The first week of March, students across the country took the newly revised SAT. First Choice College explains the newly revised math section of the test.

The math portion of the test consists of two different sections. One section allows the use of a calculator, and the other section does not. The first section is shorter and will be the one where the use of a calculator is not permitted. Both sections will include multiple choice and grid-in type questions.

The overall math section is scored on a scale from 200-800. However, questions in the math section contribute to the cross-test subscores for Analysis in Science and Social Studies. In addition to contributing to the cross-test subscores, there are 3 subscores specifically for the math section. These are Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. Each of these subscores is evaluated on a scale from 1 to 15.

Let’s take a look at what kinds of questions make up each of these subscores.

Math By the Numbers:

• Non-Calculator Section
o 25 minutes
o 20 total questions
o 15 multiple choice
o 5 grid-in questions

• Calculator Section:
o 55 minutes
o 38 total questions
o 30 multiple choice questions
o 8 grid-in questions

• 19 Heart of Algebra questions
• 17 Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions
• 16 Passport to Advanced Math questions

Heart of Algebra - 19 Questions
Heart of algebra is the largest content area, and consists of problems using linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, interpreting coefficients, graphing linear functions, and other similar problem types.

Problem Solving and Data Analysis - 17 Questions
This subject area consists of problems using direct variation, unit conversions, graphs, scatter plots, statistics, percentages, word problems and applying math concepts to complex situations.

Passport to Advanced Math - 16 Questions
This area consists of math using higher level concepts. It consists of problems such as complex fractions, exponents, quadratic equations, rational expressions, and exponential growth.

There will also be questions that are not calculated into the subscores. These are additional topics in math. There will be six questions on topics such as geometry and basic trigonometry.

The newly revised SAT is designed to bring it more in line with the Common Core and because of this it tests fewer concepts, but goes much deeper in those concepts. There is an emphasis on real-life problems, and many of the word problems use examples with sales tax and sales commissions. Three different concepts account for over 20 of the 58 questions. Those concepts are linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, and ratios and percentages. While the best preparation is taking rigorous courses throughout high school, it would benefit students to review these specific areas prior to taking the test.

James Maroney is the chair of the Financial Aid Working Group of the State Planning Commission for Higher Education and the owner of First Choice College Placement in Milford. First Choice College offer regular SAT classes both online and across Connecticut.
For a limited time they are offering free SAT practice tests on February 14 and 28.

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John Moffitt
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(203)882-0171