How important is algebra II for the SATs?

Jast

Things have changed, don't need to worry.

witch_ie

It's been a while since I took the SAT's so I can't remember how much algebra is on there or whether it fits into the Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 category. I suggest you check out an SAT prep book. You could even just thumb through one at the bookstore to see what they have in there and whether you're familiar with the material. If not, it might be a good idea to buy one and use it to study from.

EggyToast

I don't know what your school's "Algebra II" covers, and I also haven't taken the test in, shit, a decade. Here, look at this:
http://www.takesat.com/math.php

There's also a ton more websites that cover basic math training. You should study for it anyway, and any study guide is going to cover the basic math skills necessary in order to take the test. However, most of the college placement tests start with easy math and progress to more complex math through the test, so you won't be "screwed" even at your current level. Just don't look to ace the thing.

But if you're worried, and math is your weak point, you should study for it anyway. Pick up some guides or look at the online courses. Better to be prepared, even if some of it ends up a little over your head, than not knowing what you're expected to do.

Jast

No! The forums logged me out just as I was about to make a post!

Basically, what I said was I really need to brush up on algebra, since I suck so much at it. Math was easy in elementary school, and manageable in middle school, then in high school algebra I kicked my butt. I tried, I tried everyday to grasp it, but I just couldn't. Out of all the subjects to be weak in, it has to be the one that worth half of your SAT points. I'm going to try to study real hard this year, but something's telling me I just won't be good enough, and the math section of the SATs are going to blow me away. I just wish it wasn't so hard, I wish I could understand high school level math like I understand english and history. Why cruel fates, why have you cursed me so?! One bad thing is, my parents aren't willing the shell out the money for a private tutor. I guess I'm going to have to hit the bookstore and try to understand by myself.


Edit: Just in case anyone's wondering, it's not passing that I'm worried about. I passed algebra I with a high C. It's just that I'm worried about the questions the SAT is going to throw at me. I'm scared, especially of the grid in parts, and I'm afraid half the test will just be over my head.

witch_ie

Seriously, some of those test guides can be a real help and they train you to answer the types of questions they have on the test. You could also try taking the PSAT if the schedule works right for you or some of the sample tests in a guide book to give you an idea of how you'll do and where you need to improve.

FirstComradeStalin

I took the SAT two years ago, and took both the old-style and the new style, and did pretty well. My main advice for you is to get a test prep book and see what will be on there, but there really isn't much of Algebra II on there, as in logarithms and stuff, but I'm pretty sure there's a decent amount of basic trigonometry. However, the basics of trig can be pretty easily explained within the contexts of the SAT by those prep books, so get one that isn't just an assortment of practice tests (KAPLAN makes great books, IIRC)

Black Ice

The best time to take the SAT is right after or during Algebra II. There is definitely Algebra II on that test, take a few practice ones just to see. You not only use Algebra II on it, you use a lot of Algebra I.

I recommend Rocket Review, it's a great SAT prep book. Read it, and take tests constantly on what you need to improve on (i.e. reading section)

Argus

Do you need to take the SAT to get into the college you want to go to? If not, I'd suggest taking the ACT;
It doesn't count off points for missed questions, so you can guess willy nilly, the math section is only 1/4th of the total worth test, and the Algebra 2 part only makes up 15% of the math section (Preparing for the ACT, page 8).

Shazkar Shadowstorm

Frankly, and this is a flaw of standardized testing, as someone who did well on the SATs, if you're worried about the math section, I would not study Algebra II. I would study the SATs. Like, get or borrow a prep book, and study the math section of it and go over problems/practice tests again and again, and that will help you so much. Figure out different strategies for different types of questions. Other people do this, it works for them... it's not how education should work, but standardized testing is a game and you might as well use all the tricks you can.

EDIT: also, going over basic test taking strategy is good. things like:
- if you don't know the answer to a question/can't figure it out fast, mark it down in the test book and skip it immediately. all of them are worth the same amount.
- only guess if you've narrowed it down to a few choices due to the points thing... and if you do guess, make note so you can come back if you have time
- this worked well for me: do an entire page in the text book at a time and circle your answers on that page. then at the end of that page you put it all in the grid. you're less likely to fuck up the grid and you save time/don't split your concentration

stuff like that

lordswing

Shazkar Shadowstorm wrote: »

Frankly, and this is a flaw of standardized testing, as someone who did well on the SATs, if you're worried about the math section, I would not study Algebra II. I would study the SATs. Like, get or borrow a prep book, and study the math section of it and go over problems/practice tests again and again, and that will help you so much. Figure out different strategies for different types of questions. Other people do this, it works for them... it's not how education should work, but standardized testing is a game and you might as well use all the tricks you can.

EDIT: also, going over basic test taking strategy is good. things like:
- if you don't know the answer to a question/can't figure it out fast, mark it down in the test book and skip it immediately. all of them are worth the same amount.
- only guess if you've narrowed it down to a few choices due to the points thing... and if you do guess, make note so you can come back if you have time
- this worked well for me: do an entire page in the text book at a time and circle your answers on that page. then at the end of that page you put it all in the grid. you're less likely to fuck up the grid and you save time/don't split your concentration

stuff like that

What he said. The SAT is NOT a test of knowledge. Nowadays, with prep classes and all these books out, anyone can score a 2000+ with enough practice. The quickest way to up your score is to take as many tests as you can.

IShallRiseAgain

Argus wrote: »

Do you need to take the SAT to get into the college you want to go to? If not, I'd suggest taking the ACT;
It doesn't count off points for missed questions, so you can guess willy nilly, the math section is only 1/4th of the total worth test, and the Algebra 2 part only makes up 15% of the math section (Preparing for the ACT, page 8).

I have to agree the ACT is a much better test to take if its an option. I have taken both tests more than the normal amount due to my scoring high test scores, and I always did much better on ACT than the SAT. Your much less likely to be screwed over if you don't know something for the ACT too.