5 Tips for SAT and ACT Math

Stumped by a multiple-choice algebra or geometry problem on a standardized test like SAT or ACT? Incorporate these tips into your study routine.

Tip 1: Eliminate and guess

For the ACT or SAT, incorrect answers are not penalized. That means it is always worth guessing.

Further, the probability of guessing the correct answer increases with each option you are able to eliminate. To eliminate options, examine the extremes of the answer set, guesstimate the range the answer should fall within, or take other measures to discern plausible characteristics of the final answer.

Look at the answer options and work backwards. Use patterns, such as answer options set apart by precise amounts. (This suggests an operation that may be missed while working through the problem conventionally.)

To gauge the difference guessing makes, keep track of the answers you guessed on while taking a practice test – then note the points you gained by guessing when you score it.

Tip 2: Prioritize the low-hanging fruit

On both SAT and ACT Math sections, the questions are roughly arranged from easy to difficult. Determine your score goal, then calculate precisely how many questions you need to answer correctly to earn that score. Accounting for your error rate will then yield the number of questions you need to answer at all.

Since every problem is only worth one point, there’s no need to rush to answer difficult questions you aren’t as likely to answer correctly. Gobble up those easy points first! Pace yourself – don’t let silly mistakes rob you.

Tip 3. Beware the “obvious” answers 

Armed with the knowledge that later questions in the section will be harder, you can approach those questions with a skeptic’s eye.

Be suspicious of answers that are found too easily in difficult questions. Make sure to thoroughly re-read the question to see if you’ve missed a step in your thinking and double-check what specifically the question is asking you to find. 

Tip 4. Read the question carefully

I don’t want to say that the test is trying to trick you. But… These tests assume students will miss steps by not reading questions and answer choices carefully! Usually, if there’s a way to misread the question, there’s a corresponding incorrect answer choice to reflect that misreading.

These incorrect answer choices are red herrings. One good way to avoid them is to locate the real question in the question, usually the last sentence. Look for indicators like what, how many, and which, and pay special attention to units, negatives (“not”), and other phrases that reverse the logic of the statement.

Once you’ve located and deciphered the true question, go back and examine supporting information as you search for a solution.

Tip 5. Use figures to guesstimate

If a figure isn’t captioned (“Note: figure not drawn to scale”), then you can assume that it is drawn to scale and take full advantage. Sometimes the certainty of scale won’t give you a precise answer but will allow you to eliminate a few answer choices.

BONUS TIP: Take a practice test!

Take at least one practice test under test-day conditions. Find a quiet space, use a timer, and complete the test in one sitting. By simulating test-day conditions, you can get a more realistic picture of what your final results may be, and adjust your studying priorities appropriately.

Seeking a more official practice test experience? Check our calendar for in-person practice SATs and ACT.