Scoring 700+ on SAT Math requires mastering content, strategy, and test-taking skills. Here's a comprehensive guide to reach your goal.
Understanding SAT Math
Format
Section 3 (No Calculator): 20 questions, 25 minutes
- 15 multiple choice
- 5 grid-in (student-produced response)
Section 4 (Calculator): 38 questions, 55 minutes
- 30 multiple choice
- 8 grid-in
Content Distribution
- Heart of Algebra (33%): Linear equations, inequalities, systems
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis (29%): Ratios, percentages, statistics
- Passport to Advanced Math (28%): Quadratics, exponentials, polynomials
- Additional Topics (10%): Geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers
Scoring
- Raw score: 0-58 (number correct)
- Scaled score: 200-800
- For 700+: Need ~44-48 correct out of 58
Content Mastery
Heart of Algebra
Key Topics:
- Solving linear equations
- Systems of equations
- Linear inequalities
- Interpreting linear models
Common question types:
- Solve for x
- Find slope or y-intercept
- Interpret meaning of variables
- Determine number of solutions
Strategy: Master substitution and elimination methods
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
Key Topics:
- Ratios and proportions
- Percentages and percent change
- Unit conversions
- Statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation)
- Scatterplots and trend lines
- Two-way tables and probability
Strategy: Set up proportions carefully, show all work
Passport to Advanced Math
Key Topics:
- Quadratic equations (factoring, quadratic formula)
- Exponential functions
- Polynomial operations
- Rational expressions
- Radical equations
- Function notation and transformations
Strategy: Know when to factor vs. use quadratic formula
Additional Topics
Key Topics:
- Circle equations
- Volume formulas
- Trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA, unit circle basics)
- Complex numbers
- Radian measure
Strategy: Memorize formulas (not provided on test)
Test-Taking Strategies
1. Time Management
No Calculator Section (25 min, 20 questions):
- Average: 75 seconds per question
- Aim to finish with 2-3 minutes to check
Calculator Section (55 min, 38 questions):
- Average: 87 seconds per question
- Harder questions at end take more time
Pacing strategy:
- Quick pass: Answer easy questions first
- Second pass: Tackle medium difficulty
- Final pass: Attempt or guess hard questions
2. Process of Elimination
Wrong answer patterns:
- Arithmetic errors (sign mistakes, calculation errors)
- Conceptual mistakes (wrong formula or method)
- Careless reading (answered wrong question)
Eliminate:
- Answers that don't match units
- Negative answers for clearly positive quantities
- Unreasonable magnitudes
3. Backsolving (Plug In Answer Choices)
When to use:
- Question asks for a specific value
- Answer choices are numbers
- Algebra is messy
How:
- Start with (B) or (D)
- Plug into problem
- Adjust up or down based on result
4. Picking Numbers
When to use:
- Variables in answer choices
- "In terms of" questions
- Abstract relationships
How:
- Pick simple numbers (2, 3, 10, 100)
- Work through problem with your numbers
- Plug numbers into answer choices
- Eliminate wrong answers
5. No Calculator Section Strategy
Mental math shortcuts:
- Fraction to decimal conversions (1/2=0.5, 1/3=0.33...)
- Perfect squares (1-20)
- Factoring patterns
Common no-calc question types:
- Simplifying expressions
- Solving simple equations
- Graph interpretation
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Arithmetic Errors
Solution:
- Write neatly
- Show all work
- Double-check calculations
- Use calculator when allowed
2. Misreading Questions
Solution:
- Underline what question asks for
- Read answer choices before solving
- Check units
3. Time Pressure Mistakes
Solution:
- Skip hard questions first time through
- Don't get stuck
- Guess strategically if time runs out
4. Calculator Over-Reliance
Solution:
- Practice mental math
- Use calculator to check, not to solve
- Know when it's faster to solve algebraically
5. Concept Gaps
Solution:
- Review every mistake
- Fill knowledge gaps systematically
- Don't just memorize solutions
Formula Reference Sheet
Given on test:
- Circle: A = πr², C = 2πr
- Rectangle: A = lw
- Triangle: A = ½bh
- Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Special right triangles (30-60-90, 45-45-90)
- Volume formulas
Must memorize:
- Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b²-4ac)] / 2a
- Slope formula: m = (y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁)
- Distance formula: d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]
- Midpoint formula: M = [(x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2]
- Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
Practice Plan
Daily Practice (30-45 min)
- 10-15 practice problems by topic
- Review mistakes immediately
- Track error types
Weekly Practice Test
- One full Math section (calculator or no-calc)
- Time yourself
- Review every question (right or wrong)
Month Before Test
- Full-length practice tests
- Focus on weak topics
- Build stamina
Reaching 700+
Current Score → Target: 700+
| Current Score | Key Focus Areas |
|---------------|-----------------|
| 500-600 | Master fundamentals, reduce errors |
| 600-650 | Advanced topics, time management |
| 650-700 | Eliminate careless mistakes, hard questions |
To reach 700+:
- Master all content areas (no gaps)
- Consistent accuracy on easy/medium questions
- Attempt all hard questions
- Zero careless mistakes
700+ is achievable with dedicated practice and strategic preparation. Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing procedures.
