What’s the best strategy to improve in SAT Math quickly?

Answer 1

There are several ways to improve your SAT math without improving your math skills. If you need to improve quickly, work on you SAT skills.

1. Time management: use a three-pronged approach of do, review, or mark and move. Your goal is to make two run-throughs on each module.
2. Do any problem you can finish quickly an accurately immediately (run #1)
3. Review: use the SAT mark for review tool and come back to these problems to spend a little more time on them (run #2)
4. Mark and move: for anything you just don't know how to do, mark any answer and move on. Don't spend time on things you don't know how to do. (run #1)
5. Process of elimination (POE): Use the elimination tool to cut down the answers. There are times that you can eliminate three incorrect answers and only have the correct answer remaining. But even if you only eliminate one, it increases your odds when guessing and saves you time when plugging answers in.
6. Plug in the answer choices: This is especially effective for equations. Always use POE first to save time.
7. Plug in random variables: For the equivalent expressions problems, assign each variable a different value. Plug them into the problem and into the answers. Do not use 0 or 1, because there are properties with those numbers that can lead to incorrect conclusions. This is a long process, so use it on "review" problems.
8. Make sure you read the entire question. Sometimes, the obvious conclusion is not the one that's correct.
9. DESMOS: this is a powerful tool that is now available on the SAT. However, it can slow you down if you aren't a fast typist. Using your computer keyboard is faster than using the pop-up, so:
10. make sure you know the locations of these: x, ., +, -, *, /, =, <, >
11. these are important shortcuts: sqrt = square root, <= for < and >= for >
12. also, when entering a function, it is not necessary to enter f(x)

Using these have been shown to effectively increase scores. Practice these with the tests available on The College Board's website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/practice-tests. Also, download the Blue Book program there to make sure you're familiar with it. Good luck on the test!

Answer 2

The key to boosting your SAT Math score fast is targeted practice + time management. Start by reviewing official SAT practice tests and identify weak areas: is it algebra, functions, or geometry?

Then, use a focused approach:

1. Review core concepts (e.g., linear equations, systems, functions).
2. Learn time-saving techniques (like plugging in values or back-solving).
3. Practice under timed conditions.

Also, understand that SAT Math loves to test problem-solving in real-world contexts — word problems are common. I can help you break those down and make them less intimidating.

Answer 3

When students ask how to improve in SAT Math quickly, I always start with this: the SAT is as much a strategy test as it is a math test. If you try to review everything in math, it will take months. But if you focus on how the test works, you can start seeing improvement in just a couple weeks.

Here’s the strategy I recommend:

1. Know what’s tested — and what’s not.

The SAT loves linear equations, functions, word problems, and systems. You won't need to memorize random formulas. Focus on the types of questions that repeat and practice those first.

2. Don’t get stuck — move!

Most students lose points by spending too much time on one question. Instead, try this mindset:

1. If it looks quick and familiar → do it.
2. If you’re unsure but it’s doable → flag it.
3. If it looks like a time trap → guess and move.
4. Remember, it's better to attempt every question than get stuck halfway.

3. Use the test tools smartly.

Learn how to use Desmos efficiently for graphing, checking points, and solving equations. It can save time if you’ve practiced with it — but don’t let it slow you down.

4. Fix your mistakes (this is huge).

After each practice test or question set, spend real time reviewing your wrong answers. Ask:

1. Did I misunderstand the question?
2. Did I know the math but make a mistake?
3. Did I run out of time?
4. Every mistake is a shortcut to a higher score if you learn from it.

5. Practice like it’s game day.

Use official College Board SAT tests and the Bluebook app. Practice with a timer. Use scratch paper. Simulate the pressure — so on test day, you’re calm and confident.

Improvement doesn’t have to take forever — but it does take intentional practice, smart strategies, and learning from your patterns. If you want help building a personal game plan, I’d be happy to help.

Answer 4

Know and execute the Fundamental Rules of SAT Math:

Think Simple

Write your work especially when it's simple.

Learn to use Desmos.

Work with a tutor like me.

Answer 5

Targeted, timed practice!

1. First, you need a good grasp on what your weaknesses are: is it solving linear equations? Manipulating linear equations? Quadratic equations? Probability? Trigonometry? (Be honest with yourself!)
2. Then, I would look for extra questions specifically targeting your areas of weakness. You can try Khan Academy, previous SAT questions (even though the old ones are a bit different, it's still good to practice more than less), etc.
3. Are you familiar with Desmos? Do you know how to use Desmos for graphing equations and for statistics?
4. Are you making careless mistakes? I would suggest really focusing with each step and calculation to make sure your answers are correct! I would also suggest pacing yourself so that you have ~5 minutes at the end of the module to go over all your answers
5. Any question that you even slightly uncertain with -- flag it!
6. Any question that you are stuck on -- flag it!
7. Then, come back at the end to go over the flagged questions
8. Are you rushing or running out of time? Make sure you are timing yourself when doing practice tests. You will, however, gain more speed as you practice more and get more comfortable with these types of questions.

If you ever want personalized help, feel free to let me know! I offer free initial consultations with all my clients to really make sure I can assist to my best ability and that my tutoring style is compatible with the student.

Good luck, you got this!!