The Math Fill-In Questions on the PSAT and SAT can be quite unsettling for many students because they are different than the other questions throughout the test. In my tutoring and teaching experience, these are the four things that often surprise students when it comes to the SAT Math Fill-In Questions:
- There Are No Negative Answers. There is no way to bubble a negative response in, so if you ever find yourself coming up with a negative answer, know that you are incorrect!
- Sometimes, There Are Multiple Correct Answers. The SAT computer grading system will pick up on ranges of correct answers – sometimes there may be 2 or 3 correct answers, sometimes there may be hundreds! Knowing this may help you prevent overthinking.
- There Is NO GUESSING PENALTY on the Fill-In Questions. The new SAT has NO GUESSING PENALTY! Be certain that you answer every single one of the fill-in questions!
- You DO NOT Have to Reduce Fractions! If you enter a fraction like 3/24, the SAT computers will compute that you actually meant 1/8 and still give you the correct answer.
You can find practice for the Fill-In Questions on the College Board Website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep/gridins/gridins.html
I hope you found this article helpful. If so, please share it with your friends! Thanks, Brian Stewart
