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Taking the SAT is no small undertaking. You have so many demands on your time that compete with SAT studying: school, homework, job, athletics, friends, family, and community. Adding your SAT math prep to this list may feel overwhelming. However, using an SAT math study plan is one of the best ways to control stress and accomplish your goal of getting a great SAT score.
Note that there is no “one-size-fits-all” SAT math study plan. It is as unique to you as your DNA. Therefore, in this article, we’ll take a general look at what math topics are on the SAT, when to take the SAT, when to start studying for the SAT, and how to find a personalized study plan. We’ll also look at some SAT math strategies and some tools and tips to use during your study sessions and on test day.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Key Info About the Digital SAT
- Understanding the SAT Math Section
- The Online Desmos Calculator
- Before You Start Studying, You Must Do These Things
- Your SAT Math Study Plan
- Math Study Tips
- Test-Day Math Tips for the Bluebook App
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Let’s first get our foundation by learning about the digital SAT.
Key Info About the Digital SAT
The digital SAT replaced the paper version in spring 2024. The digital version is shorter than its predecessor, at just 2 hours and 14 minutes, compared to 3 hours and 15 minutes.
You can take the SAT at a test center or at school (if your school participates in SAT School Day). You may use your own computer or one provided to you on test day. Note that if you use your own computer, you must download the Bluebook app, which is the platform used for the administration of the SAT, ahead of time. When you are taking the SAT, all other features of the computer you’re using will be locked down for the duration of the exam.
KEY FACT:
You have 2 hours and 14 minutes to take the digital SAT.
The 2 Sections of the SAT
The digital SAT has 2 sections:
- Math – Each of the 2 Math modules contains 22 questions. You are given 35 minutes to complete each module. About 75% of the questions are traditional 4-choice multiple-choice questions, and the remaining 25% are SPR (student-produced response) questions, which we know as fill-in-the-blank questions. A major change to the digital SAT is that you may use a calculator for any question in either Math module.
- Reading and Writing – Each of the 2 Reading and Writing modules contains 27 questions. You are given 32 minutes to complete each module. A significant change from the paper-and-pencil SAT is that the Reading Comprehension (RC) passages are shorter. Each RC passage has just one question associated with it. In addition to being tested on reading comprehension, the combined Reading and Writing section will test you on grammar, punctuation, and usage.
KEY FACT:
The SAT Math section asks 44 questions in 2 modules, and the Reading and Writing section asks 54 questions in 2 modules.
Next, let’s discuss the digital SAT’s section adaptivity.
The SAT Is Section-Adaptive. What’s That?
The biggest change to the digital SAT is that it is now what is called a section-adaptive exam. In essence, this means that the difficulty level of the second module of each section is based on your performance in the first module.
For example, in the first Math module, you’ll encounter a blend of easy, medium, and hard questions. If you do well, then the second module will give you harder questions that are worth more points. Conversely, if you don’t do well on the first module, then the second module will present you with easier questions that are worth fewer points.
The same algorithm is used for the two modules of the Reading and Writing section.
Thus, it is especially important to perform well on the first module of each section. This will allow you to have the chance of getting a high score on the SAT.
KEY FACT:
The SAT is section-adaptive, so you must do well in the first module of each section to have the opportunity to answer score-enhancing questions in the second module.
Now, let’s look at the SAT Math section in more detail.
Understanding the SAT Math Section
One of the most important things you have to know when you’re preparing for the SAT is what exactly is tested on the digital SAT Math section. To perform well, you need to know what to study and how to study it correctly.
The College Board has created four major categories that include all the math topics that are tested on the SAT. Look carefully at the following list:
- Algebra: linear equations, linear functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, linear word problems
- Advanced Math: functions and function notation, parabolas (quadratic functions), factoring and FOILing, exponents, equations with square roots, absolute value, exponential functions, exponential growth, higher-order polynomial functions and graphs, systems of equations with one quadratic
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: percentages, ratios and proportions, rates, unit conversion, measures of center, charts and graphs, probability, scatterplots, statistical inference, experiments versus observational studies
- Geometry and Trigonometry: lines, angles, area, volume, triangles, circles, right triangles, Pythagorean theorem, trigonometry
This list gives you a detailed listing of the math topics and subtopics. Do keep in mind that there may be additional items on the actual test.
KEY FACT:
The SAT tests math topics from the following categories: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry.
Next, let’s discuss the digital SAT’s online calculator.
The Online Desmos Calculator
You have two options regarding calculator use on the SAT. You may use your own calculator or you may use the online Desmos graphing calculator. If you choose to use the online calculator, make sure that you are very familiar with its operation so that you can use it with comfort and ease.
You can access the Desmos calculator only while you are working on the two modules of the SAT Math section. To bring it up, click on the calculator icon at the upper right of your screen. You can enter an equation using keyboard strokes to see the graph of the equation. The calculator has many standard operations such as the four basic functions, square roots, and squaring. But you can access many advanced options by clicking on the “FUNCS” button. These options include:
- calculus functions
- number theory calculations
- trig functions
- inverse trig functions
- basic and advanced statistical calculations
TTP PRO TIP:
If you choose to use the online Desmos graphing calculator, be sure to learn how to use it effectively.
Before You Start Studying, You Must Do These Things
Decide on Your Test Date
The College Board administers the SAT 7 times each year: in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.
Your decision about your SAT test date should depend on the application deadlines of the schools you hope to attend and whether you are considering early decision (ED), early action (EA), or regular decision (RD).
Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision Considerations
If you are considering early decision (ED) or early action (EA), your application deadline may be as early as November 1 of your senior year. Conservatively, you should take the SAT in the spring of your junior year, in May or June. That way, if you are disappointed with your score, you can study during the summer and retake the exam in August or September, and possibly October.
If you are not considering ED or EA, then your regular decision (RD) deadline is January 1. You have many options for your SAT test date. You may schedule it for the spring of your junior year, or you can take it on any of the fall testing dates of your senior year.
TTP PRO TIP:
Plan your SAT test date based on your application status: early decision, early action, or regular decision.
Decide When to Start Studying
Similar to determining when to take the SAT, your decision about when to start studying is not locked in. You don’t want to start too early, and you certainly don’t want to start too late. Don’t make an uninformed decision! Consider the following to help you make your decision.
TTP PRO TIP:
Make an informed decision about when to begin studying.
Determine Your Target Score
Determine your target score. Look up the SAT scores of accepted students at your dream schools. Without knowing the score you need to aim for, you won’t have a goal to work toward.
Another reason for establishing your target score is to allow you to qualify for those all-important scholarships! Many of them are solely or partly based on your SAT score, so be sure to research the required SAT scores for qualifying. A great SAT score could earn you thousands of dollars in scholarships.
TTP PRO TIP:
Establish your SAT target score by researching admissions data of the schools that interest you.
You can learn more about SAT score percentiles by using the College Board’s SAT User Percentiles Chart.
After you determine your target score, you’ll need to take a practice test.
Determine Your Baseline Score by Taking a Practice Test
As soon as you decide to take the SAT, you should register at the College Board website. Then, download the Bluebook app and take one of the six free digital practice tests. Before you take the practice test, you might choose to review some math formulas and grammar rules but don’t overstudy. The role of the practice test is to give you a baseline score, which you will compare to your target score. The difference between the two scores will give you a sense of how much studying you may need to do.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take a practice digital SAT on the Bluebook app to establish your baseline score.
Decide How Much Time You Can Commit Each Week to Your Prep
With the many demands on your time–school, friends, family, and perhaps athletics or a job–you may anticipate difficulty carving out time to study for your SAT.
To get and stay motivated, you need to put your SAT studying into perspective. Getting a good SAT score can get you into the best schools, and then you can get a great job after graduation. A great SAT score might also result in your getting scholarships, too, which will help keep your student debt low. So, getting a great SAT score is an investment in your future!
TTP PRO TIP:
A great SAT score can get you admitted to your dream school and qualify for scholarships.
To train for big events, athletes spend time practicing nearly every day. You should do the same for your SAT prep. Decide how many hours you can realistically study each week and commit to your study schedule. You may have to temporarily curtail some activities. But when you think about the potential rewards of getting a great SAT score, you can see that spending time studying is a relatively small investment.
TTP PRO TIP:
Be realistic in deciding how many hours you can commit each week to your SAT prep.
Decide How Many Weeks You’ll Need to Study
After you compare your baseline score to your target score, use the difference between the two scores to determine the number of points you need to improve during your SAT preparation. The following chart provides an estimate of the number of hours you’ll need for your SAT prep.
| Score Improvement Needed | No. of Hours |
|---|---|
| 0-20 | 10 |
| 30-50 | 20 |
| 60-100 | 30 |
| 110-130 | 40 |
| 140-200 | 80 |
| 210+ | 120+ |
Use the chart as a very rough guide, as many variables affect the amount of time you’ll need to study. These variables can include:
- the difficulty level of the topics you need to learn
- whether you need to focus on math or verbal
- the study resources you choose
- your overall attitude toward SAT prep
TTP PRO TIP:
Compare your baseline score to your target score to calculate your score improvement needed and the number of hours you’ll need to reach that goal.
Count Backward to Determine When to Start Studying
You’ve already decided how many hours you can commit each week to studying for your SAT. With this information, you can determine the approximate number of weeks you’ll need. Simply divide the number of hours needed to study (using the chart above) by the number of hours each week you can commit to studying. Then you will know the number of weeks to set aside for studying.
For example, you want to raise your SAT score by 120 points. The chart indicates you will need about 40 hours of prep time. So, if you plan to study 5 hours each week, you will need about 40/5 = 8 weeks of study. This translates to about 2 months.
Once you have calculated how many months you’ll need for studying, count backward from your planned SAT test date to determine when you should start studying. For the example above, an early decision (ED) student with an early May test date should start studying no later than March 1.
For many students, the key to staying on track with studying is to use a calendar, either paper or digital. So, if you decide to commit 5 hours each week, schedule the days and times on your calendar. And once you commit, don’t miss your scheduled study time! Adopt the attitude that SAT study is as important as getting to school or a job on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Use a calendar to schedule your weekly study sessions.
Your SAT Math Study Plan
So you know your baseline score, your target score, your SAT date, and the approximate time needed to study. Even with all this information, it is extremely difficult to create an SAT study plan by yourself. Let’s consider why this is the case:
- You don’t know exactly which SAT math topics need more attention than others.
- You don’t know how much time you’ll need to study each math topic
- You don’t know how effectively you will study.
- You can’t anticipate disruptions to your studying.
Because of these unknown factors, you will have difficulty creating and following a homemade study plan. You will need to spend too much time updating your progress and adjusting your study schedule to accommodate the bumps in the road.
But the news is not bad. Rather than creating and administering your own study plan, you should consider enrolling in an online SAT course that will provide you with a personalized study plan.
A good study plan will address all the concerns we stated above.
- You’ll take a diagnostic test, which will help identify those topics that are your weakest ones.
- It will have a personalized study schedule created for you. It is based on how much time you have until test day.
- It will give you feedback on your study effectiveness.
- It will adjust your study schedule when there is a disruption to your study activity.
Also, an online course will supply you with many extras that will make your studying more productive. It will present you with a huge number of SAT math problems and show you how to improve your SAT math score.
TTP PRO TIP:
Making a homemade study plan is difficult and time-consuming. It may be worth it to find an online SAT study course that includes a personalized study plan.
Finding a Compatible Online SAT Course
It’s important to find an online SAT course that fits your needs. These courses are authored by SAT experts, who create prep courses containing the exact material that is tested on the SAT. You won’t waste a minute studying extraneous material.
Furthermore, an online prep course will give you lots of SAT math instruction and practice problems so you can hone your skills. Additionally, most of these courses have lots of bonus features: a comprehensive study plan, a progress tracker, and valuable analytics. Many courses supply you with extras, such as flashcards and equation guides. Finally, they will give you valuable test strategies and study tips.
To find the most compatible fit, research online SAT prep courses and try a few free or low-cost trials. Then select the course that you feel most comfortable with. The Target Test Prep SAT Course offers a free 5-day trial. A nice feature of all online SAT courses is that they offer 24/7 access. This is an attractive option for students who want flexible, on-demand study options.
TTP PRO TIP:
An online SAT prep course offers many useful features that can give you an efficient, effective study experience.
Math Study Tips
It’s important to squeeze out as much as you can from each study session. Here are some ways, in addition to the lessons listed on your detailed study plan, to make your SAT prep as efficient as possible.
- Create and Use Flashcards – There are a ton of math formulas and procedures that you need to memorize. You might use a pre-made flashcard set provided by your online SAT study course, or use a digital flashcard app. In either case, it’s important to supplement the deck with your own input. It might include extra formulas or step-by-step solutions to particular problems that give you trouble.
- Use the Bluebook App on Occasion – Become very familiar with the Bluebook app. Log in periodically, open the practice test that you took, and look around! Make sure you can easily bring up the SAT Reference Sheet, the Desmos calculator, and other features that we’ll cover below.
- Learn the Rules for Student-Produced Response (SPR) Inputs – There are specific directions for entering SPR answers into the grid. If you incorrectly enter your answer, you will not receive credit for the question, even if your numerical answer is technically correct.
- Use Mini Study Sessions – You can study on the bus, during study hall, or while you’re waiting for an appointment. Anywhere, anytime you have a few extra minutes, you can flip through some math flashcards or review a problem or two.
TTP PRO TIP:
During your SAT prep, be sure to (1) use flashcards; (2) familiarize yourself with all features of the Bluebook app; (3) learn the rules for entering answers for student-produced responses; and (4) utilize free moments for mini study sessions.
Test-Day Math Tips for the Bluebook App
On test day, you must be prepared. Of course, you’ll need to know the math topics that you’ve been studying. But you also will need to be comfortable with the Bluebook testing platform and the many features you’ll find in the math section of the test. Let’s look at them now.
- The Countdown Clock – In the center of the header bar, you will find the countdown clock for the section. While you may hide the clock, we recommend that you use it to keep track of your progress.
- The Desmos Calculator – You can access the Desmos onscreen calculator by clicking on the calculator icon on the right side of the header bar.
- SAT Math Reference Sheet – You can access the SAT math formula sheet by clicking on the icon that looks like X^2, which is located to the right of the calculator icon on the header bar.
- Mark for Review – Just to the right of the question number is the “mark for review” icon. Just click this to mark the question for later review. If you have time at the end of the module, you can review any questions that you have marked.
- Answer Choice Eliminator – To the far right of the question number, you can click on the “ABC” icon that has a line through it to activate the answer choice eliminator. To the far right of each answer choice, you will see a circle with the answer choice and a line through it. Click on any of these to eliminate that answer choice from consideration.
TTP PRO TIP:
Become very familiar with the options available in the math section of the Bluebook app.
Key Takeaways
- The digital SAT has 2 sections: Math and Reading/Writing.
- The SAT is section adaptive, which means that the difficulty of module 2 of each section is dependent on your performance on module 1.
- The Math section’s four main categories—Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry—include roughly 40 sub-topics.
- You may use your own calculator or the online calculator during the Math section.
- Before you start studying, you should do the following:
- Decide on your test date
- Take a practice test and determine your target score
- Decide how many weeks/months you’ll need to study
- Select your start date for studying
- Find an online SAT prep course that provides you with a personalized math study plan.
- During your SAT prep, be sure to supplement your studying by reviewing flashcards and familiarizing yourself with Bluebook’s features.
- On test day, be sure to use Bluebook’s features to optimize your testing experience.
What’s Next?
We’ve provided a lot of good information about an SAT math study plan. Now, read our article to get some great practice with a variety of SAT math questions,
You now know a lot about the Math section of the SAT. You can read this article if you want to learn more about the SAT Reading and Writing section.
Happy studying!
