Archive for March, 2010

SAT Math: Is it simple?

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

SAT multiple-choice math questions are a nightmare for many students. Consisting of 44 multiple-choice questions arranged in the order of difficulty, this section of the SAT covers areas viz. algebra, arithmetic, data analysis and geometry. By practicing a few strategies, you can do well on the SAT multiple-choice math question section.

What if I say that SAT Math is not purely a Math test? Most questions in the math section do not test much of your math knowledge. Instead, it tests your reasoning skills. Contrary to the belief that one needs to perform lengthy calculations, math problems are quite simple and straight-forward. Students get confused in the language of the word problems. They fail to understand what exactly is being asked.

The Grid-in section on the SAT test is a 25-minute section having ten student-response questions that do not have answer choices. Hence, you would have to find the answer on your own. Be careful while filling the grids with decimals. Rounding up decimal and ensuring that the decimal is filled in properly is important. While a calculator can save time on the SAT, you should not develop a habit of not working without it. Many questions on the SAT can be solved without using a calculator. If at all you have to use a calculator ensure that it’s set to degrees not Radians.

There are hundreds of math strategies that can save you time and also show you the simplest approach to solving even the most complex math problems on the SAT.

SAT Test Preparation

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Have you learned the strategies to crack the SAT? Following a SAT study plan is important to do well on the SAT. The first thing that you would like to do is familiarize with the test pattern. The SAT test has undergone some changes. For instance, the writing section has been added. As a SAT aspirant, you need to know this. Some students struggle with the math section, while others find the Reading Comprehension section tough.

Let us talk about the Math section first. The good thing about SAT is that it does not include questions  from pre-calculus, calculus or trigonometry. Knowing the basic math concepts is not enough to do well on the SAT. Questions on the SAT are simple, yet confusing. SAT practice tests abound in SAT pre test questions that are designed to make students comfortable with the SAT test pattern.

How many times do you read the introduction to a book? Perhaps NEVER. Isn’t it? The preface contains directions to use the book in the right way. Another good idea to do well on the math section is reviewing the math basics. It would do no harm to memorize formulas such as (a + b) (a – b) = a2 – b2.  Areas of geometrical figures such as triangles, sphere, circle and polygons should be clear to the student.

Do you know the difference between whole numbers and real numbers? Or, that between Real numbers and integers? If not, then it’s time to go back to your high school math and look into these concepts.