not” or “least,” and be meticulous with calculations.
Mark and Review: Mark questions you’re unsure about and come back to them with fresh eyes. When reviewing your answers, try solving the problem using a different approach. If your new answer matches your first, great. If not, figure out where you went wrong.
Recognize Patterns: If you keep making similar mistakes, take note of the specific traps you’re falling into. Make a point to practice these types of questions until you can consistently get them right.
Practice Smartly: Practice does not mean just doing problems. It means redoing questions you initially got wrong and reflecting on why you made errors. Ask yourself if you were truly “careless” or if you were tricked by a question.

Summary: Careless errors are not always due to a lack of attention. Many mistakes happen because SAT questions are cleverly crafted to catch students off guard. By recognizing when you’ve been tricked, rather than simply dismissing mistakes as careless, you can identify areas that need more practice and improve your overall score.

Tips to Avoid Careless Errors on the SAT Math Section

1. Stop Rushing

A common reason for making careless errors is rushing through the SAT math section in an attempt to finish quickly. It’s important to focus on each problem you’re working on. Take your time to carefully read and understand each question, and give yourself a moment to check your answer before moving on to the next one. Speed will come naturally as you continue practicing and mastering SAT-specific math strategies. It’s better to answer fewer questions accurately than to rush and make mistakes.

2. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question

Spending too much time on a single question can lead to stress and rushing through the remaining questions, increasing the chance of making careless errors. To avoid this, be mindful of the time you spend on each question:

If you’re scoring 650 or higher on practice tests, decide within 30 seconds if you can solve the question quickly. If you can, finish it within another 45 seconds. If not, mark it off and move on.
If you’re scoring between 500 and 650, give yourself up to 45 seconds to decide.
If you’re scoring below 500, you can spend up to 1 minute before deciding to move on. Remember, you can come back to these marked questions later. The work you have already done will still be there to help you.

3. Learn SAT-Specific Math Strategies

The SAT math section is designed to test your reasoning and problem-solving skills in unique ways. By mastering SAT-specific strategies, you’ll be better equipped to avoid being tricked by tricky questions. Practice these strategies regularly so that you can apply them quickly and confidently during the test.

4. Practice Solving Problems in Multiple Ways

The more ways you can solve a problem, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid traps and careless mistakes. When practicing, try solving each problem using different methods, such as:

Using an SAT-specific strategy
The quickest method you can think of
The method you would use in a classroom setting
The method that feels easiest to you

During the actual SAT, focus on solving each problem using one method initially, and then use a second method when reviewing your answers to confirm your solution. This helps ensure accuracy and minimizes careless errors.

More Tips to Minimize Careless Errors on SAT Math

5. Practice 10 to 20 Minutes Daily

Consistent practice is key to reducing careless errors on the SAT. Dedicate 10 to 20 minutes each day to working on SAT math problems. Focus not only on new problems but also make sure to periodically revisit problems you’ve gotten wrong in the past. The goal is to learn from your mistakes and reinforce your understanding by practicing until you can solve similar problems correctly on your own.

6. Don’t Dismiss Errors as “Careless” During Practice

When you get a problem wrong, mark it and revisit it after a few days. Simply dismissing an error as “careless” and moving on without addressing it can lead to repeating the same mistake. It’s essential to give yourself time to forget the problem’s specifics, then attempt it again to truly test your understanding. Repeat this process until you can solve the problem confidently and correctly.

7. Ensure You Answer What the Question Asks

Double-check that your answer aligns with what the question is asking. For example, if the question asks for the value of $3x$ and you’ve solved for $x$ , make sure to multiply by 3 before submitting your answer.

8. Avoid Going with Your Instinct on Hard Questions

Hard questions on the SAT are intentionally designed to be tricky, often tempting you to select an “obvious” answer that’s incorrect. If your instinct leads you to an answer too quickly, take a step back and reconsider. Unless you have a solid justification for why an answer is correct, use the process of elimination and make an educated guess from the remaining options. Be wary of relying solely on instinct for high-difficulty questions.

9. Check Your Answers the Right Way

If you have extra time at the end of a section, go back and check your answers. However, don’t simply skim through your work—start each question over from scratch without looking at your previous solution. Try to solve the problem using a different method if possible. For example, if you used one method initially, try another one for verification. Compare the two answers: if they match, move on; if they don’t, carefully review your work to identify any mistakes.

10. Use Your TI-84 Calculator Effectively

Your calculator should be a tool that speeds up your calculations, not a crutch. Avoid overusing it by typing away without purpose. Instead, use it primarily for arithmetic and computations where it can save you time and minimize errors. Be careful with inputting values—ensure that you understand how to use parentheses correctly to avoid order of operations mistakes. For example, always enclose numerators, denominators, and exponents in parentheses to ensure accuracy.

By implementing these strategies and making a conscious effort to learn from your mistakes, you can significantly reduce careless errors and improve your performance on the SAT math section.

Eliminating Test-taking Anxiety on the SAT

A little bit of anxiety before a big test like the SAT can be beneficial—it can boost your energy, focus, and motivation. However, when that anxiety becomes overwhelming and negatively affects your performance, it’s time to address it. Here are effective strategies to help reduce test-taking anxiety and perform at your best on the SAT:

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is key to minimizing test-taking anxiety. When you’re confident in your abilities, your anxiety naturally decreases. Start preparing three to four months before your SAT date. Dedicate time to learning as many SAT-specific math strategies as possible, which can make you more efficient and confident during the test.

Consistent Practice: Dedicate 10 to 20 minutes each day to practicing SAT math problems. Consistency is more effective than cramming.
Relax the Day Before the Test: Taking a break the day before your SAT is crucial. Studying right up until test day can increase your anxiety. Trust your preparation, rest, and allow yourself time to recharge.
Take Practice Tests: Complete at least four full-length practice tests before the real SAT. This helps you become familiar with the format, build endurance, and reduce anxiety caused by the unknown. Consider using the second edition of the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide for realistic practice.

2. Keep a Positive Mindset

Focus on Progress: Remind yourself of the progress you’ve made during your study journey.
Replace Negative Thoughts: Transform anxious thoughts such as “I can’t do this” into more constructive ones like “I’ve prepared well and can handle this challenge.”
Visualize Success: Picture yourself confidently answering questions and doing well on the test.

3. Practice Mindfulness Techniques

Deep Breathing Exercises: Before and during the test, take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group to relieve physical tension.
Mindfulness Meditation: Practice focusing your attention on the present moment, which can help you manage stress and prevent your mind from racing.

4. Create a Routine

Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize a good night’s sleep in the weeks leading up to the test, not just the night before.
Eat a Balanced Meal: On test day, eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and a small amount of healthy fat to sustain your energy.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the testing center with time to spare to avoid feeling rushed or frazzled.

5. Manage Test Day Anxiety

Skip and Return: If a question is causing anxiety, skip it and move on to easier questions. You can always come back later with a fresh perspective.
Stay Focused on the Present: Don’t worry about questions you’ve already answered or the overall score. Focus solely on the question in front of you.
Break the Test into Sections: Mentally divide the test into smaller, manageable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed by its length.

6. Use Relaxation Strategies During the Test

Take Short Breaks: Close your eyes for a few seconds and take a few deep breaths during allowed breaks to reset your focus.
Stretch: If you’re feeling tense, stretch your shoulders, neck, and hands discreetly to release tension.

2. Increase Confidence

A lack of confidence can often turn into anxiety. Building confidence starts with preparation. As you become more familiar with SAT math concepts and consistently practice, your confidence will naturally increase. The key is to ensure you are getting some questions right during your study sessions, which reinforces a positive outlook.

Balance Your Practice: Include a mix of easier and more challenging questions during your study sessions. For example, if Level 4 number theory problems are currently giving you trouble, begin by solving some Level 2 and 3 problems before attempting the tougher Level 4 questions. This way, you reinforce your skills and boost your morale with correct answers before tackling harder questions.
Learn from Mistakes: Your score will improve by turning failures into successes. Making mistakes during practice is crucial for growth, but balance these with moments of success to avoid anxiety from too many setbacks.

3. Know How to Take the Test Correctly

Approach the SAT with a plan. This means being familiar with the format, pacing, and specific strategies for tackling each section:

Memorize Directions and Formulas: Save time and reduce stress by knowing all the directions and common formulas that appear on the SAT ahead of time.
Pace Yourself: Have a strategy for how you will move through the test, how much time you will spend on each question, and when to move on.
Check Your Answers Wisely: Develop a system for reviewing your answers. For example, redoing each question without looking at your previous work can help you catch mistakes, especially if you use a different method the second time around.

4. Take Extra Full-Length Practice Tests

If anxiety is affecting your confidence, extra practice may be the remedy you need. Full-length practice tests will expose you to the pacing and structure of the SAT, building familiarity and reducing surprises on test day. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become, which in turn can lower your anxiety.

5. Learn to Enter the Test-Taking “State”

Think of an activity you excel at, such as a sport or musical performance. When you engage in this activity, you likely feel confident and natural, almost as if you don’t have to think about it. The goal is to recreate that mental state when taking the SAT.

Warm-Up: If you’re not feeling confident, you may need a “warm-up” period to get into the right mindset. This warm-up can involve practicing a few questions or visualizing successful outcomes. Recall moments when you’ve performed well in the past to build your confidence.
State of Flow: Once you’re in the appropriate mental state, anxiety will fade, and your performance will reflect your ability.

6. Get Out of Your Head

Anxiety often stems from negative or racing thoughts. You can regain control with simple mental techniques that bring you back to the present moment:

Focus on Your Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths and focus solely on the rhythm of your breath. Let it become your main point of attention.
Engage in a Simple Task: Concentrate fully on a simple, mundane activity, making it your entire focus.
Listen to Your Surroundings: Pay attention to the sounds around you, isolating each one and then trying to sense the quiet or “silence” behind those sounds.
Observe Negative Thoughts: Instead of fighting or responding to negative thoughts, simply observe them without judgment. With time, they will pass.

Meditation for Anxiety Reduction

If anxiety is a concern for your SAT performance, practice these techniques daily, including before practice tests and on the morning of the SAT. Remember, meditative techniques require practice to be effective. For more in-depth guidance on mindfulness and meditation, consider reading Full Catastrophe Living, which explores these methods further.

7. Quick Warm-Up on Test Morning

On the morning of your SAT, try solving a few easy math problems before heading to the testing center. This is not about last-minute studying; instead, it helps get your brain into the right mindset and sharpens your focus (as discussed in the “state” section above). Stick to problems that you find straightforward to build a feeling of confidence and mental readiness.

8. Release Tension on the Way to the Test

Feeling tense on your way to the SAT? Try letting out a big, loud scream while in the car (provided it’s safe and appropriate). Release that built-up anxiety and stress. Just be sure to give anyone else riding with you a heads-up first—tell them that Dr. Steve says it’s a great anxiety-buster.

Final Thoughts on Managing Test Anxiety

Feeling anxious about the SAT means you care about your performance, and that’s a good thing! The best way to tackle anxiety is through effective preparation. Build confidence by practicing regularly, taking practice tests, and using proven techniques to reduce anxiety. With time, you’ll be ready to face the test with a calm and focused mind.