How to Get a Perfect Math Score on the SAT
If you're already scoring 600 points or above on the SAT, you're probably aching for a few extra points to achieve that perfect score. So, besides commitment and time, what will it take?
First, you should know that colleges looking for high caliber students have somewhat of a benchmark score in mind. For top tier schools, a score of 1530 is that benchmark, and once you’ve surpassed it, even top schools won’t nitpick over whether you have a 1540 or a 1580. Colleges just want to make sure you’ve exceeded their baseline score. So, if you already have a score of 1530 or higher, you don't need to take the SAT again (1530-1600 are all viewed as equivalent scores).
But for those who are scoring just below this threshold (and are trying to surpass it), the strategies below are specifically tailored to you!
Let's talk about why an 800 would be beneficial.
First, when you apply, you’ll have to write down a prospective major (don’t worry, you’re not tied to it once you get there!). If you plan to study in a STEM field, (think biology, physics, applied math, chemistry, etc), competitive schools are expecting a perfect Math score. If your major is one of those described above, you're competing against other STEM students (most for whom will excel on the Math section).
Almost all competitive schools, and even less selective ones, advertise the statistics of their admitted students. For the majority of these schools, the 75th percentile score for the SAT is 800. If you can earn this perfect score, it'll be one more aspect of your application that sets you apart from those who don't meet the benchmark for that school. Keeping this in mind, know that the 25th percentile of these same schools is about 780 or 790. There's not much leeway here, so earning a perfect score can only serve you well.
If you have a STEM bent, chances are you might find the Reading and Writing sections a little more challenging. The great part about perfecting the Math section is that you can cut yourself some slack on the Reading and Writing section (if you do achieve a perfect Math score, you'll only have to score a 730 here). This compensation safety net will allow more flexibility in your Reading and Writing section, which should relieve some stress.
Believe it or not, your high school classes have covered all of the content you'll need to know for the SAT. Although you might not recognize most of the problems presented to you, the test can only ask questions of a certain difficulty-- and they can only include concepts that everyone has learned.
This being said, the SAT covers basic and advanced algebra, geometry, and introductory statistics. These should be pretty simple concepts if you think about what you've learned so far, but the test presents this information in unfamiliar ways so that students really have to understand what they're being asked to do. Hence, even if you've mastered every topic on the SAT, the results of lackluster study habits will be reflected in your score.
The Math section consists of 58 questions, and the number that are answered correctly determines your score. Below is a table that shows what score corresponds to your raw score. Notice that missing just one question dismisses any chance of a perfect Math score; one question answered incorrectly results in a 790.
This chart shows raw and actual scores for each section of the SAT.
Now that we've covered the logistics of the Math section, let's dive into how you're actually going to earn that perfect score.
What's your weakness?
To get to an 800, you have to know your weaknesses so you can address them. Are you more likely to miss geometry questions? Make a note and focus your next study session there! Or, do you always find yourself pressed for time, leaving questions unanswered? You may want to practice speeding up on the material that’s easy for you so you have more time to confidently tease out the trickier stuff. If you notice yourself making careless mistakes, you may want to slow down and re-evaluate your process so you don’t give away points you could easily earn!
The key to your success? Practice!
Not only will constant exposure to the testing format help you familiarize yourself with the layout, but working through similar concepts over and over again will allow you to retain what you're learning. It's been shown that students who cycle through practice questions more frequently tend to earn higher scores.
Simply going through the questions won't be much help, though; you have to identify where you went wrong and understand your mistakes. The reasoning behind this is pretty simple: if you don't see where you messed up, you're going to keep making that mistake in the future.
Mental state matters!
Understandably, staying positive is easier said than done, but keeping your mind calm can make or break you. If you stumble upon a question that you just can't figure out, don't let the negative thoughts start unraveling; the outcome when this happens can cause your numbers to crumble.
Although there's not much to say here, a positive mindset is everything when it comes down to standardized testing. Your head needs to be in the game and you need to give it all you have; after all, you know your stuff (especially after studying the way you did). There’s no question you’re incapable of answering, so keep your head in the game so you can finish strong!
Want some personalized guidance to help you boost your math score to that elusive 800? Reach out to Ariel here to schedule a session.