SAT Math Difficulty
Some students worry about the math section of the SATs, but a high score is easy to achieve when the math section is understood for what it really is - a way to use a "universal language" (math) to find out more about the test taker.
SATs are not based on your knowledge of math and other subjects. Rather, the SAT is more about how a person takes a test, which can reveal more about a person than a knowledge-based test. While there are a lot of math questions on the SAT, most of the problems are basic.
Because math is a universal language taught in classrooms everywhere, it is a good way for the makers of the SAT to test various aspects of a person's abilities beyond simple memorization of facts and recital of information.
The SAT tests how a person follow directions. It can be a good way to tell if people read carefully and actually comprehend the information they take in. The SAT can also show how well a person deals with stress and whether or not they can think with creativity.
Critical thinking is the cornerstone of the modern education system, and the SAT is actually a carefully constructed way to test how well someone does with this necessary skill. Colleges and universities can use this information to make sure a student is a good fit with their learning institution.
In actuality, the math portions of the SAT are usually based on 7th to 9th grade math. Even for those that are not good with numbers, it is simplicity itself to get a high math score on the SAT by knowing more about the actual test and testing process. And this is what colleges and universities are looking for in students - the ability to look at a problem and come up with the best answer possible.
The people who make the tests are required to come up with questions that are "tricky" or "sneaky." They do this to make sure the test accurately finds people who are college material. In fact, students taking this test are expected to fit a certain bell curve. In order to stay employed, they need to make sure they create test questions that "trip up" certain students who do not read carefully and understand the instructions.
SAT Bell Curve
The Bell Curve is a scale that is seen over and over in different situations. In the case of the SAT, it is graded with a score of 200 to 800 - a perfect score. The makers of the test expect some people to fail miserably, some people to do okay (the middle or top of the bell) and less people to do really well.
When people who take the test do not fit the bell curve, it is a sign that the test is either too easy or too difficult, something that will not help a college or university attract the right type of students. Because of this, test makers strive to ensure the test results are a bell curve in most instances.
The Bell Curve is a great method to reflect people who take the SAT. While some people will invariably fail miserably, there is another small group of individuals who will do really well at the SAT. Therefore, the test is designed so that most people will fall somewhere in the middle - between the 200 and 800 extremes.
Because of this, questions are weighted differently on the exam to best reflect a bell curve. So, while a person may get 8 out of 9 questions in one section and go from 580 to 590, in another section getting 8 out of 9 questions may cause them to drop from 740 to 710 - a larger difference.
Knowing this, a person taking the test for the first time should expect to fall more on the left end of the bell curve. However, with practice and experience, it is easy to increase SAT scores quite dramatically.
What is a Good SAT Score?
A high score on the SAT is important for many different reasons. Scoring a 200 will make it difficult to get in most colleges - even state colleges - while an SAT score of 800 does indeed open more doors and can lead to more opportunities in life. For some a score in the low 500s is enough, but for others striving for perfection is a necessity.
Either way, studying and preparing for the SAT can increase the chances of a high score quite dramatically. By preparing and learning how to study for the SAT, students can increase their score to accurately reflect their mental abilities. Another aspect to consider is career possibilities. For example, someone wanting to be a novelist or journalist will want to score higher on the English section of the SAT while the math portion may not be as important.
However, with any career choice that is made, a high SAT course can open doors to many universities that can really expand and improve a person's life. Educational opportunities are treasures to be won. Getting a high score on the SAT through preparation can be a way to increase the odds of having a great college experience.
