Introduction to the SAT Math Test

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My Job—Your Job
My job is to provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your maximum possible SAT math score, but you have to master these things. Hey, I'm just your coach, remember—you've got to do most of the work. Fortunately, the work won't seem that hard when you see how quickly your SAT math score starts improving.

It doesn't matter whether you're a whiz at math or whether math's your worst subject: I'll show you how to improve your score. The key point to keep in mind now is that you'll be learning a whole new way to take the SAT Math Test. Your most important job is changing the way you approach and solve math problems. I'll show you how, but you've got to do the changing.

As we discussed in Prepare for the SAT—but Practice Alone Is Not Enough, To Change Your SAT Score, You'll Have to Change the Way You Take the Test, Changing the Way You Take the SAT, Knowing What to Do on the SAT—and Being Able to Do It, changing old habits isn't easy—especially if you're already good or even great at math. (If math's not your thing than you'll be eager to change.) Remember Michael Jordan's advice: if you practice eight hours a day incorrectly, you get very good at doing the wrong thing. When you solve practice SAT math problems here or on your own, the crucial thing is not—repeat: not—merely getting the answer. I can't stress that point enough. The entire point of practicing for the SAT Math Test is rehearsing the techniques you're about to learn. These problem-solving and test-taking techniques are the key to your improvement.

Remember: to change your math score, you've got to change the way you take the test. If you want to change your math score dramatically, you've got to change what you're doing dramatically.

I'll Cover Techniques before Content but You May Need to Reverse the Order
The content of the SAT Math Test is relatively simple, and won't require much time to review. Changing your problem-solving and test-taking habits, on the other hand, will require stronger measures, so we'll start there.

• If you're a strong math student, immediately begin with the techniques (the experience sets). Then review the most common SAT math problems before returning to review any math concepts you may need brushing up on.
• If you're good at math but it's not your strongest subject, simply follow the articles as they are organized (techniques, math review, most common SAT math problems).
• If you don't feel comfortable with math, begin with the math review and most common SAT math problems before returning to the techniques.