The most important strategy for doing well on the Math Test is to give yourself a good deal of time to review math. In this section, we will help you to approach the Math Test, but you should not think of the strategies and methods we provide as substitutions for knowledge of math. They are meant to augment your understanding of math. Good strategies can help you put your knowledge of math and the ACT format to the best possible use. They can’t replace knowledge of math.

We’re not trying to discourage you. We’re just trying to warn you that you really do need to review your math if you want to do well on this Subject Test. Even if you’re dominating your math class this year, you’ll benefit from a full review because the material covered on this test is quite broad and can reach back to the math you studied in seventh grade. Those subjects aren’t hard, but they may cover minor details that you’ve forgotten—and which could be important on the test.

With that gentle warning in mind, you can peruse the following Strategies section for really helpful tips for taking the test. Reading and understanding these tips alone isn’t going to get you a perfect score on the test, but applying them along with your math skills will definitely help you achieve your target score.