Grid-Ins
Like the other types of SAT math questions, the 10 GIs
are ordered from easiest to most difficult. Unlike every other type
of question on the test, the 10 GIs are not multiple-choice. Instead,
you have to generate your own answer and express this answer to
the machine grading the test by filling in a special grid.
Grid-In Instructions: The Grid
ETS provides extensive instructions that describe
how to fill in the grid. As always, memorize these instructions
before you take the test. As you look at the instructions, note
that for some questions you will be able to write your answer in
more than one form.
Those directions are a little intense. Here’s a summary:
- The computer that grades the test
can’t read anything but the ovals.You don’t actually
have to write anything in the spaces at the top as long as you fill
in the ovals correctly. However, filling in the spaces at the top
might help you to avoid making careless mistakes. We recommend that
you do write out your answers in the spaces: the increased accuracy
is worth that extra bit of time. Whether you decide to write out
your answers or not, make sure you don’t forget to fill in the ovals!
- The grid cannot accommodate any number longer than
four digits or any decimal or fraction that includes more than three
numbers.The grid also cannot indicate a negative sign. If
the answer you come up with can’t fit into the grid or if your answer
is negative, then your answer is incorrect.
- You can express a number as either a fraction or
a decimal.
- You must transform all mixed numbers to fraction
form. For example, 41
/2 must be written
as 9/2. If you were to try to write 41/2 the
dumb grading machine would read it as 41
/2.
- Sometimes the answer you come to will actually be
a range of answers, such as “any number between 4 and 5.”
In those instances, you will be correct if you oval in any number
that fits the criteria; 4.6, 4.2, 9
/2. Remember,
though: no mixed numbers.
No Tricks
Because GIs aren’t multiple choice, there really aren’t
any strategies we can offer you to help you come to an answer on
a particular question. Taking practice tests will help you to get
comfortable with answering GIs in general, and studying those tests
will help you learn how to answer the types of GI questions typically
asked.
Grid-in Guessing
There’s no guessing penalty for GIs because the likelihood
of a person guessing correctly on a question is shockingly, amazingly,
incredibly small. In most situations, guessing isn’t worth the time
it takes to fill out the ovals in the grid. However, if you’re low
on time and you’ve worked on a question and come to an answer that
fits in the grid, it wouldn’t hurt to fill in the grid.
