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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

SAT Math: No Calculator Practice Tips?

I've been practicing for the SAT Math section, specifically the no calculator portion, and I could use some advice. What are some strategies you used to practice or improve your performance for this section? Thanks!

9 months ago

Great question! The no calculator portion of the SAT Math section can be challenging, but with the right approach and practice, you can certainly improve your performance. Here are some tips to help you tackle this section more effectively:

1. Mental Math: Brushing up on your mental math skills can be a game-changer for the no calculator section. Practice basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as well as fractions and percentages without using a calculator, so that you can solve problems more efficiently during the test.

2. Memorize Key Formulas: Make sure to memorize important formulas, such as the Pythagorean theorem, special right triangle relationships, and quadratic formula. Knowing these by heart will help you tackle problems quickly and accurately.

3. Practice Estimation: Work on your estimation skills, as they can save you time on the no calculator portion when solving problems that require approximations. For example, if you need to divide 99 by 4, you can estimate the answer to be around 25 (since 100/4 = 25).

4. Learn Shortcuts: Be familiar with math shortcuts and strategies that can help you solve problems more efficiently. For example, being comfortable with the difference of squares (a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)), properties of even and odd numbers, and factoring techniques can save valuable time.

5. Understand Question Types: Be familiar with the types of questions in the no calculator section. These may include solving linear and quadratic equations, interpreting data from graphs and tables, working with ratios, and understanding functions. By practicing different question types, you'll be better prepared for what you'll encounter on the test.

6. Time Management: Develop effective time management skills during your practice sessions. Set a timer, and get used to the pace required to answer all questions in the given time. The more comfortable you become with the time constraints, the better you'll perform on the actual test.

7. Review Your Mistakes: Make it a habit to review your practice test results and identify areas that need improvement. Understand the concepts behind the questions you answered incorrectly and work on addressing your weaknesses. If you're aiming for an especially high SAT score, you may even want to review the questions you answered correctly, to ensure your overall process was sound and you didn't just accidentally arrive at the right answer.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the better you'll become at tackling the no calculator portion. Use official SAT practice materials and other reputable resources to supplement your preparation.

Finally, you might consider checking out this blog post from CollegeVine, which contains tips on how to maximize your score on the math section as a whole: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-800-on-sat-math/

Remember, improvement comes with practice and perseverance, so be patient and keep at your studying, even if progress may seem slow sometimes. Good luck with your SAT preparation!

9 months ago

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