Learn SAT subject test directions as you prepare for the tests. You’ll have more time to spend
answering the questions on Test Day.ORDER OF DIFFICULTY
SAT Subject Test: Mathematics questions are arranged in order of difficulty. The questions generally
get harder as you work through different parts of a test. This pattern can work to your benefit. Try to
be aware of where you are in a test. Be careful though. A few hard questions may appear early, a few
easy ones late.
When working on more basic problems, you can generally trust your first impulse—the obvious
answer is likely to be correct. As you get to the end of a test section, you need to be a bit more
suspicious. Now the answers probably won’t come as quickly and easily—if they do, look again
because the obvious answers may be wrong. Watch out for answers that just “look right.” They may
be distractors—wrong answer choices deliberately meant to entice you.
THERE’S A PATTERN
SAT Mathematics questions are generally arranged in order of difficulty—basic questions
first, harder questions last.MOVE AROUND
You’re allowed to skip around on the SAT subject tests. High scorers know this fact. They move
through the tests efficiently. They don’t dwell on any one question, even a hard one, until they’ve
tried every question at least once.
When you run into questions that look tough, circle them in your test booklet and skip them for the
time being. Go back and try again after you’ve answered the easier ones if you’ve got time. After a
second look, troublesome questions can turn out to be remarkably simple.