Last Minute Tips For The May SAT From A Perfect Scorer

Summary

In this video, Mike from Prepros shares 10 last-minute SAT tips, strategies, and techniques to boost your score. With over 10 years of tutoring experience, he offers insights into optimizing SAT prep, including key Desmos calculator hacks, time-saving strategies for the reading and writing sections, and algebra shortcuts. Mike emphasizes avoiding procrastination, provides tips on how to manage test anxiety, and suggests resources for future preparation. Whether you're cramming last minute or preparing for the next test, these practical tips aim to help students achieve quick, significant improvements on the SAT.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't read the notes unless necessary: Focus on the answer choices directly, as 80% of the time you can eliminate options without reading the notes.
• 😀 Use Desmos for quick function calculations: Type in the function and get answers like f(-6) easily.
• 😀 Use Desmos to compare equivalent expressions: Add sliders for variables and check which answer matches the original expression.
• 😀 Solve algebra questions using Desmos: Set both sides of the equation as 'y=' and find the points of intersection for solutions.
• 😀 Use Desmos for system of equations: Substitute variables to make the equation Desmos-friendly and find the point of intersection.
• 😀 Don't do SAT questions in the order presented: Start with grammar questions (14–27) and then return to reading and vocabulary questions to manage time effectively.
• 😀 Identify what makes answer choices wrong in reading: Focus on eliminating incorrect answers by understanding what doesn't fit the passage.
• 😀 Learn how to connect independent and dependent clauses: Mastering this will help you tackle grammar questions with confidence.
• 😀 Use Desmos' automatic regression tool for linear equations: Quickly solve for the equation of a line with two given points.
• 😀 Don't sit on questions you don't know: If you're stuck for 45 seconds, guess, mark for review, and move on to save time and maximize your chances of finishing the test.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video offers 10 SAT tips, strategies, and content designed to help students improve their SAT scores, especially for those who are cramming before the test.

What is Mike's experience with SAT tutoring?

Mike has been a full-time tutor for over 10 years, scored perfectly on the SAT, published SAT math books, and helped numerous students achieve high scores.

What is Mike's advice for dealing with notes questions on the SAT?

Mike advises not to read the notes unless absolutely necessary. Instead, focus on the answer choices and eliminate those that do not match the SAT's expectations.

How can Desmos help with SAT math questions?

Desmos can be used to solve various math problems by entering functions, solving for specific values (e.g., f(-6)), and checking equivalence of expressions using sliders for variables.

What is the method for solving absolute value equations using Desmos?

For absolute value equations, set both sides of the equation as 'y =', and find the points of intersection on the graph to determine the solutions.

What is a key strategy to manage time during the SAT reading and writing sections?

Mike recommends not following the order of the questions. Instead, jump ahead to the grammar questions after completing the first few reading questions to save time and reduce stress.

How does Mike suggest tackling difficult SAT reading questions?

Mike advises looking for answer choices that are 100% supported by the passage. If multiple answers seem correct, try to identify which ones have incorrect details that cannot be backed by the passage.

What role do clauses play in the SAT writing section?

Understanding how to identify and connect independent and dependent clauses is crucial for answering grammar questions on the SAT, as it helps students find the correct way to structure sentences.

What is the advanced Desmos hack for linear equations?

Using the regression tool in Desmos, students can input points on a graph and use the 'add regression' feature to automatically solve for the equation of the line passing through those points.

How should students approach questions they don’t know the answer to during the SAT?

Mike suggests not spending too much time on questions you can't solve. After about 45 seconds, make your best guess, mark it for review, and move on. This ensures you have time for other questions.