SAT Prep: Mathematics Strategies

1) Two types of SAT Math problems

a. Multiple Choice
b. Student response (grid-in)
2) Multiple Choice
a. The answer is ALWAYS right there in front of you.
b. Eliminate & guess
i.Remember that SAT scoring deducts ¼ point for each incorrect answer. That
means that, on average, you’ll lose a small fraction of a point if you just guess
an answer. However, if you are sure that one or more of the answers are wrong,
on average, you will gain if you guess.
c. You KNOW that one of the answers must be correct. You may be able to find the
correct answer by substituting answers in the problem.
d. Estimate the answer. An estimate may lead you to the correct answer or it may enable
you to cross off some answers you know are incorrect.
3) Grid-ins
a. Write the answer in the boxes AND fill in the bubbles below. The scoring machine only
reads the ovals you fill in.
b. An answer can never be less than 0 or larger than 9999. You can NEVER have a
negative number as an answer.
c. The numerator or denominator of a fraction can NEVER have more than two digits.
d. A decimal can extend ONLY to the thousandth place.
e. If your answer doesn’t fit, it’s incorrect.
f. Skip difficult questions and come back to them later.
g. You get credit for correct answers; nothing is deducted for incorrect answers.
Therefore, there’s no penalty for guessing at all. If you have absolutely no idea what the
answer is, GUESS ANYWAY!
4) The Test Booklet
a. There are geometric formulas at the beginning of the section. You don’t need to
remember the formula, just that the formula is there if you need it.
b. The test booklet is yours. Do ALL of your work in the test booklet. Cross of incorrect
answers in the test booklet. Draw diagrams—whatever you like
c. Write all of the answers next to the problem for a two-page spread of questions. Then
transfer the answer to the Answer Sheet.
5) The Calculator
a. Avoid entry errors (errors made by entering wrong numbers or symbols)
i.Use a calculator with a 2-Line Display
ii.Estimate before you calculate
b. Decide WHEN to use a calculator
i.Every question on the SAT can be answered without a calculator. Use on ONLY
when you need to.
6) The Secret to Math Success
a. Practice.