Top 10 Mistakes Students Make on the Algebra 1 Regents (and How to Avoid Them)

The Algebra 1 Regents is one of the most important exams for high school students in New York. It’s the gateway to higher-level math courses and even impacts college readiness. But every year, students make the same mistakes that cost them valuable points. Whether you’re aiming to pass or excel, avoiding these common errors is crucial for success.

In this blog post, I’ll break down the top 10 mistakes students make on the Algebra 1 Regents exam—and give you actionable tips on how to avoid them. Plus, I'll share how my Algebra 1 Regents Prep Course can help you master these challenges with ease.

1. Not Showing All Your Work

Mistake: Many students try to skip steps to save time, especially in multiple-choice questions where the correct answer seems obvious. However, skipping work often leads to errors and missed partial credit.

How to Avoid It: Always show all steps, even if the answer seems simple. The Regents exam graders often award partial credit for correct methods, even if the final answer is wrong. Practicing step-by-step problem solving in my course will train you to consistently show all your work.

2. Misreading Word Problems

Mistake: Word problems can be tricky, and many students rush through them without fully understanding the question. This leads to incorrect equations and answers.

How to Avoid It: Take your time to carefully read word problems. Underline key information and determine what the problem is asking before attempting to solve it. My course has an entire module dedicated to breaking down word problems and developing strategies for solving them correctly.

3. Forgetting to Label Units

Mistake: Some questions require you to provide answers with units (e.g., feet, meters, dollars). Forgetting to include units, or using the wrong ones, can cost you points.

How to Avoid It: Always check the question to see if it asks for units, and double-check your answers before moving on. Our practice tests include reminders to use units, so you’ll develop this as a habit.

4. Mixing Up Inequality Signs

Mistake: A common mistake on the Regents is mixing up the inequality signs, especially when graphing inequalities or solving inequality equations. This leads to incorrect solutions and graphs.

How to Avoid It: Practice graphing and solving inequalities regularly to develop familiarity with the signs and their meanings. My course offers step-by-step explanations and ample practice with inequalities, so you won’t get tripped up on test day.

5. Not Using the Graphing Calculator Properly

Mistake: The Algebra 1 Regents allows the use of a graphing calculator, but many students don’t know how to use it effectively. As a result, they miss out on quick ways to check their work or solve complex problems.

How to Avoid It: Familiarize yourself with your calculator before the exam. Know how to graph functions, solve equations, and use features like "trace" and "calc" to your advantage. My course includes a dedicated lesson on using the graphing calculator to save time and improve accuracy on the Regents.

6. Forgetting Key Formulas

Mistake: Some students rely on memory for important formulas instead of making use of the Regents' provided reference sheet or not practicing the key ones enough. This often leads to errors when solving equations involving slope, quadratics, and area.

How to Avoid It: Take the time to memorize crucial formulas, even though a reference sheet is provided. Practice using them in different contexts so you don’t get caught off guard. In my prep course, we focus on mastering formulas with daily practice to make them second nature.

7. Running Out of Time

Mistake: Many students find themselves rushing through the last few questions of the exam because they spent too much time on earlier ones. This leads to careless mistakes and unanswered questions.

How to Avoid It: Develop time management skills by practicing with timed exams. Learn to identify which questions to skip and return to later. Our prep course includes full-length timed practice tests that simulate the actual Regents, helping you manage your time effectively.

8. Overcomplicating Simple Questions

Mistake: Some students second-guess themselves on easy questions, overthinking them and changing their answers unnecessarily.

How to Avoid It: Trust your instincts. If you’ve prepared and know the material, you’re more likely to have the correct answer the first time. My course helps build confidence so you won’t feel the need to second-guess yourself on test day.

9. Neglecting Graphing Skills

Mistake: Many students neglect the graphing sections of the exam, which are worth a significant number of points. Poorly drawn graphs or incorrect plots can lead to major point deductions.

How to Avoid It: Practice graphing functions and inequalities, and learn how to interpret graph-based questions. My course includes detailed lessons on graphing techniques to ensure you’re ready for these types of questions.

10. Not Practicing Enough Regents-Specific Problems

Mistake: Some students think general math practice is enough, but the Algebra 1 Regents has its own style of questions. Not practicing with actual Regents problems can leave you unprepared.

How to Avoid It: Focus on Regents-specific problems during your prep. Use past exams to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and the exam format. In my course, we go over numerous past Algebra 1 Regents exams and walk through each question to ensure you understand the Regents style inside and out.

Avoid These Mistakes and Ace the Regents with My Prep Course

Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for success on the Algebra 1 Regents exam. But preparation doesn’t stop here—effective studying requires targeted practice, guidance, and expert strategies.

In my Algebra 1 Regents Prep Course, you’ll get access to:

• Step-by-step video tutorials covering all key Regents topics

• Timed practice tests to improve time management

• Graphing calculator training to boost efficiency

• Detailed explanations of past Regents problems

• Personalized feedback and support

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Sign up today and take the first step toward mastering the Algebra 1 Regents. Let’s work together to ensure you’re fully prepared for test day and confident in your ability to ace the exam!

Call to Action: Ready to get started? Click here to sign up for my Algebra 1 Regents Prep Course and start preparing with proven strategies that will help you avoid costly mistakes and succeed on the exam!