STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU TEST BETTER ON THE ACT & SAT Math TEST

JOAN GEYER KALIHER

There are 60 multiple-choice questions covering 6 categories in the ACT Mathematics test. You will have been taught these concepts by the 12th grade. The six categories of math concepts covered in the test are: Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry and Trigonometry. There are 3 sub scores based on 24 questions on Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra, 18 questions on Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry, and 18 questions on Plane Geometry/Trigonometry.

There are two sections of Math in the SAT Test, 2 modules, algebra, advanced math: absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other non-linear equation. The SAT Math Test includes problem solving, data analysis, geometry & trig. Students may use a calculator.

The ACT tests for Math Level, Algebra I and II, Functions, Geometry: Plane & Solid, Coordinate, Trigonometry; you will need to remember most formulas.

In both tests, the Math questions generally increase in difficulty level as you move through that question type in a section.

In the ACT Test, you will find Basic Math problems which are the easiest and most straight forward. These basic problems can be in Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry or Trigonometry.

You will also find word or story problems that will require you to set up the problem. Carefully read the problem, figure out what the problem is asking you to find, determine what you need from what is given, and then process a solution strategy to find the answer. The SAT story problems are not as straight forward & require very careful reading and comprehension in order to continue the math processing to the solution.

The most challenging problems emphasize reasoning ability.
They will challenge you to think hard and you must have a strategy to solve them.

SAT & ACT MATH Test Strategies

• Pace yourself. You have an average of 1 minute for the ACT per question, 1.59 minutes for the SAT to answer each question.

• Answer the questions that seem easy to you first & then go back to answer the hard ones on the ACT. On the SAT, students are given a mix of easy, medium and hard questions. In module 2, students are given a targeted mix of question of varying difficulties based on their performance in module 1.

The questions in this second module are broadly targeted to the test takers achievement level based on how they perform on the first module. The questions are either (on average) higher difficulty or lower difficulty than questions in the first module.

• Answer all the questions even if you don’t know the answer. A pure guess will still give you a 20% chance of being correct. There is no penalty for guessing, but you will want to have as many correct answers as possible of course.

• Read the problem carefully. One of the answer options for some questions may be “Cannot be determined from the given information”. Don’t assume that is the correct answer unless you have cross checked the question and answer possibilities to make sure you have not missed some information.

• Use visual sketches or pictures and add marks to figures to help you in showing dimensions, congruences, perpendiculars, diagonals or to see relationships more clearly.

• Be smart about using your calculator. Bring a familiar calculator and don’t always believe everything the calculator says. It has to be a reasonable answer. Use the calculator only when you can’t quickly mentally come up with the correct answer.

• Let your common sense and natural thought processes take over. Try not to panic if you can’t remember a formula. Sometimes the answer options will give you a guide.

• Show your work, and if there is time check the answer again.

• Make sure your answer makes sense and is not confusing. Do not confuse a hypotenuse with the altitude of a triangle or select the answer for apples when it should be for oranges.

Paul Kaliher, Valedictorian, who also achieved 99% in his GMAT, BSEE & MBA, loves students and math.

If you are having trouble with Algebra, Geometry, Trig, or Precalc, he can help you ..... Regular, Honors & AP Math course work.

Good luck and here's to you scoring your best on the ACT or SAT Math Test

"We believe in helping your son and daughter with ACT or SAT Math Test strategies  to accomplish their short and long range goals in taking either Test. We approach every student by customizing & individualizing; considering their weakness and strengths. ACT & SAT PREP strategies are included.

Excelling on a high stakes ACT or SAT test can impact your son or daughter's long range potential to excel in their college of choice and most important, life-long learning."

Naperville Tutoring's ACT & SAT Test PREP strategies have been prepared by review of The Official ACT PREP Guide, The Official SAT PREP Study Guide & The Barron's ACT Math & Science and English, Reading & Writing Workbooks.

Contact us to set up your ACT or SAT PREP tutoring. We look forward to working with you

Joan Geyer Kaliher is a Certified Illinois Teacher and has been tutoring students in the Naperville area for 25 years.

Students come to us from Naperville High Schools , surrounding High Schools & throughout the U.S.... California, Glenbard West High School, Naperville Central, Naperville North High Schools, Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie High Schools, Benet Academy, Joliet Catholic, Marmion Academy, Montini & St. Francis High Schools, Lexington High School, Massachuttes, Lisle, Downers Grove, Plainfield East, Plainfield North, Plainfield Central, Plainfield South, Wheaton Academy, Wheaton Winfield Valley View School District 365U, Xavier College Prep High School, Palm Desert, CA High School students have come to Naperville Tutoring for Math assistance.

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