The Math Section

I personally have been very strong at math, and found this section pretty easy to begin with. I think this is probably the least subjective (if you consider W and R subjective to any extent) out of any of the 3 sections, and thus is easiest to study.

1. Specialize. If you struggle at math but can break 650, there are probably specific areas you have trouble with, whether it be geometry or probability. I personally had a tough time with combinations and permutations, so I studied those.

2. READ THE PREP BOOKS. Why? Because the questions all have similar styles.

After doing so many math sections, it is very rare I see the style of a problem that I do not recognize, in fact, I was able to always distinguish the experimental math sections on the PSATs and SATs, purely through the fact that I had a feel for strangely worded questions (but when you do the real ones do these sections too because there is always a chance you were wrong).

Take the whole if (x+y)(x-y) = 10 and (x-y) = 2 what is (x+y) question. I swear, I have seen this question like 100 times. Maybe not the exact numbers. Maybe they asked for another variable. But it’s the same style. I could give you a good review of the most common types of questions, but your prep books are way more comprehensive than anything I could say to you. So read them, and read them well.

3. When going back to check your answers, always make a run of only the last sentence, or maybe even the last part of the question you were asked. Why?

Because sometimes they give you this comprehensive problem and you get so caught up in solving x, but the last part of the question asks for 5x. I don’t know how many times I’ve done this to myself. Collegeboard likes to screw with you like that.

4. Out of any sections, I personally believe speed is most important in the math section. You are way more likely to make an error you didn’t mean to make due to miscalculation in math problems than writing or reading. What this means is you MUST have an emphasis just as much on speed as knowing the questions if you are aiming for a 750+. Personally I could finish whole math sections in half the time I was given, check, then recheck, and still miss problems due to inaccuracy.

5. Accuracy is also the most important on the math section than any other section, because there are very few instances of curves on the math. CR has a 1-2 point curve occasionally, and I got an 800 on W with a 78/10 which is just ridiculous. Math doesn’t have room for error, and the difference between 4-5 problems missed could rock your whole score.

In conclusion this section isn’t too bad because there is a very direct way of tackling the section all the way up to 800. Just do problems.