Scoring and Calculator Use
Ok, Atash understands that basic categories or topics that are covered on the math portion of the SAT. But, what does he need to know to get the highest possible score?
As we mentioned before, there are two question formats on the SAT. Multiple choice questions have four possible answer choices, and Atash will have to choose the correct answer. The majority of questions on the math section of the SAT are multiple choice questions, and they are usually easier to answer because you just have to pick the answer out of the four options.
A smaller portion of the test is grid-in questions, which involve filling in the correct answer on a grid with boxes for each digit and bubbles below. Though students (like Atash) often find these questions more difficult than multiple choice, they are simplified by the fact that, on grid-in questions, fractions do not have to be simplified.
On both types of question, there is no penalty for guessing wrong, so Atash should answer every question, even if it involves guessing. In addition, Atash can use a calculator on part of the math section of the test. This can be a big help to him! But, not every question in the calculator section is appropriate for calculator use. Sometimes, it's easier and more efficient to do the work by hand. The SAT is testing not only math but whether students know how and when to use a calculator. So, Atash should think carefully before grabbing his calculator during the test!