What’s on the ACT Math section? The ACT website provides one answer to that question…but it’s a slightly confusing one. It isn’t always clear what content is covered under the broad terms they use, like “Algebra.” That’s why I’ve come up with my own system for categorizing every single math topic that the ACT can test you on. Whether you’re taking the 2024 version of the test or the new, revised 2025 version, this post will save you lots of time by helping you figure out exactly what to study and what to skip.
What Math Is on the Digital SAT?
The math that the Digital SAT tests you on is NOT necessarily the math that you’ve learned most recently or prominently in high school. So, even students who have excelled in their sophomore and junior year math classes need to seriously strategize in order to snag that dream score. But never fear: in this post, I’ve broken down every math topic on the SAT….AND how many questions you’ll have on each topic.
Math Etiquette VI: Math...Vocabulary?
Math is all numbers, right? Nope. Reading is fundamental—even when we're talking the fundamentals of math, like we do in math etiquette. In this last post of my “Math Etiquette” series, I’ll gloss some key terms for you!
Math Etiquette V: Divide and Conquer
Division doesn't have to get you down—not when you do it the math etiquette way! Here are three ways of understanding division that will let you take on No Calculator Math (or any math section!) with confidence and accuracy.
Multiplication to Know for SAT No-Calculator Math (Math Etiquette IV)
Yes, I have favorite multiplication tricks. And after you realize how much time and how many errors they can save you on the SAT and ACT, so will you!
Fractions on the SAT and ACT (Math Etiquette III)
Sure, you know how to cross-multiply (or, uh...do you?). But do you really GET fractions? Save time, stress, and effort on the SAT and ACT with my fraction guide.
Which Facts to Memorize for the SAT No-Calculator Math (Math Etiquette II)
Part 2 of my Math Etiquette series gets down to brass tacks. It’s time for me to dish: exactly which math facts you need to memorize for the SAT and ACT.
What to Learn for the SAT No-Calculator Math Section (Math Etiquette I)
What's math etiquette? Well, like social etiquette, it helps you navigate problems confidently and gracefully...except these problems are math problems! It's also a crucial part of getting prepared for the new SAT No-Calculator Math section. Here's the run-down.
Inequalities on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 6)
We’ve reached the end of our baby Algebra upgrade series at long last! In this final post, I’m showing you a trick that upgrades your baby Algebra skills and scores you points on the SAT. (Hint: it involves inequalities!) And you definitely haven’t learned this trick in math class—or in any of your test-prep books!
Inequalities and Absolute Values (Baby Algebra Pt. 5)
We’re starting to wind up our baby Algebra upgrades, but before we do, don’t forget about Inequalities and Absolute Values! Lots of people do—but not the SAT Math test makers, so listen up.
How Many Solutions Does a System of Linear Equations Have? (Baby Algebra Pt. 4)
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this Baby Algebra series! Now that you’re working with linear equations and systems of linear equations, I’m going to teach you a little shortcut to solving—or even skip having to solve!—some of the problems the SAT will throw at you on this topic.
How to Recognize Systems of Linear Equations (Baby Algebra Pt. 3)
You might not know the math you think you know! This week, in my series teaching you to beat the SAT math paradox, I’m showing you how to recognize systems of linear equations…even in disguise. If you can spot these subtle systems, you can solve problems quickly and easily that might otherwise have stumped you.
How to Recognize a Linear Equation on the SAT (Baby Algebra Pt. 2)
In the second post of my new series upgrading your baby Algebra skills to the level that will let you nail ALL of the possible points on the SAT, we’re covering the foundation: what are linear equations, anyway, and what do they actually mean? Need answers? Read on!
The Hardest Math on the SAT and ACT (Baby Algebra Pt. 1)
There’s this paradox I’ve noticed: it’s never the hardest math that stands between my students and the scores they need to get into their dream schools. As strange as it might sound…it’s usually the EASIEST math. Why is that? And what can YOU do to prevent this math paradox from hurting your score? In this post, I’m explaining how to level up your “baby Algebra” with the help of my article series on the subject.
Top 5 Ways the SAT and ACT Math Sections Try to Trick You
Time and again, I see very smart students make the same types of missteps on the SAT and ACT Math. That’s because the test-makers ARE sometimes trying to trip you up. This post reveals the five most common, trickiest stumbling blocks that the ACT or SAT Math section might throw your way…as well as the strategies you’ll use to clear those obstacles from your path so you can reach that stellar score.
Your Last-Minute SAT Study Plan
Let's say you've only got a week or two to go before your SAT. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do in the next few days to raise your score—in fact, you can still boost your score by as much as 300 points. How? By studying the five high-point-yield topics I’ve listed out in this blog post.
The Complete IVY Lounge SAT II Math 1 and Math 2 Cheat Sheet
What could make my SAT II Math 1 and Math 2 study guides even more helpful? This COMPLETE Ivy Lounge SAT II Math Cheat Sheet!
SAT II Failproof Study Plan: Math Level 2
SAT IIs got you down? No need to worry! Here's a handy plan. In this post, I'll walk you through picking the right level for you, and map out a plan to show Math Level 2 who's boss.
SAT II Failproof Study Plan: Math Level 1
People often push the SAT II Subject Tests to the bottom of their list, so if you don't have a plan to deal with yours...you need one! So here's mine, starting with the big question: Math 1 or Math 2?
