The SAT math section includes questions that involve arithmetic, algebra, geometry and some algebra II. The test does not include trigonometry problems. The math section contains 54 questions, and test-takers have a total of 70 minutes to complete them. Students may also use a calculator on the test if they desire. The test scores on a 200- to 800-point scale. Most questions are multiple choice, though the SAT math section also features 10 grid-in questions.
Instructions
1. Take the PSAT, which is a practice SAT test offered at most schools. Your PSAT scores do not count toward college entrance requirements, but you receive a detailed score report that helps you pinpoint the areas in which you need the most practice. It can be particularly helpful to know which types of math problems you need to review before taking the actual SAT.
2. Sign up for the Official SAT Question A Day through the College Board SAT website (see References). The site sends a daily email with an SAT-style question to practice. Although you receive verbal section questions as well, the math questions help you to practice problems for a few minutes, a few days a week.
3. Obtain practice materials from the College Board. The College Board provides free practice materials to all students who sign up for the SAT. You can access a free practice test on the College Board website, or you can buy an official test preparation book or sign up for a study course online. Use the math problems in these materials to practice. The more you do, the more confident you will feel on test day. SAT prep books also include practice tests.
4. Look for more SAT practice materials. Test prep companies like the Princeton Review and Kaplan publish SAT preparation books. You can buy these at your local bookstore or on the company websites listed in the Resources section. These books include practice problems, tips and an overview of what you can expect on your test. Use the math sections of these books to help you practice the problems.
5. Complete the practice tests. It's important not only to have a good grasp of the math found on the SAT, but also to build up your test-taking stamina so that you can get through a large number of problems at a reasonable speed to finish your test. Practice tests help you with this, so take as many as possible.
6. Get a tutor to help if you're having particular difficulty with SAT math practice problems. Sometimes, schools provide lists of tutors for their students to contact. You can also take an SAT prep class through Kaplan or another test prep company.
Tags: College Board, practice problems, math section, practice materials, Board website, College Board website, free practice