SAT Math Strategies to Boost Your Score

1. Start with easy points first – Don’t get stuck on a hard question early. Every question is worth the same, so maximize your score by answering the ones you know quickly.

2. Use the Desmos calculator efficiently – The built-in calculator on the digital SAT is powerful. Use it to graph equations, check intersections, or quickly evaluate expressions—but don’t overuse it on questions you can do faster by hand.

3. Plug in numbers when variables confuse you – For abstract algebra problems, try assigning numbers to variables. It can simplify the math and make wrong answer choices easier to eliminate.

4. Backsolve using answer choices – If the question is asking for a specific value, try plugging the answer choices back into the question to find the one that works.

5. Be careful with units and scale – Many questions test your attention to labels like feet vs. inches or thousands vs. millions. Double-check before calculating.

6. Know when to skip and return – If a question looks time-consuming or tricky, flag it and move on. Come back only if you have time left.

7. Read graphs and tables carefully – Don’t assume trends; let the data guide your answer. Watch for tricky axes or misleading visuals.

8. Practice pacing – You’ll have about 1.6 minutes per question. Don’t spend too long on any single problem—use your time wisely across both modules.