The SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1 is specifically a mathematics exam, unlike the “regular” SAT, which is a generalized exam that tests mathematics in addition to a number of other core subjects. It tests algebraic and geometric mathematical concepts, but doesn’t include many concepts from trigonometry or pre-calculus classes. If math is your best subject, you should consider demonstrating your skills on this Subject Test; colleges like to see quantitative measures of applicants’ applications, and doing well on the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1 will boost you above competing students who only passed their high school math courses. The reasoning behind this is that while many, many students who apply to colleges can say that they did well in their high school math courses, not as many can say that they did well on the SAT Subject Test in Math. It’s designed to be a rather difficult exam in order to quantize the skill levels of students who are already near the tops of their various math classes. That means, though, that doing well on this exam makes you look extra wonderful on your applications, so it’s a challenge worth undertaking.

So, what exactly is tested on the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics I? Consult the following ratios to find out:

• Numbers and Operations (10–14%)
• Algebra and Functions (38–42%)
• Geometry and Measurement (38–42%)
• Data analysis, statistics, and probability (8–12%)

Since every SAT Subject Test lasts for one hour no matter what subject is tested, all SAT Subject Tests are entirely multiple-choice, and the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1 contains fifty problems, you should have enough data to estimate how many problems of each type you will encounter on the exam. For example, you should expect to encounter anywhere from five to seven Numbers and Operations problems when taking the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1: (0.10 * 50 = 5; 0.14 * 50 = 7).

Perhaps looking at this math or the test’s categories makes you realize you’re a little out of practice with shifting parabolas based on changes made to their equations, and haven’t had to work a substitution or elimination problem in ages. If you need the best resources with which to review, figure out your weak points, and amend them, check out the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1 Practice Tests provided by Varsity Tutors on their Learning Tools site. Each Practice Test is like a little quiz given on various topics you are likely to encounter on the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1. Every problem comes with a robust explanation of how the correct answer was calculated, detailing each mathematical step in the process, so if you made a mistake, you can pinpoint exactly where you made your error, not just stare blankly at a sheet full of numbers and eventually give up in frustration. Also, when you identify problem types that you often miss, you can choose to do Practice Test problems organized by concept instead of drawn generally from a comprehensive selection of topics. This way, you can focus just on substitution and elimination equations, solving for a variable, or working with parabolas. The Learning Tools resources that help you identify these trends can also provide problems that allow you to specifically practice the concepts you understand least well, saving you a lot of time and allowing you to study a wide range of categories and specific topics in the same place. By reviewing rusty math concepts and making the most of these great free resources, you can sharpen your math skills and be ready to wow colleges on the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1 in no time!