Passport to Advanced Math Guide for the SAT
Standardized testing may strike fear into the heart of many a student, but the SAT is designed to test the knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your many years of schooling to ensure that you’re prepared to tackle the rigors of college and advanced math. Even so, the math portion can be particularly daunting.
How can you properly prepare for the Passport to Advanced Math SAT questions on the exam?
What to Expect from the Passport to Advanced Math Questions
According to the strategic offensive principles of war, the best defense is a good offense. This means understanding your opponent so you can create an effective plan of action. The SAT is not your enemy, but you can still create a strategic advantage by preparing for the test.
The Passport to Advanced Math may sound intimidating, but it’s not filled with impossible math problems. Instead, it’s designed to test your readiness to move into advanced math at the college level. Some of the topics you may encounter on this portion of the test, which is a crucial part of SAT maths, include:
- Quadratic, linear, and polynomial equations
- Quadratic, exponential, and polynomial functions
- Algebraic, quadratic, and exponential expressions
- Graphs for quadratic and order-based functions
- Rational exponents and radicals
- Terms and constants
- Function notation
This portion of the test makes up 16 of the 58 total math questions included on the SAT, spread throughout both calculator and non-calculator sections. Questions may be multiple choice or grid-ins (student-produced responses). When it comes to SAT advanced math, this section is key.
Although all of the math questions are mixed together, you will receive a subscore specifically for Passport to Advanced Math.
Understanding Key Concepts
You may be asked to perform several different types of mathematical tasks to determine whether you understand fundamental concepts needed for advanced math at the college level. Mastery of these concepts is essential for success in the Passport to Advanced Math SAT section.
First, you need to show that you know how equations, expressions, and so on are structured and why they are structured that way.
Manipulating equations and expressions (rearranging, rewriting, and simplifying) is another common concept covered in this portion of the test, as is modeling, or creating mathematical representations using the given context.
Tips for Success on the Passport to Advanced Math Section
Knowing your stuff is crucial when it comes to achieving a stellar score on any portion of the SAT. Equally important, however, is making sure you’re in the right headspace to test well.
When you spend plenty of time studying in advance and know what to expect during the test, you’ll feel more confident. Make sure you have everything you need ready to go the night before the test. Set your alarm so you have enough time to make it to the test location in the morning and get a good night’s rest.
If you’re feeling anxious, use meditative breathing techniques like inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, counting to four each time. Make sure to repeat a positive mantra instead of letting negative thoughts intrude.
Prepare With a Tutor for the Passport to Advanced Math
When you know what to expect, understand key concepts, and prepare for success, you’ll be ready to ace the Passport to Advanced Math questions on the SAT.The best way to prepare for the SAT, including the Passport to Advanced Math section, is with the help of a reliable and proven test prep service like Jantzi. Contact us today to learn more about SAT tutoring.
