Video summary

HOW I GOT 800 ON *SAT MATH* | best strats, top tips & free resources!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / lessons from the video

  • The speaker scored a perfect 800 on SAT Math and shares practical strategies centered on:
    • using built-in tools,
    • careful reading,
    • avoiding careless mistakes,
    • and targeted practice with official/free resources.
  • A paid tutor isn’t necessary because SAT questions are widely available, and improvement mainly comes from:
    • repeated practice, plus
    • using digital-test features effectively.

Method / detailed tips (organized as the video presents them)

1) Master the Desmos calculator feature built into the digital SAT

  • Familiarize yourself before starting the test: open and practice with Desmos ahead of time.
  • Use Desmos to speed up and solve many problem types without manual calculation.
  • Example approach for equation questions:
    • Input an equation into Desmos.
    • Read the roots/zeros where the graph crosses the x-axis.
    • This can work even when equations aren’t in a simple form like y = mx + c.
  • Why it helps: reduces time spent doing arithmetic mentally or on scratch paper.
  • Digital SAT advantage: Desmos is available in-test, so you can rely on it during the exam.

2) Read every question very carefully and convert English → math

  • Treat SAT Math as heavily word-problem driven.
  • While reading:
    • Translate the English wording into mathematical terms on scratch paper.
    • Then plug in / solve using those translated expressions.
  • Make sure you identify what the question is actually asking:
    • Watch for variables and constraints.
    • Avoid unnecessary work when extra given information isn’t needed.
  • Re-read the relevant segment to prevent wasting time.

3) Don’t rush early easy questions—avoid careless mistakes (especially for Module 1)

  • The SAT Math section starts easier and becomes harder.
  • Don’t get complacent on easier questions:
    • They’re “free marks” if handled correctly.
    • Careless errors are costly because you may not notice them until after practice/exam review.

Digital SAT module logic (important):

  • There are two math modules.
  • Module 1 determines which version you unlock for Module 2 (2A or 2B).
  • If you unlock the easier Module 2, you may face a score cap, which can prevent reaching the highest possible score (they mention this can stop you from reaching ~800).

Lesson: maximize accuracy in Module 1 to unlock your full potential in Module 2.

4) For geometry: use the Bluebook formula/resources tab, but memorize a few key things

  • Geometry formula support exists in the test interface:
    • Use the formula tab, which can provide drawn diagrams/shapes.
  • Still memorize what isn’t provided:
    • The circle equation.
    • Trigonometric ratios (so you don’t repeatedly fall back on the Pythagorean theorem).
  • The formula tab may include helpful extras like:
    • radians ↔ degrees conversions.

Lesson: don’t panic if you can’t recall every formula—use what’s provided and know the small set you must memorize.

5) If stuck, use answer-choice elimination via plugging in answers

  • If you can’t solve directly:
    • Plug each answer choice into the equation to test which works.
  • If exact correctness is unclear:
    • Identify choices that are clearly wrong.
    • Narrow down to the best educated guess.
  • Use Bluebook’s tools:
    • The cross-out function for math.
    • Cross out choices you confirm are incorrect (the speaker notes this is especially useful for sign/negative vs positive scenarios).

Lesson: treat multiple-choice like a verification problem when needed.

6) Practice intensely and use error-tracking to improve systematically

  • Pure theory reading won’t improve math; improvement comes from:
    • doing large numbers of problems repeatedly.
  • SAT question styles are consistent:
    • once you learn recurring patterns, methods become mostly “plug-and-chug” with different numbers.

Track weaknesses by the SAT math categories (4 skill areas):

  • Algebra
    • linear equations/inequalities/functions
  • Advanced Math
    • quadratic equations, polynomials, other functions
  • Geometry and Trigonometry
    • angles/shapes/triangles/circles
  • Data Analysis
    • graphs/tables; more reading and statistics

For questions you get wrong:

  • Screenshot the question and explanation.
  • Store them (e.g., Google doc, flashcards, a personal “question bank”).
  • Revisit until the correct method becomes automatic.

Lesson: since the SAT recycles question types, tracked mistakes turn into prevention strategies.

7) Use free official/quality resources instead of a tutor

The speaker says they used only free resources, not a tutor.

Recommended resources and how to use them

  • Khan Academy

    • Use for SAT Math practice videos and walkthroughs.
    • Copy the method, then practice with similar questions.
    • Use skill breakdown levels (beginner → advanced).
    • Use the end-of-course challenge:
      • SAT-like module format,
      • no time limit,
      • mixed skills to expose gaps.

  • College Board SAT Suite Question Bank (official)

    • Filter by skills you’re weaker at.
    • Use the ranked difficulty: easy / medium / hard.
    • Time strategy: if you can’t do everything, focus on medium and hard within each skill.
    • The speaker believes top scores can hinge on very small gaps (one wrong question can cost significant points depending on test date/curve).

Execution system described:

- Work through questions in columns.
- Tick off questions as completed.
- Screenshot difficult questions and add them to your personal question bank.
- Track page numbers/dates to prevent repeating after refresh issues.
- Options exist to download/print PDF or use offline formats (the speaker notes iPad use is possible; printing is described as wasteful).

Speakers / sources featured

  • Speaker: Adorian (IB student; creator of the tips video)
  • Named tools/resources referenced:
    • Desmos (embedded calculator in the digital SAT)
    • Bluebook (SAT test interface/tools including formula tab and cross-out feature)
    • Khan Academy
    • College Board / SAT Suite Question Bank (official resource)
  • Systems/structure referenced:
    • Digital SAT Math modules (Module 1, and Module 2 variants 2A/2B)
    • Score curve / test-date variability (described conceptually by the speaker)

Original video