HANNAH BOSNIAN TUTORING

SAT Math

            The SAT Math section is split up into Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry.

            Unlike the SAT Reading section, all subtopics in the Math section are mixed together and each SAT test varies greatly in which specific subject will show up most. Therefore, it is imperative for a student to learn every bit of math that may appear on the SAT so they will be ready for whatever  may show up on test day.

            The Math section is organized easy to hard, with problems getting progressively more difficult as the section goes on. As students improve their math skills, they will move on to practicing these problems timed. With dedication and work on concepts, time management, and strategies, any student can improve their math score by leaps and bounds. 

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            You may have noticed that your student is scoring lower than they may have expected in Algebra. While the SAT Algebra problems include the simple linear equation problems, rearranging of equations, and solving for x problems that you may expect, they also include more complex problems that involve constants or confusing word problems that cloak simple concepts in hard to understand phrasing. I will work with your student to learn which types of problems they struggle with and teach them the concepts behind these difficult problems.

            They will also learn how to use DESMOS and their graphing calculator to support them in tackling quicker problems. They’ll come out knowing how to approach confusing problems and how to use their time wisely with the help from their calculator. 

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            The Advanced Math section includes some topics students may have never learned in school, and they may be missing points simply because they don’t know to study what they don’t know. I go over these topics with every single student to double check if they’ve learned them. If they have not, I’ll give them as many in-depth lessons as they need in order for them to understand it.

            I’ll also give them those problems periodically with the rest of their lessons to make sure the knowledge is retained. Advanced Math frequently includes the hardest questions on the SAT, as the final few questions in the Math section tend to be of this category. For students trying to score as high as possible, we will work on those extremely difficult problems so they have experience approaching concepts they may have never seen before. 

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            Many students have little experience with Problem Solving and Data Analysis problems unless they’ve taken a Statistics course. Fortunately, these Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions make up the smallest percent of Math questions on the SAT. Your student will learn about bias and randomness in studies, probability and ratios, graphs and scatterplots, and most importantly: percentages. I find that may students struggle with understanding percentages, so I always make sure to spend a bit of time on the topic. With just a bit of studying and learning these new concepts, students can frequently score very highly in this section. 

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            Geometry and Trigonometry includes, surprise, geometry and trigonometry questions. Many students haven’t taken a geometry class in a few years so I review these topics with every student, even if they feel quite comfortable in this section. Many students also haven’t learned much trig or haven’t learned the specific trig that’s on the test. We also spend quite a bit of time on triangles, as the hardest geometry questions typically involve triangles. Through rigorous practice with problems published by Collegeboard, students will be comfortable with any geometry questions that appear on the test. 

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            The Math section is a very topic-driven section, with dozens and dozens of subtopics a student may be struggling with that they may not even be able to name.Through personalized education and practice with full length SAT practice tests, I can identify the areas your student needs work in and provide them with the education, support, and practice necessary to ensure they walk into the SAT prepared ready to get a great score!

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            If you’d like to learn more about my approach and see if I’d be a good fit for your student, please reach out! I offer free 20 minute consultations where you can ask me whatever you’d like!