Updated On: 02 September 2024

How to Ace the Quant Section of the SAT Exam?

SAT's Quant section analyses aspirants' skills and speed. The SAT's quants section is application bases. The question paper is a mixture of simple to complex questions. Therefore the preparation should be in tune with the stipulated time because it is a race against time.

The Quant Section of SAT Exam tests your analytical ability and judges your aptitude based on real-life quants problems, tabular data and graph-based information.

SAT Quant Section is divided into two subsections:

Sections	Question	Time Duration	Marks
Non-Calculator	15 Multiple Choice Questions \|\| 5 Grid In Questions = 20 Questions	25 Min	800
Calculator	30 Multiple Choice Questions \|\| 8 Grid In Questions = 38 Questions	55 Min
Total	45 Multiple Choice Questions \|\| 13Grid In Questions = 58 Questions	80 Min

There are four major topics in the Quant part of the SAT from which questions are asked:

Heart of Algebra

High School-Based Algebra based on identities, graphs, inequalities, functions and formulas are asked in this section.
This section carries maximum weightage in terms of marks and the number of questions.
The ability to create, manipulate and solve algebraic Equations is required to master this section.

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

High School-Based use of ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning to solve problems in real-world situations and interpret graphs and tables, are asked in this section.
Most Important section as it carries huge trick based and potential time-saving questions
The bulk of the questions in this section is calculator based.

Advanced Math's

High School and above-based topics like Equation of Circles, Parabola, Quadratic Equations, Complex Number and Higher-Order Degree Equations are asked in this section.
Most Difficult of all the sections and non-math background students struggle here.
The bulk of the questions are from classic geometry and Advanced Math.
Additional Topics in Maths
High School-based Trigonometry, Areas, and Volume, which is inclusive of prism and pyramid, are asked in this section
The least number of questions are asked in this section.
Aspirants should remember formulas based on the above topics.

Tips to Boost your SAT Quant Score:

Follow the Principle Of 100 Seconds: Try to train your brain to solve the questions in 100 seconds as it will ensure that you will finish your paper on time.
Follow the Principle of Eat the Frog First: Try to solve the complex and time-consuming questions first and then come to more straightforward questions. Difficult to achieve but will give results and save last minutes hurdles.
Follow the Principle of Parkinson's Law: The more time you have, the more time you waste. Fix the timeline of your preparation three months before the actual exam and try to finish the preparation in the stipulated time. Don't reschedule the SAT exam date now and then.
Follow the Principal of Maximum Attempt: SAT Exams don't have negative markings, which implies that we can take a leap of faith and attempt every question even if we don't know. Try to develop the ability of intelligent guessing and option elimination techniques.
Follow the Principle of The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Are: Remember all the formulas and tricks like the back of your palm. Solve all the College Board Sample papers and give at least ten mocks before sitting in the actual exam.

See Also: All about the AWA section in GRE

Conclusion

A dedicated student should strive to apply mathematics in real-life, such as if we can have an equation for the sun's path travelling from east to west in 24 hours or how trigonometry works in determining a place's height. These mental processes educate a learner and transform him into a powerful opponent.

Lastly, an aspirant should target a score of 800 as it is pretty possible to achieve.

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.