Zeros and Factors of Polynomials

Reading over the list of topics included on the math section of the new SAT can seem like slogging through a knee-deep vat of jargon. Buried in that list is the phrase “understand the relationships between zeros and factors of polynomials.” Although it sounds like the sort of thing writers on a sci-fi show dump in to make a scene …

Why Your New SAT Score May Seem Higher than Your Old SAT Score

You’ve received your latest SAT score in the mail and feel ecstatic when you read the number–it’s significantly higher than what you expected based on scores from when you took the test a few months ago before the new format was released. While some of that bump is undoubtedly due to your diligent studying, this week the CollegeBoard  released data …

Factoring and FOIL-ing – Polynomials Techniques

When it comes to the mathematics portion of standardized tests there are at least two F-words that the test writers are actually hoping you’ll think of: “FOIL” and “factor”. In this post, we’ll take a look at these two important polynomial techniques and why they’re so useful. What are polynomials? Polynomials are algebraic terms that include a constant multiplied by a …

Guessing on the New SAT

You’ve probably focused most of your test-prep time on increasing the chances that you’ll know the right answer to questions on the SAT. But what about when you don’t know the answer? Is it ok to guess? The answer is a resounding YES! In this post, we’ll look at how guessing on the new SAT works on the test and discuss …

Best Ways to Boost Your “Word Power” for the New SAT

One of the big concerns many students continue to have regarding the new SAT is how to prepare for vocabulary questions.  In this post, we’ll look at how “word power” is evaluated in the new SAT and share two of the best ways to get ready. The New Reading Section The sentence completion portion of the reading section has historically …

What To Do If Extreme Weather Impacts Your Test Date

While “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” will stop a determined mail carrier, Mother Nature can definitely wreak havoc with SAT testing. The recent Winter Storm Jonas that shut down schools up and down the east coast is a perfect example of how weather can interfere with test taking. Here’s a look at what you need …

Line Upon Line: Equations You Should Know for Lines

While the SAT math section includes a handful of useful formulas, all of these “freebies” are directly related to geometry.  There remain a significant number of important equations that you’ll need to know on your own to successfully navigate the math section of the test.  In this blog post, we’ll be looking at what equations you’ll need to know about …

The New SAT Math Section

While the redesigned SAT Reading and Writing sections have garnered a lot of attention (goodbye obscure vocabulary!), when the new test rolls out in 2016 expect the Math Test to be dramatically different as well.  Here are some of the major changes coming to how Math skills are evaluated on the SAT Math Section: Less Breadth, More Depth While the …

Preparing for Informational Graphic Questions on the New SAT Reading Test

One of the most anticipated changes coming to the new SAT in 2016 is a revamped Reading section.  Particularly notable among the changes is the de-emphasis on obscure vocabulary and an increased focus on context, evidence, and analysis.  In an attempt to mimic real-life learning scenarios, all questions will now be based on provided passages of text.  Additionally, at least …

Changes to the SAT Part 1

So the SAT is set to change in March of 2016. What does this mean for you? I am here to address all of the questions and concerns surrounding the changes to this mysterious and oft hated exam. As always, any further questions can be directed to info@curvebreakerstestprep.com – we are happy to help! This will be the first in …