Basic Structure of the SAT Math Test

The SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published was able to give me many helpful secrets and tips on the SAT Reading Test. This time I'll be using its knowledge to help me ace the SAT Math Test! After reading Mike Barrett's comments about the Math Test I applied his strategies to the non-calculator test.



To prepare myself for the Math Test I read up on what concepts would be covered in the test. Barrett states, "The concepts in the SAT Math section must be limited because of standardization. No trig or advanced stats-just arithmetic, algebra, and geometry" (Barrett 221). Already having learned these subjects, I went into the test with less anxiety. The test did not disappoint when I finished most problems with ease as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry come easy to me . However, I did answers some questions on the test incorrectly: scoring 16 out of 20. The moments I had difficulties solving problems was when I couldn't remember certain concepts since I learned these levels of math before high school. Next time, I'll definitely review he big ideas more before the test!

I struggled to remember how to solve Questions 13-15.

Along with forgetfulness, calculation errors also led to the wrong answers I had. On Question 5 I chose D) for the answer, but it was incorrect. I chose D) under the impression that it was correct because of a common pattern in the SAT Math Test: multiple choice questions have wrong answers that are similar to the correct answer (Barrett 158). All the answers seemed very similar on Question 5: they all contained x^2 and y^2 somewhere. The wrong answers seemed like right answers so I overlooked the miscalculation I had: forgetting to distribute the negative.

Knowing what concepts will be present, I will definitely review them before my next SAT Math Test; on the actual test I will be vigilant of the calculations I do and make sure they're correct.

Do you know all the math concepts on the SAT Math Test? Have you taken Algebra and Geometry class before?

Barrett, Mike. SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective Strategies Ever Published. San Bernardino: M. Barrett, 2013. Print.