- Organization is important. When taking the SAT math section, keeping work neat will help make sure that the final answer is correct and the full point is received for the question. This also helps make it easier to fix mistakes that may be made because of the ability to backtrack and see work that has been done.
- Knowing the value of the number of the answer choice is will also be important for making sure the correct answer is picked. Rereading problems slowly and with comprehension will make sure that the right answer is picked.
- The answer should be true for each and every part of the question. Some of the types of questions that are most difficult have different requirements for the right answer and more than one of the answers on the multiple choice section will appear to be correct while only one will be the actual correct answer. The answer should be true for all the requirements in the question.
- When an answer that works is found, it is a good idea to move on to the next one. This is only the case where there is 100% certainty that the answer selected is the correct and final answer.
- Keep your work neat and organized. This is the only form of insurance you have, and the only way you can possibly notice if you made an easily fixable careless mistake.
- Know what number the answer choice represents. This goes back to one of our first rules, rereading the bottom of the question before answering. You want to make sure that you're looking for the correct thing. If the question states "A hamburger and soda cost $4.75. If the soda costs $.75 less than the hamburger, how much does the hamburger cost?" you need to make sure that you're looking for and answering the cost of the hamburger, not the cost of the soda.
- Make sure your answer is true for ALL parts of the question. Some of the questions in which it is most convenient to Use the Answer Choices are long and complicated with many elements to satisfy. The answer you select must be true for all of them, not just one or two.
- Stop when you get an answer that works. Unlike ITOS, when you Use the Answer Choices, there can only be one right answer. When you find it, you're done. Move on. Don't waste time checking the other guys. They're wrong. Is that clear enough?
TIP: Being methodical is important on the SAT math section. Jumping around can confuse a person taking the test. This seems like common sense - and it is - but it is paying attention to the small details when taking the SAT math portion that will really affect the final score, which is the goal. Getting a higher math score on the SAT does not need to be difficult when discipline is used to not skip around needlessly making things more confusing when taking the test.
