Meaning of 'grid in'?

I heard the term 'grid in' somewhere, and I think it might be related to the SAT or standardized tests. Can anyone explain what this means and how it could affect my test-taking strategies?

'Grid in' refers to a type of question format found on the Math sections of the SAT before it went fully digital in 2024. These questions were also known as 'Student-Produced Response' questions or 'free-response' questions. Instead of selecting an answer from multiple-choice options, you had to solve the math problem and then 'grid in' or fill in your numerical answer.

The fully digital SAT, introduced in spring 2024, no longer uses the 'grid in' format and now only includes multiple-choice questions. However, the concept can still apply to other tests with a similar format.

When it comes to test-taking strategies, although the SAT no longer includes 'grid in' questions, you can apply the same principles to tackling math problems on other standardized tests that have a similar format. Here are a few tips:

1. Thoroughly analyze the problem: Read the question and make sure you understand what it's asking. Identify relevant information provided, and determine what you need to find.

2. Estimate the answer: Before diving into calculations, try to estimate the range of the answer. This can help you avoid errors and guide you toward a reasonable solution.

3. Show your work: Even if the test doesn't require it, working out your calculations step by step helps avoid mistakes and ensures you understand the problem-solving process.

4. Check your answer: Once you've found a solution, take a moment to double-check your work and ensure that your answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Remember that the SAT no longer uses the 'grid in' format, but these strategies can still be helpful when you encounter problems that require you to produce your own numerical answer on other tests.