SAT math tips, formulas and concepts students should memorize
A good way to memorize formulas is to memorize that as both text and image. Convert the formula into text, memorize the text by saying it out loud to yourself and copying it out as a mathematical formula. Before you take the SAT, drill yourself on the formulas and concepts. What are some things you need to memorize for the SAT math? The Slope Formula If you have the coordinates of two points, to calculate the slope of a line, use the following formula: “Y two minus Y one over X two minus X one.” The Distance Formula “Distance is the square root of Y two minus Y one squared plus X two minus X one squared.” Distance is exactly the same as the Pythagorean theorem, where the distance between two points is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. The Midpoint Formula If you have coordinated for two points, calculate the midpoint by averaging the x coordinated and averaging the y coordinates. The Quadratic Formula The quadratic formula can be used to find the X-intercepts of a parabola: “Negative b plus or minus the square root of b squared minus 4ac all over 2a.” How to get the X-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola in standard form: “Negative B over 2A” If you need the Y-coordinate of the vertex, plug the X-coordinate you got into the...
Read MoreTransform Your PSAT Score Into an SAT Game Plan
Transform Your PSAT Score Into an SAT Game Plan Students can use newly released PSAT scores to create an SAT study plan right away, while the content is still fresh. U.S. News & World Report By Tiffany Sorensen, Contributor |Dec. 11, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. This year, high school students will receive their PSAT scores on December 11, 12 or 13. PSAT scores range from 320 to 1520. The redesigned PSAT adheres more closely to the revised SAT, which has a maximum score of 1600, and performance on the PSAT is an ideal starting point for SAT study endeavors. The following three steps can help you translate your PSAT results into an effective SAT review plan. [Use your PSAT performance to choose a college entrance exam.] 1. Account for differences between the tests: There are a number of key differences between the PSAT and the SAT. For instance, the PSAT is two hours and 45 minutes long, while the SAT is three hours without the essay and three hours and 50 minutes with the essay. As a result, the SAT requires increased focus and stamina. The essay component, which is not present on the PSAT, also requires students to use analytical and rhetorical skills. As you prepare for the SAT, consider both the essay and the exam length so that you are neither exhausted on test day nor lacking the proper practice to excel on the essay. In addition, keep in mind that the most complex SAT questions may not appear on the PSAT. For a strategic approach, you can review by question type, such as focusing on trigonometry problems on both the PSAT and SAT. Within each type, note those SAT practice questions that are marked as difficult, since you may not have encountered them on the PSAT. Given these differences between the PSAT and the SAT, your approach to studying for the SAT should be cautiously optimistic. It is better to assume that your SAT score will be lower than what the PSAT suggests, rather than to be overconfident that your PSAT score will translate directly to your SAT score. [Read 10 test prep tips for SAT and ACT takers.] 2. Create a review plan immediately: You should create a study plan for the SAT as soon as possible after reviewing PSAT score reports. The PSAT’s content and format will be relatively fresh in your mind, and you should have a rough idea of which question types and sections were most challenging for you. Carefully review your PSAT score report to determine which questions you consistently answered incorrectly. The College Board provides detailed explanations for each item to help you better understand where and why you erred – so be sure to read these. [Get information on how parents, teens can make use of PSAT scores.] 3. Set realistic expectations: Finally, make sure to plan for sufficient time between the PSAT and the SAT. Taking the tests too closely together may result in disappointment if you have not given yourself space to improve. Be honest with yourself about target scores and the amount of time you can dedicate to SAT studies. For example, signing up for the March 10, 2018, date may not be conducive if you hope to increase your score by 200 points but will have limited time to study in January and February. One general rule to abide by is that each 10-point increase on the SAT necessitates several hours of intensive study. Therefore, if you wish to increase your score by 100 points, assume that you will need to review for roughly 40-50 hours. Be aware, however, that this number is only a general estimate and will depend on the quality of...
Read MoreFinal considerations for retaking the ACT
Students, while retaking the ACT can lead to a score increase for many, you should also consider the cost of taking the exams and what multiple scores mean to college admission officers. The ACT costs $46 and $62.50 with the writing portion. Costs can add up if you repeatedly take the test but keep in mind, the ACT offers fee waivers to low-income family students. Once you complete the exam and send your score to colleges, many schools may subscore your results. Subscoring is a process in which schools take the best scores from each section if you have taken the exam multiple times. Keep in mind, some schools may not subscore, which may be problematic if your second test score drops. For example, if you received a 25 composite score on the first exam and a 20 on the second, that may raise some questions with the admission officers. Consider the potential for good and bad outcomes that come from taking the ACT multiple times. Students may find drawbacks of having to spend more time, money and effort into the process of test preparation but the strong possibility of raising your score will be worth...
Read MoreTackle the ACT the second time: Dedicate the time
For many students, one of the biggest challenges they face is simply finding the time to commit to preparing for the ACT on a regular basis. With their academic obligations, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities, finding the time to test prep have become more difficult. Prep time can vary from prospective college students. There are several factors to consider when preparing to retake the ACT such as the original score and how high you want your score to increase. For example, a student who has a composite score of 27 but wants to increase their score by one or two points may only need to dedicate a few weeks to reach their desired score. But, students who want to increase their score by five or more points will need to dedicate significantly more amount of time for test prep. We recommend students to take enough mock tests to get close to their desired score before retaking the real exam. Learn about our mock testing program here....
Read MoreTackle the ACT a second time: Watch the clock
It’s not uncommon to skip some questions while taking a standardized exam. A score report can show you where you skipped questions, possibly revealing that you ran out of time. First-time test takers are not always aware of how quickly the exam moves and so they need to develop a strategy for timing and pacing. The ACT has more questions per minute than the SAT. The SAT has a grammar section which is 44 questions in 35 minutes. Whereas, the ACT English section has 75 questions in 45 minutes. SciMath Education’s mock test program administers practice tests in timed environments to improve college applicants time management for test...
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