Shormann Math's Continual Review + Integrated Geometry = Higher Exam Scores
Shormann Math utilizes John Saxon’s unique teaching methods of incremental lessons, continual review, and integrated geometry. These methods build long-term retention, increase recall speed, and develop fluency (speed and accuracy). Fluency improves the student’s ability to apply math in real-world situations like science and engineering, as well as standardized tests, which results in higher test scores.
All the concepts required to excel on the ACT, and redesigned PSAT, SAT, are taught in Shormann Algebra 1 & 2. However, if possible, complete the first quarter of Shormann Precalculus. This provides additional review of all the concepts on these exams.
Each homework set in all Shormann Math courses have at least one practice problem from a PSAT, SAT, or ACT. By the end of Algebra 2, hundreds of practice problems have been completed. Spend 3-5 weeks taking timed practice tests to familiar with the tests and how to pace themselves. The College Board has 4 free, full-length practice tests for the New SAT here: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length
How to Study for the Math section of the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
- Approximately four months prior to the exam, contact the collegboard.org (PSAT & SAT) and/or the act.org (ACT) to register.
- At least three weeks prior to the exam date, complete Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry and, if possible, the first 25 lessons of Shormann Precalculus with Trigonometry*.
- Take 5 or more timed practice tests from a test prep book, like the College Board's 10 Real SATs.
- If needed, continue taking timed practice tests until you earn a little above your target score.
- If additional practice is needed, repeat the first 25 practice sets in Shormann Precalculus.
When should I take college entrance exams?
To become familiar with how the tests are administered, students should take the exams at least once, preferably twice, before 11th grade.
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Take the PSAT 8/9 in the fall of 9th grade and the PSAT10 in the 10th grade. The main purpose here is to become familiar with how the exam is administered and the testing site. Then when it really counts, you won’t be worried about where to get a drink of water, etc. Even if you score well, you will not be qualified for the National Merit Scholarship, unless you graduate a year early.
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Take the PSAT in the fall of 11th grade. This is the only time your score is qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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Take the SAT and/or the ACT in the spring or summer of 11th grade.
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If needed, the SAT and ACT can be taken again in the fall of 12th grade and the scores can be added to your admissions and scholarship applications.
ACT VS SAT: Which one should I take?
After completing Shormann Algebra 2 (and preferably the first 25 lessons of Shormann Precalculus), but before studying or preparing for the exam, take a practice SAT and a practice ACT exam at home. Select the test you score the highest and prepare for that exam using the guidelines above.
Redesigned PSAT and SAT Exams (2015)
In 2015, the College Board released redesigned PSAT and SAT exams which require a deeper understanding of functions and equations that are lacking in Saxon Math. Therefore, Dr. Shormann published a new curriculum, Shormann Interactive Math, specifically designed to meet these new requirements. Including technology applications, computer math, and real world word problems, this 21st Century curriculum features expert video instruction, interactive homework, quizzes and exams that are auto-graded, video solutions, and Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann.
Saxon Math Users
Saxon Algebra 1, 2, and Advanced Math were written over twenty years ago and do not teach all the required concepts for the redesigned PSAT and SAT. This does not mean Saxon Math is no longer recommended. However, additional time is required to prepare for these new exams.
6-8 Weeks before the exam: Complete Saxon Algebra 2 (2nd or 3rd edition) and the first 40 lessons of Advanced Math, 2nd Edition. Then, spend 6-8 weeks, working through a PSAT prep book with practice exams or a PSAT prep course.