SAT Math Content Alignment

By | March 25, 2020

SAT Math Content Alignment

The tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments measure the same skills and knowledge in ways that make sense for different grade levels. As students progress, the Math Tests keep pace, matching the scope and difficulty of work being done in the classroom.

A Shift in Emphasis

As students progress from the PSAT 8/9 to PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT, they will see more multistep math problems and more problems that require the use of complicated concepts and equations.
Other differences include:

  • The number of math problems increases from test to test.
  • Later tests include more student-produced response questions and fewer multiple-choice items.
  • The PSAT 8/9 does not include Additional Topics in Math problems and does not report a subscore for Passport to Advanced Math.
  • The PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT include more Passport to Advanced Math problems.
Examples of Progression
Area of Focus PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 AND PSAT/NMSQT SAT
Complexity Many items requiring one or two steps to solve. Many items requiring two or more steps to solve. Emphasis on multistep problems.
Geometry May require the use of common geometric equations. May require the use of common geometric equations and spatial reasoning. Requires the use of geometry concepts and reasoning.
Probability and Statistics Includes ratios, proportions, percents, introductory probability, and statistics. Requires comparing linear and exponential growth. Includes statistics topics such as sampling and inferring correlation and causation from a research method.
Trigonometry May require the use of properties of right triangles to solve problems. Requires the use of trigonometric relationships. Requires the use of trigonometry.

Compare PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT: Math
Compare PSAT/NMSQT and SAT: Math

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