Words in Context	The SAT asks you to choose the word or phrase that best fits the author's exact meaning in context - not the dictionary definition alone. Read the sentence and the sentences around it.  Tip: Substitute each answer choice into the sentence and read the whole sentence aloud in your head. Only the choice that keeps the tone AND the precise meaning works.  Example: In 'the findings were (debatable/conclusive)', the adjoining evidence decides: if the study was well controlled, 'conclusive'.
Connotation & Tone	Connotation is the emotional or associative weight a word carries beyond its denotation (literal meaning). 'Slim', 'thin', and 'scrawny' denote similar size but differ sharply in tone.  Tip: Ask: does the author approve, disapprove, or stay neutral? Match the answer to that attitude.  Example: 'Cheap' vs 'inexpensive' - 'inexpensive' is neutral-positive, 'cheap' can imply low quality.
Main Idea / Central Claim	The central claim is the single idea the whole passage supports. Supporting details, examples, and evidence all point back to it.  Tip: The correct summary is the one that covers the WHOLE passage - an option that only covers one paragraph is a detail trap.  Example: A passage about recycling rates ending with policy recommendations supports the claim that current recycling policy is underperforming.
Supporting Details	Details are the specific facts, examples, and data an author uses to build the central claim. The SAT asks which detail most directly supports a stated conclusion.  Tip: Match the detail to the claim term-by-term: if the claim mentions a specific group, year, or direction of change, the right detail mirrors it.  Example: To support 'sales fell after the price rise', you need data showing sales dropping AFTER the price changed, not before.
Author's Purpose & Perspective	Purpose = why the passage exists (inform, persuade, entertain, critique). Perspective = the author's stance or point of view on the topic.  Tip: Purpose answers 'what does the author want the reader to take away?'; perspective answers 'where does the author stand?'.  Example: A passage praising electric trucks while noting grid limits has the purpose 'inform about a transition' and a cautiously favorable perspective.
Point of View (Narrative)	Narrative point of view identifies who tells the story: first person (I), second person (you), third person limited (he/she, one character's mind), third person omniscient (all minds).  Tip: Look for the pronouns and whose inner thoughts you can access - that defines the POV this passage uses.  Example: 'I had always feared the water' = first person; the reader is inside the narrator's mind.
Central Ideas & Details	The 'big idea' question asks for the main point of the passage; the 'detail' question asks for a specific piece the passage states. Know the difference before you answer.  Tip: For a big-idea question, the right answer covers the whole passage; for a detail question, it restates a specific sentence.  Example: A passage on electric grids: big idea = 'grids need modernization'; detail = 'cables are buried in conduit'.
Summarizing a Passage	A concise restatement of the passage's main point in your own head, then matched against options - the summary must cover all paragraphs' shared thrust.  Tip: If an option covers only the first paragraph, it summarizes a detail, not the passage.  Example: 'The passage traces how jazz moved from New Orleans clubs to global concert halls.'
Cross-Text Connections	Two short passages appear together; questions ask how the second responds to the first (agrees, challenges, extends, qualifies, or provides counter-evidence).  Tip: Name the relationship FIRST: strengthen, weaken, or reframe - then pick the option that matches that verb.  Example: If Passage A argues for school uniforms and Passage B describes a district's mixed results, B challenges A with counter-evidence.
Comparing Arguments	Questions pair two arguments and ask which claim, assumption, or evidence they share - or where they diverge.  Tip: List one line of each argument; the shared element is what BOTH depend on or BOTH address.  Example: Both passages might agree that cost is the main barrier while disagreeing about whether public funding should expand.
Underlined Text Purpose	The SAT underlines a sentence and asks why the author included it: to illustrate, to concede, to contrast, to provide context, to define a term.  Tip: The purpose is the role the sentence plays for the CLAIM, not what the sentence says.  Example: A sentence defining 'photosynthesis' before the argument uses it = 'to provide context / define a key term'.
Cause & Effect Links	Trace which event caused which. The SAT asks which statement correctly identifies the causal relationship in a passage or study description.  Tip: Check direction: does the text say A caused B or B caused A? Correlations described in the text are not automatically causes.  Example: 'Heavy rainfall caused the landslide' - the text must say the rain came FIRST and triggered the slide.
Boundaries: Fragments vs Complete Sentences	A complete sentence has a subject and a verb and can stand alone. Fragments are pieces punctuated as sentences (missing a subject, verb, or both; or starting with a subordinator with no main clause).  Tip: Every sentence you are given must be checked for subject + verb + independence. 'Because the train was late' is a fragment - it needs a main clause.  Example: Fragment: 'Although she studied.' Fixed: 'Although she studied, she was still nervous.'
Boundaries: Run-Ons	Two independent clauses joined without punctuation (run-on) or with only a comma (comma splice).  Tip: Two full sentences need a period, semicolon, or comma + a coordinating conjunction. A comma alone never joins them.  Example: 'It rained, the game continued' -> add 'but': 'It rained, but the game continued.'
Boundaries: Combining Sentences	Choosing the correct way to join two sentences: coordinating conjunction, subordinator, semicolon, or period - the option must be grammatical AND keep the logical relationship.  Tip: Test each join by reading the result as one sentence; if it reads as two ideas with no connector, it is wrong.  Example: 'She was tired. She finished.' -> 'Although she was tired, she finished.'
Subject-Verb Agreement	The verb matches its subject in number. Ignore interrupting phrases (prepositional phrases, clauses, 'as well as' add-ons).  Tip: Cross out everything between subject and verb; then match. '-s' on the verb = singular subject.  Example: 'The box of books (is/are) heavy' -> 'box' is the subject -> 'is'.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement	A pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. 'Each', 'everyone', 'anybody' are singular.  Tip: Words ending in -one, -body, or -thing are singular antecedents: 'Everyone brought his or her book' (or rewrite to avoid the issue).  Example: Each of the girls brought (her/their) own lunch -> 'her'.
Pronoun Case	Subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they, who) act; object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them, whom) receive. Use the case that fits the pronoun's job in its own clause.  Tip: Test by isolating the pronoun: 'John and (I/me) went' -> 'I went' works -> 'I'.  Example: Between you and (I/me) -> 'me' (object of the preposition 'between').
Transitions: Logical Relationship	Transition words signal the relationship between ideas: however/nevertheless (contrast), moreover/furthermore (add), therefore/thus (result), for example (illustrate), in conclusion (summarize), similarly (compare).  Tip: Name the relationship between the two sentences BEFORE picking the word: contrast, addition, result, example, sequence.  Example: 'The plan is costly. (However/Therefore), it will pay for itself' -> 'However' (contrast).
Transitions: Placement	Some questions test WHERE a transition word goes, or which sentence the transition belongs to - the word must sit at the boundary of the ideas it connects.  Tip: The transition belongs between the idea it contrasts-or-continues and the idea it introduces - read the sentence with the word in each candidate spot.  Example: 'The data were clear. (Nevertheless, the board delayed.)' - the contrast word pairs the clear data against the delay.
Rhetorical Synthesis: Combining Notes	A four-bullet 'notes' prompt (a student's research notes) asks which option blends the notes into ONE clear sentence without inventing facts.  Tip: Every true fact in the option must come from the notes; the option must include the key specifics and no fabrication or irrelevant detail.  Example: Notes on a subway's opening year and ridership -> the best option states both: 'Opened in 1932, the line now carries 1.5M riders daily.'
Concision & Wordiness	Delete words that repeat an idea ('repeat again', 'at this point in time' = now). The shortest grammatical option that keeps the meaning is usually right.  Tip: Cut redundant pairs (free gift, end result, personal opinion) and empty fillers (it should be noted that).  Example: 'She returned the book back' -> 'She returned the book.'
Precision of Wording	Choosing the most exact word for the context - the 'best revision' replaces a vague or wrong word with a precise one.  Tip: Ask 'does this word say exactly what the sentence means?' - vague words like 'stuff' or 'thing' are almost always wrong in revision questions.  Example: 'The experiment measured (satisfaction/feelings)' -> 'satisfaction' when the survey asked about satisfaction specifically.
Tone & Audience Fit	Match the writing to its audience: a formal report avoids slang and contractions; a blog post may use them. Revision questions ask which option fits the register.  Tip: Match register to context - 'kids' vs 'children', 'stuff' vs 'materials'. The SAT tests the same vocabulary in style questions.  Example: In a museum caption, 'the vase is (totally awesome/a fine example of the period)' -> 'a fine example of the period'.
Linear Equations: One Variable	An equation like 3x + 5 = 20. Solve by isolating the variable: undo addition/subtraction first, then multiplication/division.  Tip: Whatever you do to one side, do to the other. Move terms by adding/subtracting, and clear multiplication by dividing.  Example: 3x + 5 = 20 -> 3x = 15 -> x = 5.
Linear Equations: Two Variables	Standard form Ax + By = C and slope-intercept y = mx + b both describe a line. Convert between them freely.  Tip: To find the slope from standard form, rewrite as y = (-A/B)x + (C/B). The slope is -A/B.  Example: 2x + 4y = 8 -> y = -0.5x + 2: slope -0.5, y-intercept 2.
Slope & Rate of Change	Slope = rise/run = change in y / change in x. It is the constant rate of change of a linear relationship.  Tip: Slope formula m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1). A zero slope is flat; an undefined slope is vertical.  Example: Through (1, 2) and (4, 8): m = (8-2)/(4-1) = 6/3 = 2.
Slope-Intercept Form	y = mx + b: m = slope, b = y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis). Master reading both from the equation.  Tip: Given y = 3x - 7, the line crosses the y-axis at -7 and rises 3 per 1 of x.  Example: y = -2x + 5: slope -2, y-intercept 5.
x- & y-Intercepts	The y-intercept is where x = 0; the x-intercept is where y = 0. Graphically, where the line crosses each axis.  Tip: Set the other variable to zero and solve to find an intercept. The x-intercept is the solution of Ax + B(0) = C.  Example: 3x + 6y = 12: x-intercept (4, 0); y-intercept (0, 2).
Parallel & Perpendicular Lines	Parallel lines have equal slopes. Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals (m and -1/m).  Tip: Check slopes, never y-intercepts: same slope = parallel; product of slopes = -1 = perpendicular.  Example: y = 2x + 1 and y = 2x - 4 are parallel; y = 2x + 1 and y = -0.5x are perpendicular.
Quadratic Expressions: Multiplying	FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) multiplies two binomials: (x + a)(x + b) = x^2 + (a + b)x + ab.  Tip: Practice the shortcut: (x + a)(x + b) -> middle term = sum of a and b, last term = product.  Example: (x + 3)(x - 5) = x^2 - 2x - 15.
Factoring Quadratics	To factor x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b. Factor out a GCF first when there is one.  Tip: If you cannot factor quickly, use the quadratic formula. The SAT accepts equivalent expressions - factoring is about recognizing the pair.  Example: x^2 - 5x + 6 = (x - 2)(x - 3).
Quadratic Formula	x = -b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)/(2a) for ax^2 + bx + c = 0. Works for every quadratic.  Tip: Memorize in pieces: numerator -b, then +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac), all over 2a.  Example: x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0 -> x = 4 +/- sqrt(16 + 20)/2 = 5 or -1.
The Discriminant	The discriminant b^2 - 4ac counts real roots: > 0 = two, = 0 = one (double), < 0 = no real roots.  Tip: Compute only b^2 - 4ac to decide; you do not need the roots to answer a 'number of solutions' question.  Example: x^2 + 4 has b^2 - 4ac = -16 < 0: no real solutions.
Vertex Form & Completing the Square	y = a(x - h)^2 + k has vertex (h, k). Complete the square to convert standard form into vertex form.  Tip: The vertex x-coordinate is always -b/(2a) - use this shortcut instead of completing the square.  Example: y = x^2 + 6x + 8 -> vertex x = -3 -> y = (x + 3)^2 - 1.
Roots & Solutions of Quadratics	The roots (solutions, zeros) are the x-values where y = 0 - where the parabola crosses the x-axis.  Tip: The vertex lies midway between the roots: x_vertex = (r1 + r2)/2. Use this to check your work.  Example: Roots 2 and 8 -> vertex x = 5.
Mean, Median, Mode	Mean = sum/n. Median = middle value of sorted data (average of the two middles if even count). Mode = most frequent value.  Tip: Median NEEDS sorted data; the mean is pulled toward outliers. The SAT asks which measure best describes the data.  Example: Data 2, 3, 7, 10, 13: mean 7, median 7.
Range & Outliers	Range = max - min. An outlier is a value far from the rest; it drags the mean but not the median.  Tip: When a question asks which statistic an outlier most affects, answer the MEAN.  Example: Data 4, 5, 6, 100: range 96; median 5.5; mean ~28.75.
Standard Deviation (Concept)	Standard deviation measures spread around the mean: small = tightly clustered, large = widely spread.  Tip: You never compute it by hand - you compare it: which data set is more spread out?  Example: Heights 5'10, 5'11, 6'0 have a smaller SD than 5'4, 5'11, 6'6.
Interpreting Box Plots	A box plot shows min, Q1, median, Q3, max. The box holds the middle 50% of the data.  Tip: The median is the line inside the box, not the middle of the box lines; the whiskers reach to min/max.  Example: A box from 10 to 30 with median 20: half the data is between 20 and 30, not 10 and 30.
Dot Plots & Histograms	Dot plots show each value as a dot; histograms group values into bars. Read the shape: symmetric, skewed, or clustered.  Tip: For a histogram, use the bar MIDPOINT for approximate values; the tallest bar is the most common range.  Example: A histogram peaking at the 50-59 bar and trailing left is roughly symmetric around that range.
Scatterplots: Association	Scatterplots show two variables per point. Points rising together = positive association; falling = negative; no pattern = none.  Tip: Association is about the SHAPE of the cloud - not single points. Add context: 'as x increases, y increases'.  Example: Hours studied (x) vs score (y) rising together = positive association.
Angles: Types & Relationships	Complementary = 90 total; supplementary = 180 total; vertical angles are equal; adjacent angles on a line sum to 180.  Tip: Mark the diagram: any two angles across an X are equal; any two on a straight line sum to 180.  Example: If angle A = 40 and it is supplementary to B, angle B = 140.
Parallel Lines & Transversals	A line crossing parallel lines creates equal corresponding angles, equal alternate interior angles, and supplementary same-side interior angles.  Tip: Look for the Z shape (alternate interior) and the F shape (corresponding) - they are equal.  Example: With parallel lines, the angle matching the given 70-degree angle is also 70.
Triangle Angle Sum & Exterior	Interior angles sum to 180. An exterior angle equals the sum of the two remote interior angles.  Tip: Given two interior angles, subtract from 180 for the third; for an exterior, add the two remote angles.  Example: Angles 50 and 60 -> third = 70; the exterior at the 70 corner = 50 + 60 = 110.
Triangle Inequality	Any two sides of a triangle must sum to MORE than the third side - otherwise the triangle cannot close.  Tip: Test all three pairings; the side that fails the rule makes the answer impossible.  Example: Sides 2, 3, 8: 2 + 3 < 8, so no such triangle.
Isosceles & Equilateral Triangles	Isosceles: two equal sides, two equal base angles. Equilateral: three equal sides, three 60-degree angles.  Tip: In an isosceles triangle, the base angles (opposite the equal sides) match - the apex differs.  Example: Isosceles with apex 40 -> base angles are (180 - 40)/2 = 70 each.
Pythagorean Theorem	a^2 + b^2 = c^2 with c the hypotenuse (opposite the right angle).  Tip: Identify the hypotenuse FIRST; the legs can be any order in a^2 + b^2. Watch for 3-4-5 and 5-12-13 triples.  Example: Legs 6 and 8 -> c = sqrt(36 + 64) = 10.
Digital SAT Overview	98 questions, ~2 hours 14 minutes: Reading & Writing (54 questions / 64 min) then Math (44 questions / 70 min). Fully digital since spring 2024 in the US.  Tip: Practice at full length in Bluebook at least once - stamina and the interface are real factors.  Example: R&W 54 + Math 44 = 98 questions across ~134 minutes of testing.
Reading & Writing Structure	Two modules of 27 questions, 32 minutes each. Four domains: Craft & Structure, Information & Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Expression of Ideas.  Tip: Each domain recurs in both modules - expect conventions (11-15) and craft & structure (13-15) to dominate.  Example: In a 27-question module, roughly 4-6 questions are typically conventions.
Math Structure	Two modules of 22 questions, 35 minutes each. Domains: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving & Data Analysis, Geometry & Trigonometry.  Tip: Algebra and Advanced Math together are ~70% of the section - weight your prep accordingly.  Example: In a 22-question module, roughly 5 questions are usually grid-ins.
Adaptive Module Logic	Module 1 is identical for everyone; Module 2 difficulty adapts to your Module 1 performance. Harder Module 2 = higher ceiling.  Tip: Treat Module 1 like a qualifying round: accuracy there decides the difficulty you face - and the top scores you can earn.  Example: A strong Module 1 usually routes you to the harder Module 2, where near-perfect performance scores higher.
Module 1 Strategy	Because adaptation happens AFTER Module 1, you cannot 'fix' a weak Module 1 with a great Module 2 - the ceiling is set.  Tip: Maximize Module 1: never skip to save time for Module 2; every Module 1 question affects the difficulty and your score.  Example: Rushing Module 1 to 'save time' for Module 2 is backwards - do your best on both, and never rush Module 1.
Within-Module Difficulty	Within each module, questions get harder as you go - the early questions are easier, the later ones weight the score more.  Tip: Do not panic when questions feel hard at the end of a module; that is by design and may mean you are taking the harder path.  Example: If the first questions feel easy and the last ones hard, you are likely in the harder Module 2 - a good sign.
The Night Before	Sleep is measurable points: go to bed early, and have your ID, ticket, calculator, and charger packed before you sleep.  Tip: The SAT rewards a rested brain more than a last cram - light review only, then stop.  Example: Pack tonight: photo ID, admission ticket, approved calculator with fresh batteries, charger, water, snack.
Morning Logistics	Eat something, allow extra travel time, and arrive early - the check-in (including device setup) happens at the center.  Tip: Arrive at least 15-30 minutes early; rushing raises your heart rate before Module 1, which is exactly wrong.  Example: A 15-minute stress buffer before check-in keeps you calm when the screen first lights up.
Device Readiness	Your testing session runs in the Bluebook app with lock-down mode; it must be installed and your laptop/tablet must be charged (test-day rules may specify outlets).  Tip: Install Bluebook and run the practice session days ahead - the app must be updated before test morning.  Example: A fully charged, Bluebook-ready device plus a backup plan for charging beats a last-minute install.
Calculator & Scratch Work	Use the built-in Desmos (plus an approved handheld if you prefer) and the scratch paper/pen provided at the center.  Tip: Write out intermediate steps - the provided scratch paper is free; your working memory is not.  Example: On a long word problem, sketch the setup on scratch before typing numbers into Desmos.
Pacing: Reading & Writing	27 questions in 32 minutes = about 71 seconds per question. Spending long on one reading question starves the module.  Tip: If a question eats 90+ seconds, flag it and move on; return only after finishing the module's quick wins.  Example: A 71-second budget: read the passage (~25-150 words) fast, pick the best answer, flag if unsure.
Pacing: Math	22 questions in 35 minutes = about 95 seconds per question; grid-ins can take longer, so bank time on the easy ones.  Tip: Do the easy questions first in number order, use Desmos to verify, and flag anything past 2 minutes.  Example: A fast first pass through 15 quick questions builds the cushion for the 5-7 harder ones.
