How Many Questions Should You Be Attempting

In Each SAT Math Section?

Students often ask me if there is any way they will ever be able to get through all of the SAT math questions in the given amount of time. In response, I always explain they are asking the wrong question. For most students, worrying about getting to the end of the test will not improve your score. Of course, if you are shooting for an 800, it goes without saying that you need to attempt and correctly solve every problem on SAT day (although there are rare instances, once every few years, in which there is an SAT where you can miss one math problem and still score an 800).

For most students, the problem is that they are already attempting too many questions. This advice might sound strange at first because students have been conditioned not to leave questions blank on tests. But the fact is, on a standardized test, students will usually increase their score by reducing the number of questions that they attempt.

First, let’s have a quick overview of the math section on the SAT: There are two math sections on the SAT – one where a calculator is allowed and one where a calculator is not allowed. The calculator section has 30 multiple choice (mc) questions and 8 free response (grid in) questions. The non-calculator section has 15 multiple choice (mc) questions and 5 free response (grid in) questions.

You should first make sure that you know what you got on your last SAT practice test, actual SAT, or actual PSAT (whichever you took last). What follows is a general goal you should go for when taking the exam.

For example, a student with a current score of 450 should attempt the first 21 multiple choice questions and 6 grid ins from the section where a calculator is allowed, and the first 9 multiple choice questions and 3 grid ins from the section where a calculator is not allowed.

This is just a general guideline. Of course it can be fine tuned. As a simple example, if you are particularly strong at algebra problems, but very weak at geometry problems, then you may want to try every algebra problem no matter where it appears, and you may want to reduce the number of geometry problems you attempt.

Important note: There is no guessing penalty on the SAT. You should therefore fill in an answer for every question, even those questions that you do not attempt to solve. Simply take guesses for those last questions before time is up.

If you are currently preparing for the SAT, you may want to take a look at the 28 SAT Math Lessons series.

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