Far too often, we evaluate math ability in high schoolers solely on the basis of grades and level of math learned. A more accurate assessment of a student’s potential on challenging math tasks--including those posed on tests like the SAT and ACT--should consider mathematical maturity.  Amy and Mike invited author and test prep professional Dr. Steve Warner to define what this means and explain the link between mathematical maturity and test success.

 What are five things you will learn in this episode?

1. What is mathematical maturity?
2. How can you determine your "level" of mathematical maturity?
3. Can mathematical maturity be improved?
4. How does mathematical maturity relate to standardized test scores?
5. What steps can students seeking higher levels of mathematical maturity take?

MEET OUR GUEST

Dr. Steve Warner, a New York native, earned his Ph.D. at Rutgers University in Pure Mathematics in May 2001. After Rutgers, Dr. Warner joined the Penn State Mathematics Department as an Assistant Professor and in September 2002, he returned to New York to accept an Assistant Professor position at Hofstra University. By September 2007, Dr. Warner had received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Precalculus, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Mathematical Logic, Set Theory, and Abstract Algebra.

From 2003 – 2008, Dr. Warner participated in a five-year NSF grant, “The MSTP Project,” to study and improve mathematics and science curriculum in poorly performing junior high schools. He also published several articles in scholarly journals, specifically on Mathematical Logic.

Dr. Warner has nearly two decades of experience in general math tutoring and tutoring for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and AP Calculus exams. He has tutored students both individually and in group settings.

In February 2010 Dr. Warner released his first SAT prep book “The 32 Most Effective SAT Math Strategies,” and in 2012 founded Get 800 Test Prep. Since then Dr. Warner has written books for the SAT, ACT, SAT Math Subject Tests, AP Calculus exams, and GRE. In 2018 Dr. Warner released his first pure math book called “Pure Mathematics for Beginners.” Since then he has released several more books, each one addressing a specific subject in pure mathematics.

Dr. Steve Warner can be reached at [email protected]

LINKS

Gaining Mathematical Maturity

Dr. Warner’s extensive catalog of math prep books

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.