Is it worth it to prepare for the SAT Math?

I'm a bit stressed out and I'm not sure if I should spend more time on SAT Math prep or focus on other areas like extracurriculars. How important is it to do well on SAT Math for college admission? Any advice would be appreciated.

Sure, happy to offer some insight! The importance of SAT Math can vary depending on what colleges you're planning to apply to, and whether your intended major is related to math or in a STEM field.

At highly selective colleges, they generally expect high scores in all sections of the SAT, including Math. For intended STEM participants, a high Math score is often crucial, since it's more relevant to their future course work.

On the other hand, if you're applying to test-optional schools, they put less emphasis on test scores and more on other components of your application, like your grades, coursework, and extracurricular activities.

Exploring your extracurriculars deeply is also important. Remember, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to extracurriculars. The best are Tiers 1 and 2 extracurriculars, which show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national, state, or regional level.

So, while doing well on SAT Math can certainly help your application, it's not the only part colleges consider. Balancing your time effectively between SAT prep, coursework, and extracurricular activities is crucial. And lastly, remember, for a vast majority of schools, your grades are the most important factor.

It might be beneficial to map out a schedule or plan to determine how you can achieve your score goals while still participating in meaningful extracurricular activities and keeping up with your schoolwork. Good luck!