iv. Knowledge, Technique, & Other TOOLS

Every obstacle introduces challenges.  These challenges can be overcome with certain tools like robots or machetes.  Sometimes, vital tools come in less tangible forms like knowledge or techniques.  Figuring out what tools you need means developing a clear idea of what the challenges require you to do.

Foundation Knowledge

Foundation knowledge is the basic stuff you need to know. 

On the SAT, it can be divided into three categories:

1. Math: arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and a few other topics
2. Critical Reading: vocabulary and reading comprehension
3. Writing: persuasive essay writing and grammar

Fundamental Techniques

Fundamental techniques are the basic things you need to do. 

On the SAT, there are four basic techniques:

1. Approaching problems: The format and the position of the problem help you gauge what information is necessary and how it may be hidden.
2. Reading Problems: Read everything literally.  This means that you take nothing for granted and make no assumption that isn't directly supported by information in the problem.
3. Evaluating problems: Look at the kind of information they give you and compare it to the kind of information they ask for in return.
4. Solving problems: Specify what the problem is really asking you to do.  From all the possible ways to solve the problem, which way is the easiest? What information is needed in order to do it the easy way?

To support these techniques, the SAT allows you a few simple tools.  Knowing how and why they are useful is essential to using them effectively.  Misusing these tools, by relying on them too much or too little, is counterproductive and will only waste your time and energy.

Pencil/Test Booklet:  On top of giving you all those math formulas in the instructions, the test booklet also provides space to work.  Here, you can manage all sorts of information (like eliminating wrong answer choices, marking difficult questions, etc).  Writing stuff down helps you process it.  Labeling diagrams helps you visualize solutions.  But, trying to rewrite or label everything on the test will waste too much time.  A defining part of your technique is knowing when to write stuff down and when to move on.

Calculator: This should be used sparingly. The calculator should help you solve problems more quickly.  It should not solve problems for you.  For instance, complex arithmetic (like multiplying 243.56 by 92.9) can be done more quickly on a calculator. Simpler arithmetic (like 300 divided by 2) is a waste of time for your calculator because you can solve it quickly in your head or on paper.

Answer Choices: The available answer choices on the SAT can be very useful.  On many algebra problems, for instance, you can plug them back into the given equation to see which one fits. For other problems, a glance at the answer choices can help you see where the problem is trying to lead you, or even how they’re trying to trick you.