How to get a PERFECT 800 on the SAT Math (2024)

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to boosting SAT Math scores. The presenter, a seasoned tutor, shares personal experience and strategies to master the test's structure and content. The video is segmented into understanding SAT Math, a detailed preparation blueprint, and tips for achieving a perfect score. It emphasizes the effectiveness of practice tests over other study methods and provides actionable advice to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring viewers can significantly improve their scores with dedication.

Takeaways

• 📈 The easiest aspect of a college application to improve is your math score, regardless of your current level.
• 📚 The speaker has extensive experience with the SAT, having achieved perfect scores and tutored others successfully.
• 🔑 Understanding the SAT Math structure and what the College Board is looking for is crucial for improvement.
• 🎯 The SAT Math tests a limited subset of mathematical concepts, focusing mainly on Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry.
• 🚀 With the right approach, significant score improvements can be achieved in a short amount of time, as demonstrated by a student who improved by 100 points in 18 hours.
• 📚 The SAT Math is designed to be consistent, which means practicing with real SAT questions is the most effective way to prepare.
• 📝 The 'testing effect' suggests that actively testing yourself is a superior method of learning compared to passive studying.
• 📉 To improve, start with a benchmark score, then analyze every problem on practice tests to refine your approach.
• ⏰ Time management is key; identify difficult problems and tackle them last to avoid running out of time.
• 📑 For word problems, recognize patterns that correspond to specific mathematical concepts to solve them more efficiently.
• 🔄 If you're slow with algebra, practice more to build intuition and speed, but remember that understanding concepts is more important than memorizing formulas.

Q & A

What is the easiest aspect of a college application to improve according to the video?

The easiest aspect to improve is your SAT Math score.

What does the presenter claim about their experience with the SAT?

The presenter claims to have multiple perfect scores on the PSAT and SAT Math, and has been tutoring the test for over 2 years.

What is the main point the presenter wants to emphasize about the SAT Math test?

The presenter emphasizes that the SAT Math test is designed to measure a subset of problems that the College Board likes, rather than the depth of one's math knowledge.

What are the four categories of concepts that the SAT Math test covers?

The four categories are Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.

Why does the presenter suggest that the SAT Math is not as difficult as one might think?

The presenter suggests that the SAT Math is not as difficult because it only covers up to Algebra 2 and avoids more complex concepts like conics, graphing rational expressions, logarithms, and proofs.

What is the presenter's recommendation for improving SAT Math scores quickly?

The presenter recommends focusing on understanding the style of SAT Math questions and practicing them, as the test is consistent and the concepts are not overly complex.

What is the significance of the 'blueprint' mentioned in the video?

The 'blueprint' refers to a specific, actionable plan for preparing for the SAT Math test efficiently, which includes taking practice tests, analyzing approaches to problems, and focusing on areas of improvement.

How does the presenter suggest approaching problems you find difficult on the SAT?

The presenter suggests skipping difficult problems initially and returning to them at the end, and also practicing under time constraints to force efficiency.

What is the testing effect mentioned by the presenter, and why is it important for SAT preparation?

The testing effect is a cognitive science phenomenon stating that testing oneself is a more effective way of storing information in long-term memory than passive studying. It's important for SAT preparation because it helps in retaining the style and approach needed to solve SAT problems.

What advice does the presenter give for avoiding 'dumb mistakes' on the SAT Math test?

To avoid dumb mistakes, the presenter advises taking a practice test untimed and going very slowly, ensuring no mistakes are made, and articulating the logic behind each step.

How does the presenter suggest dealing with word problems on the SAT Math test?

The presenter suggests paying special attention to word problems, identifying patterns in the situations described, and translating the English into math slowly and carefully.