Here are just some tidbits that I have compiled when I was preparing my students for their standardized tests for SAT and ACT.
Do I need to remember formulas?
For the SAT math test, the geometric formulas for areas and special triangles (30-60-90 triangles, 45-45-90 triangles) are given on the top of the page. You do not need to memorize them as they are given to you. But you do need to know how to use them appropriately.
For the ACT math test, you are not given these geometric formulas. Typically ACT math tests do not go into specific detail that require you to use it, but it never hurts to remember them before going into the test. It can only help you to save time using some of these formulas. Make sure you know the basics for area of a triangle, pythagorean theorem, special triangles (30-60-90, and 45-45-90), area and circumference of a circle.
Should I guess the answers?
This answer is different whether you are taking the SAT or ACT math standardized test. SAT penalizes the student if an incorrect answer is given for a math question (only for the multiple choice section), whereas ACT DO NOT penalize the student for an incorrect answer.
Here is my guideline for guessing in the SAT math section
For multiple choice sections of math: You are deducted 1/4 point for every incorrect answer. So if you are 100% sure that 2 answers are incorrect, then take an educated guess from 1 of the 2 remaining answers.
For the student produced section of math: Try every problem as you are not penalized for any wrong answers.
Here is my guideline for guessing in the ACT math section
Answer EVERY single question in the math section. When you know you only have 2-3 minutes left in the math section, make sure you randomly choose an answer for the remaining answered questions.
Usage of Calculators?
Whether you are taking the ACT or SAT, you are permitted to use the calculator. Typically when my students attend their Mathnasium sessions, I would discourage (even forbid) students to use calculators. But as the students are taking these standardized math tests, I strongly advocate the usage of calculators.
The only reason is that I do not want the students to waste time to figure out simple calculations such as 1.23 x 4 + 3, or figuring out the length of a rectangle given one of the sides as 8 with an area of 82. Many of these calculators also have the ability to add/subtract/multiply/divide fractions. Before going into these standardized tests, make sure that your child knows how to manipulate fractions in the calculators. Even if a student is really good at adding and subtracting fractions such as 7/8 + 3/15 - 8/17, why would you want your child to waste time doing so? There is no reason to ask the student to "waste" time figuring out the LCM and then add and subtract the fractions when the calculator can perform all that tasks within seconds.
SAT calculator policy (http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/calculator-policy)
ACT calculator policy (http://www.actstudent.org/faq/calculator.html)
Lastly, make sure that the student gets a good night sleep before the SAT or ACT so that he/she is ready to tackle one of the more important events in his or her life. This is an important event and should be not taken lightly as it can affect their college admission status.
Michael Huang
Center Director
Mathnasium of Glen Rock/Ridgewood
T: 201-444-8020
E: glenrock@mathnasium.com
www.mathnasium.com/glenrock
