How Mathnasium Approaches the SAT and ACT

For a while, it appeared as though the SAT and ACT were going to become an irrelevant part of getting into a good College or University. With the new format of the SAT, that mindset seems to have faded away. These standardized tests are still being used as key indicators for most US college programs. 

The Mathnasium approach is uniquely suited to helping students improve their math scores on theses tests. Our approach is not to look at the test on its own; instead, we look at the foundation needed to preform well. While both tests can have some complex math topics, most of the stumbling blocks students face is in understanding what the questions are asking them to find. They typically stumble here because they have not mastered the foundations of these important mathematical concepts. 

For example, a common question on the new SAT is to gauge a student's understanding of percentages. They do this by asking a question like, "You spent $500 on a bicycle, the next year, that same bicycle was 150% more expensive. Which of the following could represent an equation to represent this scenario?"

The SAT and ACT know what student's will gravitate towards first. Something like, "A) 500(1.5)^t ". This answer seems good because we know that 150% as a decimal is 1.5; however, the issue is that the question is telling us that the price of the bicycle increased by 150%. Not that the bicycle was 150% of the original price, which is what answer "A" is saying. 

Instead, the best answer would be something like, "B) 500(2.5)^t". 

This is specifically saying that we are increasing the price by 150% because we are taking all of the original price, 100%, and increasing that by 150% to get 250% of 500. 

While this may seem like a no-brainer to some, these tests like to ask these types of questions in roundabout ways in order to ensure that students are fully reading and understanding each questions. 

The way Mathnasium identifies how well our students understand these foundational concepts is through a comprehensive assessment. We don't just have our students go to a table by themselves and work on the assessment; instead, we work on it with them. We ask them questions and probe their thought processes in order to identify exactly where they are. This way, we can help them get to where they want to be. 

From there, we make a learning plan for each of our students that is catered towards their needs and goals. We work on short-term an long-term goals that are aimed at not only helping them achieve a higher score, but to increase their understanding of these math concepts generally. 

At Mathnasium, we understand what it takes to improve every students SAT and ACT scores. We work hard, and closely, with each student to set manageable goals and give them the tools they need to reach them.