How to Improve Math Skills for High School Students

High school students view math skills as tools for success in school and beyond, and they’re right. Advanced math classes are common prerequisites for coursework in science and engineering, and standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT reward students who can solve quantitative problems with speed and precision. Furthermore, recent studies on math education show that confidence and academic performance are strongly correlated: in other words, students who feel confident in math usually perform better on math tests. The goal of this article is to provide actionable strategies for students to improve their math skills and boost their mathematical self-confidence.

Strengthening Math Skills: The Key to Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The Importance of Math Skills in Building Critical Thinking

Math is much more than numbers and equations — it’s a powerful tool for developing critical thinking. The logic and structure behind mathematical concepts train students to think systematically, break down complex problems, and make connections across different fields of study. These skills are invaluable, particularly for students aiming to enter competitive programs, college admissions, and future careers.

By strengthening math skills, students can enhance their ability to analyze situations, evaluate options, and make informed decisions. Whether it’s solving an advanced calculus problem or tackling an everyday challenge, math equips students with the cognitive tools to approach problems in a methodical way. As a result, students are not only prepared for standardized tests and STEM careers but also for life’s many decision-making challenges.

Common Challenges High School Students Face in Math

Despite the importance of math skills, many students face real challenges in improving through math classes. It’s very common for high schoolers to feel anxiety and fear of failure in the math classroom. These obstacles could be due to gaps in foundational knowledge carried over from middle school or early high school classes like algebra or geometry. On the other hand, researchers on math education have also pointed to “tracking” (i.e. dividing students based on observed ability) as a major dilemma for students, and a practice that is tied to cycles of inequality. (On that subject, incorporating cultural diversity in math education has also been explored.) Finally, some students may experience a lack of engagement or lack of motivation in the traditional math classroom setting, becoming distracted or unfocused.

Strategies to Improve Math Skills for High Schoolers

Practice Regularly and Consistently

This first recommendation, while the most important, is easier said than done. The goal here is to develop and maintain a consistent routine of math practice. Setting aside time on a daily or weekly basis to repeat and reinforce concepts can help students build their confidence and solidify their skills. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Start by talking to your math teacher. Ask if they have recommendations for specific problem sets or topics that would be particularly beneficial to you to spend extra time on. 

• Next, find a library or other quiet study space where you can focus on the problems without distractions. This could be your school library, a public library, an empty classroom, or a home work area. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, chew a stick of your favorite gum, listen to your favorite music, or whatever else is necessary to put yourself in the mindset to focus on studying.

• Finally, consider using one or more of the following strategies to help guide your math practice routine.

Use Online Resources and Apps

There are a vast number of online resources and apps available (often for free) to students who want to improve their math skills. For example:

• Khan Academy — a free and highly trusted resource for students and teachers looking for reinforced instruction and practice materials on a variety of subjects, including high school math topics

• IXL — a paid resource with instructional videos and practice assignments for many school subjects, including algebra, geometry, precalculus, calculus, and statistics

• Desmos — an interactive website combining 2D and 3D math visualization tools with high-quality instructional content designed to work with your teacher’s curriculum

• Photomath — take a photo of a math problem you’re struggling with, and the mobile app will walk you through the solution step by step

Work with a Tutor or Join a Study Group

Collaborating consistently with a group of motivated peers can improve accountability and have a positive effect on students’ levels of confidence. Study groups allow students to share strategies, discuss topics from class, and support one another’s progress. 

Additionally, your school may be able to connect you with a volunteer peer tutor. Working with a tutor, especially one who is a year or two ahead in school, could significantly improve your math understanding and performance. Individual tutoring allows students to ask detailed questions at every step of a math problem to address specific gaps in understanding. In many cases, having the concepts explained from a different angle or from another perspective can immediately improve understanding.

Problem-Solving: Math as a Tool for Real-World Success

In addition to boosting critical thinking, math teaches essential problem-solving skills that students can apply in both academic and professional environments. These skills are often directly correlated with academic achievement, as they enable students to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.

Mastering Problem-Solving Through Math

The ability to solve math problems is not just about memorizing formulas; it’s about understanding how to approach a problem step by step. Whether working through algebraic expressions or geometric proofs, students learn how to break complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces. This structured approach can be used in virtually every discipline — from engineering to economics to computer science.

For students in competitive programs or those aiming for top college placements, strong problem-solving abilities are crucial. Math becomes a gateway to learning how to tackle multifaceted challenges, prepare for technical interviews, and present logical arguments backed by data.

How Parents and Teachers Can Support Math Improvement

Of course, parents, teachers, and mentors play an important role in supporting the development of students’ math skills. By encouraging a growth mindset, adults can help young mathematicians develop resilient study habits — even when they face tough obstacles. If a student feels like they are stagnating, help them to recognize and celebrate their progress, regardless of whether or not that progress is immediately visible on the “surface.”

How Math Skills Impact College Readiness and Beyond

Strong math skills are directly tied to college readiness. High school students who perform well in math are better equipped to handle the rigorous coursework they’ll encounter in college, especially in STEM fields that require complex problem-solving. In fact, college admissions officers often consider math performance as a key indicator of a student’s ability to handle academic challenges.

Additionally, math is an essential skill for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, where math questions make up a large portion of the exams. Students who can tackle these questions with speed and precision are at a distinct advantage, particularly when applying to competitive colleges.

Conclusion: Build Math Confidence and Competence

Developing strong math skills is one of the most valuable outcomes for high school students. Math skills correlate with success in other school subjects that require critical thinking and problem solving, and are doubly important in STEM fields that apply math concepts to real-world problems. Additionally, students with strong math skills have better admissions results and college outcomes than their peers. 

Although math skills never improve overnight, they can grow dramatically over time with regular practice and support from a great teacher, tutor, or math mentor to fill in knowledge gaps. Students who join Polygence’s mentorship program benefit from one-on-one sessions with an expert, PhD-level math mentor. First, your mentor will help you identify an individual math passion project that you are genuinely excited about! Once you’ve chosen your project, your mentor will support and guide you through the steps towards a tangible outcome that clearly demonstrates your progress. 

Alternatively, Polygence Pods bring together 5-6 like-minded students to form learning and study groups. All Pods are led by an expert mentor and follow a curriculum designed around a cutting edge, real-world topic such as sports analytics, stock market fundamentals, or neural networks. 

Is Polygence right for you? Reach out to discover how we can strengthen your math skills together!