Patterns on the SAT are a unique beast. The thing is, there is actually no “pattern” to pattern questions. Whenever you see an average question, for example, you always use the average T. Whenever you are struggling through percent change questions, you do the very simple [ Diff / Orig ] * 100 formula and get some wicked domination. Patterns, funnily enough, are not like that. In today’s video lesson I work through some typical pattern questions and give you a quick method for breaking through the noise. After the video, I’ll talk a bit more about patterns and give you some clever advice.

Pattern Questions on the SAT: Some More Ideas

A lot of people, like I mentioned in the video, spend an uncomfortable amount of time trying to think up a shortcut to the patterns. It kind of reminds me of those teen movies I used to watch (Used to! Don’t forget it!) where the guys are always looking for some quick trick to get the girl. From baking pies to oral adventures, the bulk of the plot involves some trick and trap to get the girl to like the dweeb. The thing is, a lot of students fall into the same line of thought on the SAT.

“If I just knew the trick I could answer this algebra problem.” FALSE. If you just knew the algebra you could solve this algebra problem! Now, of course clever strategies like plugging in and backsolving pretty much rock my world. But to do really well on this test, you should have a clear understanding of what works and how to do it. The secret sauce behind those fake movies, and behind your weird obsession with tricks, is that if the dweebs just took the time to get to know the girl, they would all realize those girls weren’t right for them. I mean, a dork and a perfect 10 aren’t just physically different. They are metaphysically different! The logic is that a hottie cures all your problems. Sorry to break it to you, but a hottie is just the first of many, many problems!

Step-By-Step Pattern Strategy

1. Paraphrase The Question: Start your pattern problem by taking the time necessary to really, truly understand what is happening in the question. This cannot be overstated. If you don’t get what the question is really asking, you won’t get the right answer.
2. Write Down The Initial Information: After you get what you are looking for, start to write down the pattern. In my video lesson above I was working with units digits of 7 exponent. If you are dealing with numbers, colors, names, or automobiles, it doesn’t matter. Write out your pattern.
3. Use Those Fingers and Toes and Count: DON’T waste your time trying to be clever here. Just count it out. Nothing should take more than a minute to do. If you spend 45 seconds trying to be clever, you only have 15 seconds to use your clever idea. If, on the other hand, you just brute force your way through the pattern, you will finish along your required pacing AND your brain won’t be tired from trying to be smart. There are no points awarded for cleverness. Only points for right answers.

The neat thing about math is that there is always more than one way to solve a problem. You will often get the right answer. The difference is how long it takes, how sure you are, and how likely you will be to wear your precious brain out.

Keep on rockin’, you rock-star you. And if you need help, hire a tutor or read the best SAT book online.