6 Crucial Strategies for Improving Your Digital SAT® Math Score
Helping your clients ace the digital SAT® Math section goes beyond just teaching math—it’s about providing them with the right tools, strategies, and confidence to excel. As a tutor, you have the opportunity to make a real difference by offering your students personalized guidance and structured practice that targets their individual needs.
In this week’s post, we’ve unpacked six of the top crucial strategies designed to boost your students’ SAT® Math scores—from mastering the test’s adaptive format to focusing on high-impact math domains.
By incorporating these techniques into your tutoring sessions, you’ll not only help your students improve their SAT® Math performance but also differentiate your tutoring services as a go-to source for effective, real-world SAT® prep.
Understanding the Digital SAT® Math Section
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand how the new digital SAT® Math section works.
The math section consists of two modules with 22 questions lasting 35 minutes. The first module covers various difficulties, and based on the student’s performance, the second module will adapt, becoming either easier or more challenging.
Some key updates to the digital SAT® Math Test include:
Calculator Use: Calculators, including an on-screen, Desmos-powered graphic calculator option, are allowed throughout the test.
Streamlined Questions: The math problems are shorter and more straightforward, focusing on single domains.
Adaptive Test Design: Students will face a mix of question types, with approximately 25% being constructed-response and 75% multiple-choice.
Content Domains Breakdown:
Algebra (35% of the test)
Focus on solving and creating linear equations, inequalities, and systems.
Key skills include working with one- and two-variable equations, linear functions, and inequalities.
Advanced Math (35% of the test)
Students must handle more complex equations, such as quadratic, exponential, polynomial, and rational.
Mastery in nonlinear equations and functions is essential.
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (15% of the test)
Covers ratios, rates, percentages, and analyzing one- and two-variable data.
Proficiency in interpreting graphs and data tables is critical.
Geometry and Trigonometry (15% of the test)
Problems involving angles, triangles, circles, and volumes.
Trigonometry skills will be tested, particularly in solving right triangle problems.
Check out What to Expect on the New, Adaptive Digital SAT® Math Test for a more in-depth overview.
6 Key Strategies for Tutors to Help Students Improve Digital SAT® Math Scores
1. Focus on Calculator Proficiency
Although calculators are permitted for the entire test, students must know how to use them efficiently.
Encourage your students to practice with the specific calculator they intend to use on test day to build familiarity and confidence. The Desmos online graphing calculator is available for free use and is a common tool in a lot of modern high school math classrooms.
Remind students not to depend too heavily on calculators for basic calculations, as this can lead to unnecessary time loss during the exam. Students should prioritize mental math or quick estimates when possible. For example, process of elimination or estimation techniques can often narrow down answers faster than performing precise calculations.
The calculator can be helpful for more complex multi-step problems, but students must learn to input steps efficiently without wasting time on trivial calculations. Be sure to stress that calculators should be used to quickly check calculations for larger or more complex equations, but not to rely on them for everything.
Remember: students can choose to use their own, College Board-approved calculator or they can use the on-screen calculator provided by the digital SAT® software client. Be sure to go over the SAT® Calculator Policy for rules and acceptable calculators.
Helpful guide: Making the Right Calculator Choices on the SAT® and ACT®
2. Emphasize Formula Application, Not Just Memorization
Memorizing formulas is just the first step; students must also grasp the underlying concept.
Ensure your clients understand how to use the formulas and the reasoning behind them. When students understand the math behind the formulas, they can apply them more flexibly. For instance, knowing how the vertex formula for quadratics connects with completing the square can deepen their problem-solving approach. By focusing on how and when to apply formulas, students can work more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls like misapplying a formula in the wrong context.
3. Teach Answer Elimination and Guessing Strategies
When students are unsure about a question, teach them to eliminate clearly incorrect answer choices first.
Encourage them to make informed guesses when needed, particularly with multiple-choice questions, where eliminating even one wrong option can significantly improve their chances of guessing the correct answer.
Many math problems, especially in algebra and geometry, allow students to spot patterns (like symmetry in graphs or proportional relationships) that can help them quickly rule out unreasonable answer choices without fully solving the problem.
Train your students to test key characteristics (like slope, intercepts, or proportionality) of equations or graphs to eliminate answers before performing any lengthy calculations.
For certain problems, especially with multiple-choice answers, students can often eliminate options by testing extreme values or estimating a rough answer, which helps narrow down possibilities quickly.
For more advice, check out the Math and Science Tips section in our post: The Gift of Extra Time on the ACT® and SAT®: How to Spend It Wisely.
4. Prioritize Problem Areas
Utilize practice tests to pinpoint which specific domains are most challenging for each student. For example, If a student excels in algebra but struggles with advanced math, tailor your tutoring sessions to strengthen their advanced math skills.
Encourage your students to devote more study time to areas where they have the greatest opportunity for improvement.
Need help? Read: How to Choose Which SAT® Concepts to Prioritize.
5. Leverage Adaptive Testing to Target Weaknesses
Use adaptive practice tests to help your clients familiarize themselves with the varying difficulty levels of the digital SAT®. When students perform well in the first module, they’ll encounter more challenging questions in the second module. This allows high-achieving students to demonstrate their strengths by solving more complex problems. For instance, if a student excels in algebra but faces challenges with advanced math, adaptive testing can help target those weaknesses while simultaneously building their confidence with more difficult questions.
Encourage your students to use adaptive tests regularly to improve their pacing, manage different problem types, and develop the skills needed to tackle both easier and more complex questions they may encounter on test day.
Clear Choice offers adaptive Digital SAT®-aligned practice tests that feature precise, algorithmic scoring, providing your clients with essential data for personalized instruction and score improvement.
6. Regular Practice with Digital SAT® Math Questions
To maximize your students' performance on the digital SAT® Math section, they must regularly practice questions from each of the four math domains: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.
Provide consistent, targeted practice to help them master the content, refine their problem-solving techniques, and become familiar with the format of the test.
Domain 1: Algebra (35% of the test): Test takers will encounter questions that require them to solve linear equations, systems of equations, and inequalities. Regular practice with one- and two-variable equations, linear functions, and inequalities will help students develop fluency and accuracy in these areas.
Domain 2: Advanced Math (35% of the test): This domain focuses on more complex mathematical concepts such as quadratic, exponential, and polynomial equations. Ensure that your students spend time working through nonlinear equations and systems, as well as manipulating equivalent expressions, to strengthen their understanding of these advanced topics.
Domain 3: Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (15% of the test): In this domain, test takers will need to apply quantitative reasoning to solve problems involving ratios, percentages, and interpreting data sets. Encourage your students to practice analyzing data from graphs and scatter plots, calculating probabilities, and evaluating statistical claims. This will help them build strong data analysis skills and improve their ability to make inferences.
Domain 4: Geometry and Trigonometry (15% of the test): The remaining questions will focus on geometric concepts such as angles, triangles, circles, and volume, along with basic trigonometry. Have your students regularly work on geometry problems to ensure they are comfortable with spatial reasoning and trigonometric relationships, especially when solving right triangle problems.
By practicing questions from each of these domains consistently, your clients will become more comfortable with the variety of math skills tested on the digital SAT®. This will not only enhance their ability to solve problems efficiently but also improve their overall test performance by reinforcing knowledge across multiple areas of math.
Using SAT® Scores to Guide Improvement
According to the College Board, a score of 600-620 on the math section places students in the 76-80th percentile, which is generally considered a "good" score. However, for students aiming for more selective colleges, higher scores will be necessary. Setting appropriate score goals is a critical part of the improvement process, and tutors play a key role in helping students establish these targets.
Setting Realistic SAT® Math Score Goals
Setting Target Scores: Students need to set score goals that are realistic and tailored to their individual abilities, academic goals, and the colleges they are interested in.
Help your clients avoid aiming for arbitrary scores like “1600,” which may not be an appropriate goal for them. Instead, establish a baseline score using a diagnostic test, and set a target score that aligns with either their potential (based on practice test performance) or the average scores of their target schools. For example, students applying to selective colleges should aim for scores that are 100 to 200 points higher than the average math score of their chosen schools.
Focusing Study Efforts: Once a target score is set, use that score to provide focus and motivation during study sessions. Regularly check progress against this goal to help your clients see how far they’ve come and what areas still need improvement.
Retaking the SAT®: Research shows that students who retake the SAT® often see improvements in their scores. With each retake, students gain familiarity with the test format, have more time to study and build confidence in their abilities.
Encourage your students to retest if their initial score doesn't meet their target. Moreover, some colleges offer super scoring, where the highest math score from any test date is considered, which can further motivate students to aim for incremental improvement with each attempt.
By helping your clients set personalized, achievable goals and guiding them through the process of regular practice and retakes, your students will not only reach a "good" SAT® Math score but also one that aligns with their broader academic aspirations.
Key Takeaways:
1. Focus on Calculator Proficiency: Ensure your clients practice using their preferred calculator ahead of test day and teach them to avoid over-relying on it for simple calculations to save valuable time.
2. Emphasize Formula Application: Help your students understand not just the formulas, but the concepts behind them. This will allow them to apply formulas accurately and strategically, improving both speed and accuracy.
3. Teach Answer Elimination and Guessing: Encourage your students to eliminate clearly incorrect answers when unsure and make informed guesses, especially in multiple-choice questions where this approach increases the odds of getting the right answer.
4. Prioritize Problem Areas: Use practice tests to identify specific math domains where your clients struggle. Focus on strengthening weaker areas to maximize score improvements in the most challenging sections.
5. Leverage Adaptive Testing: Regularly use adaptive practice tests to familiarize your students with varying levels of difficulty. Adaptive testing exposes students to questions of varying difficulty. Teach your students to adjust their pacing based on the difficulty level. For easier problems, they should aim for quicker answers, while harder questions require a more deliberate approach.
In the harder second module, many questions will require multi-step solutions or integrating multiple math skills (like geometry and algebra together). Teaching your students to anticipate and prepare for this switch helps them tackle the harder problems with greater ease and less anxiety.
6. Regular Practice Across Domains: Encourage consistent practice across all four math domains—Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry—to develop a comprehensive skill set and improve overall test performance.
Some math questions combine concepts from different areas, such as algebra and geometry. For instance, solving a system of equations that represents geometric shapes in a coordinate plane. Encourage your students to practice integrating different domains of math to become more adept at switching between methods during problem-solving.
Step into the Digital Age of SAT® Prep!
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