How to Improve Your Math SAT Score

Getting a high SAT score can make it easier to get into college and receive financial assistance if needed. To improve your scores on the math portion of the SAT, it's important to get as much practice as you can. Seek out instructional videos online, take practice exams, work with a study group, or even hire a private tutor. Hone your math skills, while also getting familiar with the structure of the test. On the day of the test, go in with your (SAT approved!) calculator and pencil in hand and do your very best.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Practicing the Test

1
Download the SAT practice app. Go to the College Board's website and head to the “Daily Practice” section. In that area, you will find a link to download an app that will help you prepare for the SAT. The app will send you practice questions each day. It will also let you scan paper practice tests directly into your phone.^{[1]XResearch source}
- The app will track your practice scores over time as well.
2
Visit the Khan Academy practice website. This is an organization which has partnered with the College Board in order to provide additional free test preparation for the SAT. Create a Khan Academy account and take a series of diagnostic quizzes. You'll then be given a study plan showing you how to improve over time. ^{[2]XResearch source}
- Link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts by agreeing to the “Link” prompts after signing in. This will allow you to transfer your practice scores back and forth so that you can more easily track your progress. If you took the PSAT, you can also transfer your score from that, and Khan Academy will show which portions of the math section (as well as which portions of the other sections) you need to work on.
Sometimes it helps to see a math problem completed right in front of you. There are a number of websites online, including the Khan Academy, where you can download and view sample math problems from the SAT. This is a great way to learn how to solve a linear equation or how to interpret a linear function.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Enroll in an SAT prep course. These classes are available online or in-person. Visit the College Board's website for a list of available classes or talk with your high school counselor to see when they'll be offered. Some classes are free, whereas others require a fee.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Look for a prep course that has a proven track record of improving student's scores in the math section.
- If you cannot afford test prep classes, ask your counselor about a financial assistance program.
5
Set up an SAT study group. Get together with some of your classmates who are planning to take the SAT. Or, connect with a group of people via a SAT prep website. Then, start meeting to go over questions and practice tests. Come up with an agenda for each meeting, so that you'll cover all of the sections before your test date.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Find a sponsor, such as a parent or a coach, who can keep everyone on task. This person can also write college application letters testifying to your study efforts.
6
Hire a personal math tutor. Find a local college student or math teacher who is available to tutor students after school hours. Ask your teachers or counselors for contact information for recommended tutors.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If you feel unsatisfied with your progress, try switching tutors.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Following Test Day Strategies

1
Bring only approved materials on the test day. Read over the instructions provided to you by the College Board and your testing site well before the day of your test. Understand which items you can bring into the test room, like an approved calculator, and which items are prohibited, like any texting device. Being fully prepared on test day will make you more relaxed can lead to a higher math, and overall, score.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Bring your admission ticket, photo ID, two pencils with erasers, and your calculator to the testing site. Taking along a watch is also a good idea.
2
Follow each question and each section's directions carefully. Before you begin to work on each question, take a moment to carefully read through the instructions. Repeat this process at the start of each new section as well. Write your final answer in the proper top boxes and fully fill out the answer circles, too. Otherwise, you may not receive credit. ^{[8]XResearch source}
- For in-grid questions, there are a unique set of rules as well. For example, each answer must be in a decimal or fraction form when entered on the grid.
- Be aware that some problems may even allow for more than one correct answer.
Many people make the mistake of just skimming over 'easy' questions, which can lead to a number of errors. Instead, give equal attention to each question and double-check every answer before entering it in. Resist the urge to just jump at an answer and make sure that you write out every calculation.^{[9]XResearch source}
4
Focus on guide words with word problems. Don't get bogged down with the wordiness of a word problem. Instead, break it apart by looking for key words, such as “per,” “each,” or “every,” which may indicate frequency. Underline any specific directions, like “complete the problem with multiplication.”^{[10]XResearch source}
- If there are multiple steps needed to get to the final answer, place a number by each of these in the written directions. For example, “1. Add 2+5 together.”
Go through the math portion of the test and answer all of the questions that you can. Then, if you have any time left, go back over your answers. Answer any problems that you left blank. Double-check your work on the more difficult questions.^{[11]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting to Know the Exam and Setting Your Goals

1
Get to know the structure of the test. The math part of the SAT has two main sections: the Calculator portion with 8 grid-in and 30 multiple-choice questions and the No Calculator portion with 5 grid-in and 15 multiple-choice questions. You will have 55 minutes to complete the Calculator portion and 25 minutes for the No Calculator section.^{[12]XResearch source}
- The test also covers 4 principle areas of math study: the Heart of Algebra; Problem Solving and Data Analysis; Passport to Advanced Math; and Additional Topics in Math.^{[13]XResearch source}
The College Board provides a public list of formulas for each version and year of the math SAT. Print out this information from the SAT Student Guide and read over it carefully. Practice using these equations until you are familiar with each of them and know how to use them to answer questions.^{[14]XResearch source}
When you answer a multiple-choice question, narrow down the possible right answers by entering each one into the provided formula. If the number works, then it is the right answer and choice. If not, then cross it out as an option.^{[15]XResearch source}
There is an entire portion of the test where you will allowed to use a calculator to figure out the answers. Test out a number of calculators to determine which one is the best one for you. Then, use it to complete a number of practice tests. This will make you more familiar with where the buttons are and how calculator works, which will save you valuable time on the test itself.^{[16]XResearch source}
5
Set a target score and know how many you can miss. Go into the test with a specific score goal for each of the individual sections, including the math one. This will then let you know exactly how many questions you'll need to get right, or how many you can miss, and still meet your goal. If you get close to that max number of misses, spend some extra time on the remaining questions.^{[17]XResearch source}
- For example, if you have a goal of 750 on the Math portion of the SAT, this means that you can only miss a total of 4 questions.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What math should I study for the SAT?
Arash Fayz
Test Prep Tutor
Arash Fayz is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LA Tutors 123, an academic consulting and private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. Arash has over 10 years of educational consulting experience, managing the tutoring of students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to score higher on standardized tests and gain admission to their target schools. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Arash Fayz
Test Prep Tutor
Expert Answer
Focus on the questions you're more likely to see. The SAT has more algebra and arithmetic questions than it does geometry and trigonometry. When you're studying, spend more time working on your algebra skills and less on your geometry skills.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

To get your scores as soon as possible, register your email with the College Board. Then, wait for a message confirming that your online scores are ready for viewing.^{[18]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Warnings

If you bring in a prohibited electronic device, such as a cell phone, into the testing room, then you may have your scores canceled. The test center may also confiscate and hold onto your device for later inspection.^{[19]XResearch source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0