The Complete Guide to SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics

<p>II. Preparation</p>

<p>Obviously the best preparation is a solid foundation in math achieved by taking good math classes in school. However, we all know that not everyone gets a good math teacher every year. Thus, it becomes necessary to do some work outside of class to prepare. </p>

<p>Depending on your proficiency level, you will want to set aside 2-4 (or more) weeks to prepare. In my opinion, the best way to prepare is to take and review as many practice tests as possible. I will list various books that will assist you on the path to 800.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> The Official SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 Study Guide (Official Sat Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 Study Guide): The College Board: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Tests-Mathematics-Levels/dp/0874477727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270273&sr=8-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Tests-Mathematics-Levels/dp/0874477727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270273&sr=8-1)
This is the official College Board study guide for Math I and II. It does not contain any substantial review material (lessons), but it offers 2 released tests in each of Math I and II. It also provides a scoring key that allows you to estimate what your score would be like on the real test. Real tests are indispensable! </p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests (Real Sats): The College Board: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874477565/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270429&sr=8-3]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874477565/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270429&sr=8-3)
Another CB guide, this book contains one test each for Math I and II. However, it also contains one test for every other subject test, so you can use this book for future SAT Subject Tests.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Barron’s SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 2008 (Barron’s How to Prepare for the Sat II Mathematics, Level Iic): Richard Ku M.A., Howard P. Dodge: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-Subject-Level-Prepare-Mathematics/dp/0764136925/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270502&sr=1-8]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-Subject-Level-Prepare-Mathematics/dp/0764136925/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270502&sr=1-8)
Barron’s Math II is notorious for being MUCH more difficult than the actual Math II test. Don’t buy this book if you’re not looking for an 800. It provides a thorough and excessive review of the material and 6 (overly hard) practice tests. I’ve heard of people getting 600’s on the practice tests who ended up with 800.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> 15 Realistic Tests for the SAT Math Level 2: With Solutions: Rusen Meylani: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0974886874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270601&sr=1-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0974886874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270601&sr=1-1)
The “RUSH” book, this book has 15 practice tests for you to work through. Like Barron’s, it is harder than the real test, but will prepare you well. Another “don’t buy if you don’t want 800” book.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Cracking the SAT Math 1 and 2 Subject Tests, 2007-2008 Edition (College Test Prep): Princeton Review: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Subject-Tests-2007-2008-College/dp/037576593X/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270668&sr=1-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Subject-Tests-2007-2008-College/dp/037576593X/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217270668&sr=1-1)
Princeton Review is your best option if you are taking Math I or if an 800 is really not that important to you. This book covers both Math I and II. While it may be clearer and more concise than Barron’s, it may not be enough for 800.</p>

<p>I also suggest using Sparknotes (<a href=“http://www.sparknotes.com)%5B/url%5D”>www.sparknotes.com)</a>, which I’ll discuss later.</p>

<p>In general, you fall into two categories, “must have 800” and “don’t have to have 800 but want a good score</p>

<p>Must Have 800

  • Barron’s (if you need to review the material)
  • RUSH (if you don’t need to review)</p>

<p>Don’t Have to Have 800

  • PR (for practice tests and review)</p>

<p>Both

  • Official CB Guides</p>

<p>III. Calculator</p>

<p>A calculator is allowed for both Math I and II. I recommend using a graphing calculator as it makes the problems easier and simply because I can’t stand scientific ones. You’d be a fool to take the test without a calculator.</p>

<p>The test makers have a way of tricking people into thinking that a calculator is needed for every problem. However, it is often simpler and faster not to use one for certain problems. Clues like decimal answer choices will tip you off that a calculator is needed.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Graphing Calculator: Electronics](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B0001EMM0Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217270831&sr=8-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B0001EMM0Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217270831&sr=8-1)
I personally use the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition. It’s a great calculator and very easy to use. You won’t need anything more for high school math.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator: Electronics](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-89-Titanium-Calculator/dp/B0001EMLZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217270887&sr=1-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-89-Titanium-Calculator/dp/B0001EMLZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217270887&sr=1-1)
The TI-89 is a very powerful calculator used in upper levels of math and science. It’s not necessary to do well on Math I and II, but if your school lets you use this, buy it. The things you can do on it are numerous.</p>