Complete Your SAT/ACT Math Prep in Half the Time

Watching the spectacular harvest moon at Rye's Oakland Beach last week, my eyes caught the twinkle of lights of a seaside restaurant. The cooler breezes reminded me that college exams – ACT and SAT would soon be upon us, even in this changed year. The next projected SAT dates are:

Oct. 3, 2020
Nov. 7, 2020
Dec. 5, 2020
March 13, 2021

How can students prepare, and use their already groomed, essential skills to slash study time?
By knowing the content of the SAT Math and ACT Math, you can target your study efforts, and be rewarded with minimal study time. But knowing the specific areas is key; In SAT, there will be no trigonometry, pre-calculus, geometry proofs, or imaginary numbers. Breathe a sigh, and go on.

How do the math questions break down in the SAT?

• Algebra + functions, 35%
• Geometry/coordinate geometry, 29%
• Data, statistics, probability, 10-15%
• Numbers, operations, + percents, 20-25%

What is the content of the math questions in the ACT?

• Pre-Algebra, number theory (20-25%)
• Elementary + Int. Algebra (30-40%)
• Coordinate Geometry (15-20%)
• Plane Geometry (20-25%)
• Trigonometry (5-10%)

Therefore, by concentrating your study on Algebra and Geometry/coordinate geometry, you will be prepared for approximately 62% of the math questions in the SAT, or 65% or more of questions in the ACT. What a time saver it would be to have this content under your belt!

In addition to memorizing relevant formulas (we can prepare a list for you), and understanding problem solving in the above topics, you must learn how to strategize the correct answer. This comes with rigorous practice and tips from an experienced coach.

Short takes: Follow eight math solution strategies for both tests:
1. ANALYZE the Answer Choices (eliminate poor answers first).
2. BACKsolve the Answer Choices (Use the answers given and plug them into the problem.)
3. PIN Numbers (Choose a simple number to replace the variable.)
4. SPLIT the Question into Parts
5. DIAGRAM the Question and draw the figures.
6. If you can eliminate 1 or 2 answers, guess on the SAT. For the ACT, always fill in an answer, because there is no penalty for guessing.
7. For the ACT, try the middle value first. Solve the problem. If it's too big, cross off any numbers that are larger than the one you tried. Then, try the remaining answers.

8. For both SAT and ACT, reading strategy is essential. Underline/circle key words, and make sure you underline the final question.

Need more details on which formulas to memorize, and reading comprehension tips? Contact Theresa Michna, M.A., Mindful SAT/ACT Test Prep, Michna.theresa@gmail.com, 914-815-8754.