Smart DSAT Math Tips to Help You Score Higher

For a lot of students, the math section of the DSAT seems like the toughest part. The great news? If you have the right strategy, it doesn’t need to be too stressful. Imagine it as a game—once you understand the rules, tips, and shortcuts, you can play better and improve your score.

Here are some useful DSAT math tips that can assist you in getting ready, keeping cool, and answering questions with greater confidence:

1. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Every student is different. You might be really good at algebra but have a hard time with geometry, or you can solve equations quickly but find word problems tricky. The best way to find out is to take a practice test.

When you make errors, don’t just skip ahead. Go back, look over the concept, and keep practicing until it feels easy. If time is your main problem, try to work on solving questions more quickly.

Remember: the DSAT is adaptive. If you do well in the first math section, the second one gives you harder questions—which means more chances to earn points.

2. Answer Exactly What’s Being Asked

This may sound simple, but it’s a common mistake. For example, if the question asks for x + 2 and you only solve for x, you’ll probably choose the wrong option. Take a second to double-check what the question really wants before you lock in your answer.

3. Be Smart With Your Calculator

Your calculator is a huge help—but only if you use it wisely. Don’t waste time doing long division by hand. Use it to double-check calculations, graph equations, and confirm your answers. But also, don’t rely on it for everything—sometimes solving quickly in your head is faster.

4. Keep Algebra Simple

If the answer choices all have variables, don’t overcomplicate it. Plug in small numbers instead of working through heavy algebra. It can save you time and stress. Just be careful—avoid using 0 or 1 since they can sometimes give tricky results.

5. Spot the Patterns

The DSAT loves patterns. Maybe it’s a repeating decimal, maybe it’s a sequence of numbers. Once you see the pattern, the problem becomes a lot easier.

6. Skip Hard Questions (and Come Back Later)

Don’t waste precious minutes stuck on one tough problem. Move on, grab the easy points first, and circle back if you have time. Every question is worth the same amount, so it’s smarter to collect the simple wins first.

7. Memorize Key Formulas

Yes, the DSAT gives you some formulas, but not all of them. Knowing the most important ones by heart will save time. These include:

• Quadratic formula

• Slope of a line

• Area and volume formulas

• Rules of exponents

Being quick with these can make a huge difference.

8. Watch Out for Unit Conversions

This is where many students slip up. A problem might give the answer in inches but ask for feet. Always double-check your units.

Some quick reminders:

• 1 foot = 12 inches

• 1 mile = 5,280 feet

• 1 pound = 16 ounces

• 1 ton = 2,000 pounds

• 1 liter ≈ 1.06 quarts

• 1 hour = 60 minutes

9. Draw It Out

When in doubt with geometry, sketch it. Even if a diagram is already given, add your own labels or extra lines. A simple drawing often makes the answer much clearer.

Extra Tips for Success

Manage your time

The DSAT math section has two parts—25 minutes without a calculator and 55 minutes with one.

Know your pace

That’s about 75 seconds per no-calculator question, and 87 seconds for each calculator question.

Play it smart

Go after the easy points first, then circle back to the tough ones.

Final Thoughts

The DSAT math section doesn’t have to feel scary. With the right strategies, you can solve problems faster, avoid common mistakes, and feel more confident on test day.

Keep practicing, stay calm during the test, and remember—you don’t need to get every single question right. You just need to work smart and manage your time well.