How to get a PERFECT 800 on the SAT Math (2024)
TLDRThis video offers a comprehensive guide to achieving a perfect SAT Math score, covering the test structure, a blueprint for preparation, and tips to avoid common mistakes. The speaker, an experienced tutor, emphasizes the importance of practice tests and understanding the style of SAT questions to improve scores efficiently.
Takeaways
- ๐ The SAT Math score is one of the easiest aspects of a college application to improve, regardless of your current level.
- ๐ The SAT is designed to measure college readiness, focusing on a limited set of concepts that are tested consistently.
- ๐ The SAT Math section covers Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry, but does not include more complex topics like conics or logarithms.
- ๐ A private tutor can significantly speed up score improvement, as evidenced by a student's jump from a 660 to a 760 in just 18 hours of combined tutoring and self-study.
- ๐ The most effective way to prepare for the SAT Math is by doing practice tests and past SATs, which helps build an intuition for the test's style and common shortcuts.
- ๐ง The 'testing effect' shows that actively testing oneself is more effective for long-term memory retention than passive studying methods.
- ๐ Start with a benchmark score to understand how much improvement is needed and create a plan for reaching the desired score.
- ๐ค After each practice test, review every problem by asking how it was approached, how it should have been approached, and what could be done differently in the future.
- ๐ To avoid running out of time, identify difficult problems and skip them initially, returning to them only after easier questions have been answered.
- ๐ For a perfect SAT Math score, avoid 'dumb mistakes' by slowing down and being meticulous, especially on untimed practice tests.
- ๐ Pay special attention to word problems during review, identifying patterns that can help quickly determine the appropriate mathematical approach.
- ๐ Even with a slower pace in algebra, it's possible to achieve a perfect SAT Math score by focusing on understanding and correctly solving problems rather than speed.
Q & A
What is the easiest aspect of a college application to improve according to the video?
-The easiest aspect to improve is the SAT Math score, as it can be quickly enhanced with the right approach.
What is the official name of the SAT test?
-The SAT is officially just called 'SAT'; it does not stand for anything as it is not an acronym.
What does the presenter claim about the SAT Math test?
-The presenter claims that the SAT Math test is designed to measure a subset of problems that the College Board likes, rather than a comprehensive understanding of math concepts.
What are the four categories of concepts tested in the SAT Math section?
-The four categories are algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
How can understanding the style of SAT Math questions benefit a student?
-Understanding the style of questions can help build an intuition for shortcuts and tricks, leading to faster and more accurate problem-solving.
What is the testing effect mentioned in the script?
-The testing effect is a cognitive science phenomenon stating that testing oneself is a more effective way to store information in long-term memory than passive studying methods.
What is the recommended approach to taking a practice test for benchmarking?
-The recommended approach is to take the practice test without any resources or breaks, as if taking the actual SAT, and then score and compare it with the desired score.
Why is it suggested to review every problem on a practice test, even the ones answered correctly?
-Reviewing every problem helps to understand the style of SAT problems and identify better approaches, which can improve problem-solving skills for future tests.
What common mistake does the presenter warn about when tackling difficult problems on the SAT?
-The presenter warns against spending too much time on a single difficult problem, suggesting to skip it and return to it at the end if time allows.
How can a student avoid making 'dumb mistakes' on the SAT Math test?
-To avoid dumb mistakes, a student should take a practice test untimed, going very slowly and articulating the logic behind each step of their work.
What strategy is recommended for students who struggle with word problems on the SAT Math test?
-The strategy recommended is to pay special attention to the patterns in word problems, such as recognizing situations that lend themselves to certain math concepts, and to not rush when translating English to math.
How does the presenter suggest students deal with algebra if they are slow at it?
-The presenter suggests that students should put more effort into their algebra classes, solve more problems without a calculator, and focus on understanding rather than memorizing formulas.
What is the presenter's advice for students who forget formulas during the test?
-The advice is to focus on understanding the formulas rather than memorizing them, and to derive formulas on their own through playing around with math concepts.
What should a student do if they freeze and don't know where to start on a problem?
-The student should skip the problem and come back to it at the end. If still stuck, they should approach the problem with a sense of direction, working backwards from the desired end result.
How can a student stay motivated while preparing for the SAT Math test?
-A student can stay motivated by setting a consistent schedule, giving themselves accountability, and considering private tutoring for additional support and structure.
What is the presenter's final recommendation for students preparing for the SAT Math test?
-The presenter recommends subscribing for more SAT Math videos for guidance and practicing consistently, with or without private tutoring, to achieve the desired score.
Outlines
๐ SAT Math Score Improvement Strategy
This paragraph introduces the video's focus on improving SAT Math scores, emphasizing that it's the most improvable aspect of a college application. The speaker, an experienced tutor, outlines the video's three-part structure: understanding the SAT Math, a blueprint for efficient preparation, and tips for achieving a perfect score. The speaker also humorously addresses the acronym 'SAT' and its lack of meaning, before diving into the test's actual purpose of measuring college readiness and the specific math concepts it favors.
๐ Blueprint for SAT Math Preparation
The speaker provides a detailed blueprint for preparing for the SAT Math section. They stress the importance of using practice tests to build an intuition for the SAT's style of questioning and to take advantage of the 'testing effect,' which is a cognitive science principle that supports active testing over passive studying. The blueprint includes getting a benchmark score, critically analyzing every problem from practice tests, and focusing on problem types that are consistently featured on the SAT. The speaker also addresses common mistakes and strategies to avoid them, such as going too fast or spending too much time on difficult problems.
๐ Achieving a Perfect SAT Math Score
In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses strategies for achieving a perfect SAT Math score. They cover common mistakes such as 'dumb mistakes' due to rushing, and suggest taking an untimed practice test to focus on accuracy. The speaker also advises on managing time effectively during the test, understanding word problems, and improving algebra skills. They emphasize the importance of understanding formulas rather than memorizing them and offer a strategy for problems where one doesn't know where to start: working backwards from the desired outcome. The paragraph concludes with motivational advice on maintaining a consistent study schedule and the speaker's offer of private tutoring for those seeking additional support.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กSAT Math
๐กCollege readiness
๐กAlgebra 2
๐กPractice tests
๐กTesting effect
๐กBenchmark score
๐กProblem-solving
๐กGeometry and trigonometry
๐กPrivate tutoring
๐กPerfect score
๐กCommon mistakes
Highlights
Achieving a perfect 800 on SAT Math is possible regardless of current skill level.
The presenter has personal experience with perfect scores and tutoring success.
SAT Math focuses on specific concepts, not the breadth of math knowledge.
Understanding the SAT's preferred problem types is key to improving scores.
The SAT Math content is limited to Algebra 2 and does not include complex topics.
Four main categories of math concepts are tested on the SAT: algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
The SAT Math tests a subset of problems that the College Board prefers.
Improving SAT Math scores can significantly impact college applications.
A structured blueprint for SAT Math preparation is provided.
Practice tests are the most effective way to prepare for the SAT Math.
The testing effect supports the use of practice tests for learning.
Benchmark scoring and self-evaluation are crucial steps in preparation.
Avoiding 'dumb mistakes' by slowing down and being meticulous can improve scores.
Skipping difficult problems initially and revisiting them can save time.
Understanding word problems and recognizing patterns is essential.
Focusing on understanding formulas rather than memorizing them can lead to better retention.
When stuck on a problem, working backwards from the desired outcome can help.
Staying motivated through a consistent study schedule and self-accountability is important.
Private tutoring can provide additional structure and motivation.
The number of practice tests needed varies by student, with consistency being key.