[the_13th]

Hi all,

I've heard that prestigious US universities only accept SAT Subject Maths Level 2, but not level 1.

To what extent is this true? I've forgotten quite a lot from my maths syllabus, so would it be better to get a decent score on level 1, or a mediocre score on level 2?

Thanks in advance

[tooosh]

I has less topics than II but it also goes into more detail and asks harder questions than the same topic on II. Why not look at revision pages for both and see what topics are in them?

[the_13th]

(Original post by tooosh)
I has less topics than II but it also goes into more detail and asks harder questions than the same topic on II. Why not look at revision pages for both and see what topics are in them?

Where can I find those?

[tooosh]

There's loads. http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourc...revision+notes

[LadyBunion]

(Original post by tooosh)
There's loads. http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourc...revision+notes

hmmm not quite the right SATs!

[sixdaysinthesun]

(Original post by the_13th)
Hi all,

I've heard that prestigious US universities only accept SAT Subject Maths Level 2, but not level 1.

To what extent is this true? I've forgotten quite a lot from my maths syllabus, so would it be better to get a decent score on level 1, or a mediocre score on level 2?

Thanks in advance

Speaking from experience as an American who's applied to American colleges, the level one test has less advanced math than the level two. To the more prestigious American schools, a good score on the level one means nothing.

[Descartesz]

All eight of the Ivies accept either level of the Mathematics Subject test. Indeed, the only schools I know of that explicitly require the Level II test are some of the elite science/engineering schools (CalTech, Olin, Harvey Mudd -- but not MIT, who say they are fine with either level). Harvard says they don't want both required subject tests to be in mathematics (this should probably go without saying and would be a bad choice when applying to any competitive school) but this obviously implies they are fine with either one.

The tests do vary in comprehensiveness--Level II includes trigonometry and a per-calculus understanding of functions. Level II, in my experience, also tends to pose some more difficult questions. However the "curve" on Level II is much softer - 44 or 45 out of 50 right (others omitted) will usually net a "perfect" 800. Level I scale scores are much tighter, usually allowing no more than one wrong for an 800.

My advice would be that if you have enough of a mathematics background to cover the contents of Level II, take that -- it gives you maximum flexibility. However if you have already taken Level I or have not yet completed trigonometry when you sit the test (and are not applying to the three schools I mention), feel comfortable submitting Level I results in fulfillment of one of the Subject test requirements.

I do not subscribe to the notion that they really "prefer" Level II to Level I even though they say nothing of the sort, and there is no evidence to suggest that such a preference exists.

My other advice regarding subject tests is that if you acknowledge your interest in a particular subject that you take one test that aligns with that interest (i.e., a prospective science major would do well to submit one science test). If, on the other hand, you are undecided about your interests then one test each from a quantitative discipline (science or mathematics) and a qualitative discipline (history, literature, language) would demonstrate your flexibility and present yourself in the best light.

[rhaldud]

Even if American universities don't outright say that they prefer Math II C over Math I C, it doesn't mean that it's not entirely true. You have to take into account that the people who will be applying to the same prestigious universities WILL be taking Math II C, and all of these Asian whizz kids will probably get 780+.

If these are the kids that you're competing against, taking Math I C would not be the smartest move. By taking multiple practice tests and studying for the exam for a good month or two, you should do pretty well.

If you don't feel like you can or feel too lazy to put in the extra work (I was...) then perhaps take another exam! I don't know what courses you're currently taking, but try to pick the SAT II exams that would cause you to study the least amount. For example, I took SAT II Literature since I'm currently taking IBH English.