Question 1

I usually am pretty good with time management, but I am always running out of time on the no calculator section.  I'm not a real math whiz, and whenever I don't have a calculator, I freak out.  It's like my brain shuts down and won't let me think through even a simple problem if I can't use a calculator.  Any tips from people who are better at this than I am will be greatly appreciated!

Accepted Answer

Olivia -
I know, right?  Math without a calculator?  Witchcraft!  
Anyway, I have the same problem.  I can do Math better even if the calculator is sitting there, but I'm not using it.  It's like back-up, or a security blanket.  "It's there if I need it, even if technically I can't USE it..."  Lol.   To help with your (our!) problem, try doing everyday Math without a calculator.  You have to "ween yourself off" it, if you will.  Trust your intellect - you CAN do Math without the calculator.  I assume you're taking a Math class?  Try doing simpler homework problems without your calculator nearby.  Once you can handle this, try harder problems... then harder still.  Don't do this for tests or anything where it might affect your grades, though.  We can't have that!
Hopefully after a couple weeks you'll be able to get through problems with little or no help.  That's what the SAT is testing - your ability to solve Math on your own.  Most anybody can do math with a calculator - you've got to prove you can handle it without.  And you can handle it!
Lemme know if there's something else you need.  Best of luck!

Question 2

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve my speed when taking the non-calculator section? I can never get to all of the questions.

Accepted Answer

This is the method I have been really successful with and earned around 780-800 in total. It took a lot of practice, but it was worth it in the end.

First, complete the first ten questions in about 7 minutes, at most. This will take some time to get used to, but these questions come easy with a lot of practice. It's not impossible, but it is challenging.

Spend about 7 - 10 minutes on the next ten, as these are often the hardest questions and take the most time. If any question takes more than 70 seconds or so, skip it.

Then all the remaining time minus the amount of you have on checking the questions you didn't answer, excluding maybe 45 - 60 seconds for each question you skipped.

When you are absolutely sure every other question is right, start answering the ones you skipped. If you can't solve it, guess.

This takes practice and hard work to fit within the timings. I've jumped from a 680 to a 780 with this method, so it's a valid method.

Question 3

Hi there, 
I was wondering if it makes sense to read the question first, and then the information given. 
Especially on the math questions were there is a lot of information before the actual question...
Is someone familiar with this technique and is it recommendable?
Thanks a lot in advance!!
Alex from Germany

Accepted Answer

I know this answer might be really late, but I definitely recommend doing this! For word problems especially, I first read the actual question part of the question, because then you can get a gauge of what information you need for the question. Then, I look back and skim through the previous information, and will know what information to pay attention to.

Question 4

can you guys give me tips on how to solve linear word problems? i get easily confused and do not understand where to start tackling the problem.

Accepted Answer

One of the most common tricks I've seen on the SAT linear word problems is that they switch the variables around. So if it costs $3 to buy a t-shirt, _t_, and $15 to buy a backpack, _b_: the variables should be 3t and 15b. The SAT almost always offers an answer choice that says 3b and 15t. Eliminate this one first!

Question 5

The major problem I noticed in my last SAT was inability to manage time. I could finish neither English nor Math section in the way I expected. How can I finish all questions within time limit in next SAT?

Accepted Answer

Try to work faster. 
In Maths , apply all sorts of shortcuts to get the answer , even by plugging in if you have to! Do not be 'formal' in steps , they do not care _how_ you get it , if you get the answer correct , you get the marks. Additionally do not let the harder ones gulp down you time ; if you can't get it in 30 seconds , leave it and come back after finishing the other questions.

In English , things are a little trickier , and depends on the how you read. I'd recommend that you check out PrepScholar's guide on this.

Question 6

what is the highest score I could get on SATs math section?

Accepted Answer

The highest score that you can get on any of the two sections (Language and Math) is 800.

Question 7

I do british schooling and everytime I do an test on Khan I don't do good, I use the same techniques I did when I was doing my gcse's. How can I know what answer is correct? Is there specific wording use that I should be aware of? And lastly, I just need any tip that will make choosing an answer much easier and efficient.

Accepted Answer

I studied under British curriculum as well, and you are right few terms used in the SAT are quite different from the ones we came across. one tip would be to practise as many questions as you can and note down the 'terms' that u can't relate with the ones u know currently. Dont panic , the fancy terms usually have very simple meanings. 
And for choosing the best answer in Maths section its best to solve the problem yourself and then match ur answer with the options. 
Hope this helps you. 
regards,
Fiaz

Question 8

What are some ways that will help me save time on answering a question?

Accepted Answer

Pay attention, read closely, eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. If it's a multiple choice question and you're _really_ stuck, try testing each option to see if it works or not. If it's still taking too long, skip it/take a guess and move on to the next one.

SAT (Fall 2023)

Course: SAT (Fall 2023) > Unit 6

SAT Math Test Strategies Share Space

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