r/Sat 3h ago

What SAT score does a D1 athlete need to get into Harvard?

24 Upvotes

Would 1200 be too low?


r/Sat 2h ago

I need an explanation?

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11 Upvotes

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?


r/Sat 22h ago

My improvement

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282 Upvotes

r/Sat 7h ago

A medium difficulty math problem from Korean SAT, ‘Sooneung’. Can you solve it?

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16 Upvotes

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


r/Sat 32m ago

How to Use Desmos on the SAT: A Beginner-Friendly Breakdown

Upvotes

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!


r/Sat 23m ago

How was the April school day sat?

Upvotes

Title


r/Sat 3h ago

My first score

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3 Upvotes

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..)?😊


r/Sat 2h ago

Which questions to use desmos on?

2 Upvotes

help Like plz tell me 🙏


r/Sat 3h ago

How do you improve vocabulary for SAT R&W within 2 months?

2 Upvotes

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!


r/Sat 32m ago

How do I improve in Reading (760)

Upvotes

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.


r/Sat 4h ago

How to improve my R&W score

2 Upvotes

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..


r/Sat 1h ago

Any advice on how/where to improve? (Mostly on English)

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Upvotes

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!


r/Sat 7h ago

How do I get good at Reading and Writing

2 Upvotes

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)


r/Sat 23h ago

First Score

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37 Upvotes

did this as kind of a benchmark test, planning on using khan academy’s free sat courses as study material over a 3 month period and retake in august. what are the odds i can get a 1400 by August provided i study 4-6 hours a day and take a practice test weekly? i’d definitely want to focus more on math than RW, but i’m still curious on good resources for improving on the grammar part of RW


r/Sat 3h ago

Strategic Ways to Study for a good score?

1 Upvotes

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.


r/Sat 10h ago

Question for those who took March SAT

3 Upvotes

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


r/Sat 15h ago

Heard that there was more geometry on march sat is this true?

7 Upvotes

Im Taking the may SAT so should i grind geometry? And if so what in specific and what resources?


r/Sat 12h ago

I lose focus during the test, what do I do?

3 Upvotes

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?


r/Sat 12h ago

Is my khan academy glitched or what?

3 Upvotes

I noticed for all the difficulties (foundations, medium, advanced) the videos and comments are the same.

Does that mean the only difference between them are the practice quizzes?


r/Sat 21h ago

Accommodations denied

15 Upvotes

So I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD and my whole life I’ve struggled with taking long tests. My school’s guidance counselor advised me to let her request for me an accommodation, but that was forever ago. Yesterday I got the letter that my request was denied and I don’t know what to do. I suspect it’s because I only just started getting accommodations in my school and my diagnosis was a year ago, but regardless, I’m struggling so bad in trying to take this test with regular time. My scores are terrible (for the schools I aim to apply to) and even though I’ve been studying for months, I’ve seen no improvement. I thought accommodations were going to save my score but I got my hopes up. Can anyone who went through the same situation give me some advice on how manage this situation or how I can improve my test taking speed? :(


r/Sat 1d ago

What do you guys think would be your SAT score if desmos/any calculator wasnt allowed?

24 Upvotes

Thats it 😆


r/Sat 1d ago

PARENTS: how do you deal with your child’s disappointment over score?

28 Upvotes

my son and basically all his friends did very well on their SATs - average above 1400. but they seem to be convinced they won’t go to college…. for the parents this seems insane as they all did better than us!


r/Sat 19h ago

Chat any tips for reading / writing

7 Upvotes

Im literally shaking rn cz I felt like the reading section is like hell ! Those big chunks of texts and complex words I need to know which one is the correct one to use is literally crazy for me ! So if u guys know how I can deal with all of this please let me know before I crash out.😭😭😭😭


r/Sat 16h ago

is 1430 enough?

2 Upvotes

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?


r/Sat 23h ago

People who have gotten 1500+ on the Sat, when did you start preparing?

9 Upvotes

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!