How to Self-Study for the SAT Math Subject Test
Published on: by SupertutorTV
- Introduction
- Introduction and Test Options
- Recommendations for Test Choice
- Studying Process for SAT Math Subject Test
- Obtaining Practice Tests and Grading
- Creating a List of Areas to Review
- Utilizing Textbooks and Resources for Review
- Taking More Mock Tests and Using Prep Resources
- Mixing Up Study Materials for Best Coverage
- Highlights
- FAQ
- See Also
Introduction
Hey guys, it's Brook with SuperTutor TV. Today, I'm going to tell you how to self-study for the SAT Math subject test. If you haven't already, I recommend that you subscribe to our channel, comment on this video, and give it a thumbs up if you like what we're doing here. Please support us, we totally appreciate it! Thank you very much. First, just to clear up things, sometimes people don't know which test to take. Basically, if you've taken pre-calculus, most competitive colleges like to see the level two test. So, if you're prepared for that, that's the one that usually makes the most sense to take. But if you're not prepared for that and you haven't taken through pre-calculus, you can take the math level one test which goes through Algebra 2. Now let's get into how to study for this thing...
Introduction and Test Options
When it comes to studying for the SAT Math subject test, the first important step is to choose the right test level. If you have taken pre-calculus, it is recommended to opt for the level two test, as most competitive colleges prefer to see this higher level of math knowledge. On the other hand, if you have not taken pre-calculus, you can choose the math level one test, which covers topics up to Algebra 2. Making the right test choice is crucial in ensuring you are adequately prepared for the exam.
To begin your study process, taking a practice test is essential. Unlike the official SAT or ACT exams, the College Board does not provide free practice tests for the SAT Math subject test. However, there are resources available, such as books that contain previously administered test papers for both level one and level two tests. By taking and grading a practice test, you can identify the areas where you need to improve and make a list of the types of problems you missed. This list will serve as a guide for your review of content areas.
Once you have identified the topics you need to review, it is important to have access to relevant study materials. While textbooks from previous math courses can be helpful, if you no longer have access to them, there are other resources you can explore. From school libraries to online resources like PDF textbooks or affordable used textbooks on platforms like Amazon, there are various ways to obtain the study materials you need to prepare effectively for the SAT Math subject test.
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Try it nowRecommendations for Test Choice
Choosing the right SAT Math subject test level is crucial for your preparation and performance on the exam. If you have a strong foundation in pre-calculus, opting for the level two test is generally recommended, especially for competitive college admissions. The higher level test demonstrates a more advanced math skill set and may be favored by admissions officers at top institutions. On the other hand, if you have not covered pre-calculus topics, the math level one test, which covers Algebra 2 concepts, may be a more suitable choice.
In the process of deciding which test level to take, it is essential to consider your strengths and weaknesses in math. If you excel in more advanced math topics and have a solid grasp of pre-calculus concepts, challenging yourself with the level two test may be a beneficial decision. However, if you feel more comfortable with Algebra 2 material and want to build your confidence before tackling more complex math problems, the level one test provides a solid foundation for success.
Ultimately, the key to making the right test choice lies in assessing your math abilities, considering the expectations of the colleges you are applying to, and selecting the test level that aligns with your strengths and readiness. By making an informed decision based on your math background and preparedness, you can set yourself up for a successful SAT Math subject test experience.
Studying Process for SAT Math Subject Test
Studying effectively for the SAT Math subject test requires a structured approach that focuses on practice and targeted review. Begin by taking a practice test to gauge your current level of preparedness and identify areas for improvement. While official practice tests may not be readily available, resources like prep books that contain previous test papers can provide valuable practice material for both level one and level two tests.
After taking a practice test, analyze your performance and create a list of topics or question types that you struggled with. This list serves as a roadmap for your study plan, guiding you to review specific math concepts and strengthen your understanding of key topics. Utilize a variety of resources, including textbooks from previous math courses, online resources, and prep books tailored to the SAT Math subject test, to enhance your knowledge and skills in the areas where you need improvement.
Additionally, incorporating regular practice tests into your study plan will help you track your progress, identify any lingering weaknesses, and build confidence in your math abilities. By following a structured study process that includes practice, review, and targeted study, you can effectively prepare for the SAT Math subject test and increase your chances of achieving a high score.
Obtaining Practice Tests and Grading
In order to effectively self-study for the SAT Math subject test, it is crucial to start with obtaining practice tests and grading them. Unlike the official SAT or ACT exams, the College Board does not provide free practice tests for this specific exam. However, there are resources available where you can purchase previously administered test papers for both Level 1 and Level 2 math tests. Taking a full-length practice test will help you gauge your current level of preparation and identify areas that require improvement.
Once you have taken a practice test, the next step is to carefully grade it and make a detailed list of the types of problems that were challenging for you. This list should include every problem you missed, along with a thorough explanation of why you struggled with those specific topics. This process will help you create a roadmap for your study plan and focus on the areas that need more attention. By identifying your weaknesses, you can tailor your review to address those specific topics effectively.
Grading your practice test and creating a list of areas to review is a crucial step in self-studying for the SAT Math subject test. This process will not only help you understand your strengths and weaknesses but also allow you to prioritize your study time. By following a structured approach to reviewing your practice test results, you can ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for the actual exam.
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Try it nowCreating a List of Areas to Review
Once you have graded your practice test and identified the areas where you struggled the most, the next step is to create a comprehensive list of topics to review. This list should include every type of problem that you missed during the practice test, as well as any concepts that you found challenging. By organizing your review materials into a structured list, you can focus your study sessions on the areas that need the most improvement.
When creating a list of areas to review for the SAT Math subject test, it is essential to be thorough and detailed. Make sure to include specific examples of problems that you found difficult, along with a brief explanation of why you struggled with those topics. This level of detail will help you target your study efforts more effectively and ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam.
Having a well-defined list of areas to review is a key component of a successful self-study plan for the SAT Math subject test. By outlining the topics that require extra attention and creating a structured study schedule, you can approach your preparation in a systematic and organized manner. Remember to prioritize your review based on the areas where you need the most improvement to make the most out of your study time.
Utilizing Textbooks and Resources for Review
After creating a list of areas to review and identifying the topics that require additional focus, it is essential to utilize textbooks and other resources for your review. Since the SAT Math subject test closely resembles classroom problems, going back to your math textbooks can be a valuable review tool. If you no longer have access to your textbooks, consider borrowing them from the school library or reaching out to your former math teacher for assistance.
In addition to traditional textbooks, there are various resources available online where you can find PDF versions of math textbooks for topics like pre-calculus and algebra. These resources can supplement your review and provide additional practice problems to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. By utilizing different resources, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded review of the topics covered in the SAT Math subject test.
Utilizing textbooks and resources for review is essential to mastering the content tested on the SAT Math subject test. Whether you access textbooks from the school library, borrow them from a teacher, or find online resources, incorporating these materials into your study plan can enhance your preparation. By revisiting key concepts from your math classes and practicing with relevant problems, you can build a strong foundation for success on the exam.
Taking More Mock Tests and Using Prep Resources
One of the key strategies for self-studying for the SAT Math subject test is to take practice tests. Unlike the SAT or ACT, the College Board does not provide free practice tests for this exam. It is recommended to purchase a book that contains previously administered mathematics tests for both the level one and level two exams. After taking a practice test, it is essential to review and analyze the questions that were answered incorrectly. This process helps identify areas that need improvement and creates a list of topics to review in more detail.
In addition to reviewing practice test questions, it is beneficial to go back to foundational math concepts by utilizing textbooks. Since the SAT Math subject test questions are more closely aligned with classroom math problems, revisiting relevant chapters from textbooks can help reinforce understanding. If access to textbooks is limited, there are alternative resources available such as school libraries, old math teachers, online resources, and bookstores. Reviewing similar topics to the missed questions can provide the necessary refresher needed to improve performance on the exam.
After reviewing missed questions and revisiting relevant math topics, it is recommended to take more mock tests and utilize additional prep resources. Since there are limited released tests available for the SAT Math subject test, utilizing a variety of prep materials from different brands can help cover a wider range of possible question types. Mixing up study materials from independent tutors, established brands, and online resources can ensure a comprehensive preparation strategy for the exam.
Mixing Up Study Materials for Best Coverage
When self-studying for the SAT Math subject test, it is important to mix up study materials for the best coverage. Due to the limited number of released tests available for this exam, it is beneficial to use a variety of prep resources from different authors and brands. Since each brand may have a slightly different approach to guessing the content of the exam, mixing up study materials can help students prepare for a wider range of possible question types.
By utilizing study materials from independent tutors, established brands, and online resources, test-takers can ensure they have a well-rounded preparation strategy. Since the nature of the SAT Math subject test is more closely aligned with classroom math problems, using a mix of textbooks, practice tests, and traditional prep books can help students familiarize themselves with the types of questions they may encounter on the exam.
In order to cover all bases and increase the likelihood of success on the exam, students should consider using a combination of prep materials that offer different perspectives and approaches to the content. By mixing up study materials and incorporating various resources into their preparation plan, test-takers can feel more confident and better equipped to tackle the challenges of the SAT Math subject test.
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Try it nowHighlights
- Step-by-step guide to self-studying for the SAT Math subject test
- Importance of taking practice tests and identifying areas for improvement
- Utilizing textbooks for review and understanding key concepts
- Recommendations for additional prep resources and test-taking strategies
- Tips for mixing up prep resources to cover all bases
FAQ
A: Yes, the Math level one test covers material up to Algebra 2, so if you haven't taken pre-calculus, you can still opt for this test.
A: Official practice tests are available in books like the one recommended in the article. Additionally, you can find free practice questions on the College Board website.
A: You can try your school library, ask your old math teacher, search for textbooks online, or seek out PDF versions of textbooks on the internet for review purposes.
A: While textbooks and traditional prep resources can be helpful, it's important to mix up your study materials to cover a wider range of potential test questions.
A: Practice tests can provide a good indication of the types of questions you may encounter on the actual test, but it's important to vary your preparation to account for potential differences.
See Also
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Crushing the ACT Math Section: Tackling Hard Questions
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Understanding SAT Scores in a Test Optional World