SAT Math Error Log Template

Why Keep an Error Log?

Most students review wrong answers after a practice test — but they don't track them systematically. Without tracking, you can't see patterns. Without patterns, you can't target your weakest areas. An error log solves this.

Students who maintain a consistent error log and review it regularly before each new practice session typically see faster score improvement than those who simply do more practice tests.

The Error Log Structure

For each wrong answer, record the following. You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, or any format that you'll actually use consistently.

Column 1: Date and Source

Record when you did the practice and what material it was from (e.g., "April 2, Khan Academy Practice Test 3, Module 1, Q14").

Column 2: Topic

Classify the question by topic area:

• Linear Equations / Systems
• Inequalities
• Quadratics
• Functions and Transformations
• Exponential Models
• Polynomials and Rational Expressions
• Statistics and Data Analysis
• Probability
• Geometry (triangles, circles, area/volume)
• Trigonometry
• Word Problems / Rates / Ratios

Column 3: Error Type

Classify why you got it wrong — this is the most important column:

• Knowledge gap: You didn't know the concept or formula needed
• Careless error: You knew the method but made an arithmetic or algebra error
• Misread question: You answered a different question than what was asked
• Setup error: You chose the wrong approach or equation for the situation
• Time pressure: You rushed, or ran out of time and guessed incorrectly

Column 4: Correct Approach

Write 1–2 sentences describing the correct method. This is not just the answer — it's the process. If it was a knowledge gap, write the key rule or formula you needed.

Column 5: Review Status

Mark with ✓ when you've successfully solved a similar question correctly. This tracks whether you've actually fixed the gap, not just identified it.

Sample Error Log Entries

Date	Topic	Error Type	Correct Approach
Apr 3	Functions	Knowledge gap	f(x−2) shifts graph right 2 units. I confused it with shifting left.
Apr 3	Quadratics	Misread question	Question asked for the SUM of roots (= −b/a), not the roots themselves.
Apr 5	Exponential Models	Setup error	"Increases by 12% per year" → multiply by 1.12 each year, not add 12.
Apr 5	Statistics	Careless error	Wrong when finding median of 8 values — it's the average of 4th and 5th values.

How to Use Your Error Log

Before each practice session

Spend 5 minutes reviewing your most recent error log entries. This activates awareness of your specific patterns before you start practising — making you less likely to make the same errors again.

After each practice session

Add new entries immediately after reviewing your answers, while the reasoning is fresh. Don't batch error log updates for "later" — you'll forget the details.

Weekly review

Once a week, look at your error log as a whole. Count occurrences by topic and error type. If "quadratics" appears 7 times in one week, that's where your next targeted study session should focus.

Topic drill after a pattern emerges

Once you identify a weak area, do 15–20 focused questions on that topic before returning to mixed practice. The error log tells you where to drill; the drilling changes your knowledge and habits.

SAT Math Topic Quick Reference

Key formulas to check when you encounter a knowledge gap error:

• Vertex form: y = a(x − h)² + k, vertex at (h, k)
• Sum of roots: −b/a; Product of roots: c/a (from ax² + bx + c = 0)
• Percent change: (new − old)/old × 100%
• Exponential model: y = a(1 ± r)^t where r is rate, t is time
• Circle equation: (x − h)² + (y − k)² = r²
• Midpoint: ((x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2)
• Slope: m = (y₂ − y₁)/(x₂ − x₁)
• Distance: d = √[(x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²]
• Mean: sum of values / number of values
• Standard deviation: measures spread from mean (larger = more spread)