I added the original problem and the English-translated version. Enjoy!

Hi everyone. I’m going to be a freshman in high school and I’m trying to achieve 1500+ minimum. I know it’s too early to be stressing about these things but I’d at least like to know if I’m on the right Track for my hs career. I also want to get into a top 20. Here’s my track for math as of now (depending on if I get into a magnet school this could change.) 9th: Algebra 2 honors 10th AP precalc 11th Ap Algebra AB 12th AP Stat or Calculus CD Thanks in advance and if you have any advice on how to get better, it would be much appreciated!

Guys I got 1430 on the March SAT with 700 reading and writing, 730 math. Some ppl around me are saying it's a shitty score and I wouldn't get accepted to schools but I think it's a really good score. I thought it was enough but is it not? Should I retake?

Would 1200 be too low?

Desmos is built into the digital SAT, but most students don’t get any formal instruction on how to actually use it.

Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly walkthrough of the Desmos basics you’ll need to recognize graph features, solve equations visually, and boost your speed on test day.

Linear Equations:
To graph something like y = 2x + 3, just type it into Desmos — exactly like that. You’ll instantly see:

• A line appear
• The slope (m = 2) → tells you how steep it is
• The y-intercept (b = 3) → where it crosses the y-axis

Desmos will even label intercepts automatically when you hover or click. Perfect for slope problems, linear systems, or questions asking where two graphs meet.

Exponential Equations:
To graph exponential growth or decay, input something like y = 2 * 3^x. That’s growth. If it’s y = 2 * (0.5)^x, that’s decay.

Key points to look for:

• Y-intercept at (0, a)
• Horizontal asymptote at y = 0 (graph will level off)
• Use Desmos to plug in specific x-values if the SAT asks something like “what is y when x = 3?”

You can also add tables in Desmos to test specific values without manually calculating.

Transformations:

If a question says: “The graph of f(x) = x² is shifted 3 units to the right and up 2. What is the new function?”

Type this in Desmos:

1. Type the original function: f(x) = x^2
2. Then type the transformed one: g(x) = (x - 3)^2 + 2

Desmos will graph both so you can see the change.

Refresher on what these shifts mean:

• f(x + h) → shifts left
• f(x - h) → shifts right
• f(x) + k → shifts up
• f(x) - k → shifts down
• a * f(x) → stretches or compresses vertically
• -f(x) → reflects over the x-axis
• f(-x) → reflects over the y-axis

Intersections and Systems:

Example question:
Which x-value satisfies both
y = 2x + 5 and y = -x^2 + 4x + 1?

Here’s how Desmos makes this easy:

1. Graph both equations
2. Desmos instantly shows the intersection points
3. Hover and click to get the x-values (those are your solutions)

This beats substitution or elimination and gets you straight to the answer.

Quadratic Roots (a.k.a. Zeros or x-intercepts):

Let’s say they ask:
What are the zeros of f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6?

Steps:

1. Enter: f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6
2. Zoom in on where the graph touches the x-axis
3. Hover or click the x-intercepts:
   • You’ll see: x = 2 and x = 3

These are the solutions to x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0
Done without factoring or using the quadratic formula!

Find Maximum or Minimum (Vertex) of a Parabola:

Example: What’s the maximum value of f(x) = -x^2 + 4x + 1?

Just do this:

1. Type: y = -x^2 + 4x + 1
2. Desmos shows the parabola
3. Hover over the vertex: That’s your maximum

You’ll see it at (2, 5)
So the maximum value is 5

Inequalities and Shaded Regions:

If the question says:
Which region satisfies both:
y ≤ 2x + 3 and y > -x - 1?

Desmos can show this:

1. Enter each inequality
2. Desmos shades the correct region
3. The overlap = solution set

Just be sure you type ≤ or > using the correct symbols. (You can find them in the Desmos keyboard on test day.) Alternatively, you could also type in <= or >=

Using Tables and Sliders:

If they give you points and ask what quadratic fits:

Points: (−1, 0), (0, 1), (1, 0)

Do this:

1. Click the + sign → Add Table
2. Enter the points
3. Type: y = a(x - h)^2 + k and adjust a, h, and k until the curve fits the table

Or use sliders:

• Type: y = a*x^2 + b*x + c
• Desmos gives you sliders for a, b, and c
• Adjust until it goes through all points

Once it fits, you’ve reverse-engineered the equation with no guessing needed!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Desmos:

• Forgetting parentheses: 2(x + 3)^2 is not the same as 2x + 3^2
• Using Desmos when a question is faster in your head
• Misinterpreting graphs: always check which axis is which

5 Problem Types Where Desmos Should Be Your First Move:

1. Systems of equations → Graph both and find the intersection
2. Absolute value questions → Graph both sides and find where they meet
3. Quadratics asking for max/min → Find vertex
4. Function transformations → Graph original and transformed together
5. Inequalities or region shading → Visualize the overlap instantly

Practice Exercises:

Now that you’ve got the hang of the main Desmos tools, here are a few SAT-style practice problems to try on your own.

Problem 1: Linear Equations

Graph the equation:
y = 3x − 5

Questions:

1. What is the slope and y-intercept?
2. What is the x-intercept? (Hint: set y = 0 and solve for x)

Problem 2: Exponential Decay

Graph the equation:
y = 10 * (0.5)^x

Questions:

1. What is the y-intercept?
2. As x gets larger, what value does y approach?
3. What is the value of y when x = 3?

Problem 3: Graph Transformations

Given
f(x) = x²

1. Graph f(x − 3) + 2 and describe the transformations.
2. Identify the vertex of the transformed graph.

Problem 4: Solving Systems of Equations

Find the intersection point of the following:

• y = 2x + 1
• y = -x + 4

Problem 5: Interpreting Graphs from Points

The quadratic equation: y = ax² + bx + c passes through these three points:

• (0, 2)
• (1, 0)
• (−1, 0)

Find the equation of the parabola.

Give these a try and post your answers below!

Let me know if there are any other Desmos topics you’d like to review such as transformations, systems, function inverses, or anything else you're stuck on. Best of luck with your studying!

Hi, I want to improve my reading score from a 760 to a 780-800. The reason being that I want to superstore at least a 1560 to be above average for most top schools that I aim to apply to, and to give myself a better chance at getting admitted. I know my 760 is already a great score and I’m glad I have achieved that, but my goal ultimately is a 1560, and I am 20 points short.

I know all the grammar rules; vocabulary isn’t a problem for me; it is the longer passages. I always seem to run out of time for the second module, and it could be because I process what I read at too slow of a pace to the point that I run out of time. Another issue I find myself having is that I have to reread twice or three times to actually comprehend what the sentence means. How do I improve upon this? Reading books, less screen time, change my strategy as to how I read and save time on questions? I’m kind of at a loss. Thanks.

I'm kind of stuck on how to study for english, I asked my friends who got higher scores and they said it's hard to improve and they just used what they already knew. I'm just hoping I can have help finding resources to improve my score. However, math I don't really have a problem with resources, I just would prefer to gave advice on how to study for those specific subsections. Thanks!

help Like plz tell me 🙏

Guys my December SAT math analysis shows one empty bar(in algebra). I retake the test on March and my analysis shows all the bars full yet the same score 730. How's this possible?

I want to retake the test on June but I'm uncertain if I'll score 790 or 800. I am very strong in math. No weakness at all. I constantly score 790&800 throughout the bluebook tests, but I still get low score in the real exam and the funny thing is some of those tests are harder than the real exam. Any help please? How can make those scores reflect on the real exam?

Hi may I know if there is any Apps that will help me remember vocabulary on a daily basis? I guess what I want to say is that I am not very organized, my mom wants me to memorize words to improve my SAT R&W everyday to potentially improve my score for the R&W section. But I really don't think I can just get a bunch of words from a piece of people and try to memorize it that way.

I wonder what methods you used to improve your vocabulary? BTW, I plan to take my third SAT test in June this year and I am a raising senior. Thx!

Hey y’all, I took the SAT for the first time and got a 1270. If I’m being honest i did not study at all except for like 3 study sessions with a tutor during July🌚(I know)…

I’m planning on retaking it obviously so I want to try to get at least a 1400, does anyone have any tips/resources to raise my score (math especially..)?😊

I took the SAT a week or two ago. Seemed pretty hard and I probably got a choke score. That being said, I have two months until my next one. What's the best strategic way to prep for a better score, english and math? I maxed out khan academy and the practice tests, it's just that those type of questions don't always show up on the test. Harder ones do though lol.

Ermm, so I've been doing multiple practices test and try to improve my score with an error log. The scores did improve but not much (from 550-600), but after I scrolled thru a few post of the pro-SAT, all of them said it's better for u to be good at something is by actually engage with it! And as of right now there are sooo many resources and all kinds of thing and I am really frustrated on deciding which to study first and my SAT is on May 3, what should I prioritize? try my best to read a bunch of books or practice tests? Please help me guys.
sorry for the poor English, it wasn't my 1st language.

I got 1360(600/760) in march that is my first SAT exam. But I really want to get 1450+ how to study for getting this score.. many ppl say that Khan academy is useful but I don’t know how to use that. Plz give me advice to get 1450+ I think 2025 June SAT is my last SAT, so I am really nervous..I have only 2 month left..

So happy to be done with these test OMG. I used nextleveleducate.com and it was so helpful. I had Leah and she was super great I would definitely recommend. Theres an in person tutoring center in LA if you're from there, but they also do all remote tutoring as well I did that one and it was so convientent

I gave SAT in December and got 610 in R&W, after that i have practiced and revised using SAT question bank but still haven't gone above 650. Any tips or sources (possibly free)

Honestly plz don't say to use questions bank and all , does anyone have a pdf In which all maths questions are written only questions , it would be helpful for me , any handwritten notes would work too

I’m taking the SAT in May, so I have about a month left to prepare, but I’m really struggling with the reading section. My average score is 650, and I just can’t seem to improve. My main issue is with the second module, where the long passages with complex answer choices appear. I read the text, but I find it hard to understand because there’s just so much information, and the answers often seem unrelated to the text. Its always these inference and command of evidence. Do you have any tips or strategies that helped you? I’ve read all the prep books I could find and have been doing past tests, but I keep making the same mistakes.

Hello everyone. So i was one of the many people who gave the march 8th exam and due to technical problems, had my exams canceled. I had to retake the exam and all which all of us probably know. I want to give the exam again and as far as i know, collegeboard gave people who were affected a voucher code for a free exam in the future. In my collegeboard account, it says that i have 1 free test. However, idk how to access it. It asks for a 12 digit code. Is it in my email? IDK. Please help.

A bit of context: few weeks back, i was having my first ever sat exam but while doing it, the college board app suddenly submit everyone’s test halfway through the math section. This was a mistake by college board so they offered anyone affected by this a full refund and a makeup test. Everything was going fine until i noticed that SAT was sending more emails than usual… there must’ve been 20+ emails with the same content send to me for the next 24 hours. Honestly, it was really funny to see so i didn’t bother to check what was going on. I guess they really wanted me to know what i needed to do

Hey there! For those who took March SAT, do you feel like the bluebook tests were harder, easier or at the same difficulty level as the actual exam?

Lmk!!

Thanks

Hi I just found out that if you wanna study in university you have to get 1500+ points on SAT. But i have no idea where should i start. If is it possible can someone give me study materials or sites to practice?

I have taken a couple practice tests and taken the real test once and I always notice that although I try my best to lock in, once I get to module 2 RW, I lose my focus. I’ve always had trouble focusing in general and my mind tends to bounce around a lot, but it gets especially bad during the Reading section. I love math so it’s a bit easier for me to focus but even then, it’s not great. I think this is why I consistently score lower on the reading section and it’s what’s holding my score back. For reference I average about 760-790 math but only 600-650 Reading.

Does anyone have any tips for me on how to focus more during testing? Especially if you have trouble focusing in the first place?