<p>I think the SAT2s figure greatly in some schools. I know that my girls had low SAT1 scores but sterling SAT2 scores that I think may have mitigated those lower numbers.</p>
<p>jamimom,</p>
<p>I know I posted for the Ivy League but the UC system also likes the SAT scores better because they believe that they are a better predictor of student performance in the first year. For an example of SAT scores impact at Ivy League schools note Princeton's use of SAT 2 scores for placement and credit:</p>
<p>USNWR doesn't even count on the public to add wrongly, they do it for us: sum of 75th% verbal and 75th% math always exactly equals the "composite" SAT. For comparison, from the SAT tables about 10,000 per year get 800 on SAT math, and about 8000 get 800 on SAT verbal, but only 900 or less get single sitting 1600s.</p>
<p>However, this should not detract from Curmudgeon's main point: for an unhooked kid you'd better do significantly better than the reported averages. And the definition of hook is pretty narrow, though I do agree with Cangel's comment, above, that geography can be a strong tip factor for those not from coastal or megalopolitan areas, if they are willing to travel.</p>
<p>Sorry for all the posts but I am also looking for advice on the SAT 2 topic. My son, a junior, is interested in Math and Economics for college. Because he is interested in Math as one of his majors he is signed up for both the SAT 2 Math Level 1 and Level 2 along with Chemistry. Because some schools require 3 tests would the schools consider the 2 maths actually just one test?</p>
<p>I know of instances where they say take one or the other, and one instance where the higher level is required. Best to check the requirements for a given school.</p>
<p>Eagle79 - good question, perhaps ask someone in admissions at his favorite schools. I would recommend, though, for a future social science major, that he take a social science SATII, ?history, do they even have government or econ?</p>
<p>
[quote]
This means, of course, that there are 38,000 valedictorians, class presidents, yearbook editors, and team captains.
[/quote]
actually it's more like 1,600,000 captains ... per school ... 10 girl sports, 10 boy sports, 2 captains per team. Same problem with lead "X" instrument ... lots of instruments and lots of bands. These kids are accomplished but they can't forget that there are A LOT of other accomplished kids who are also applying.</p>
<p>Eagle,
having the two math tests isn't going to hurt - but you son should be really careful with the level I test - the curve is nasty, and if you are prone to careless errors, it is a bad one to take, especially if his brains have to function thru chemistry, too. If he is going to take all three, have him leave the Ic till the end and only take it if he still feels alert and focused. </p>
<p>As to which SAT II's - one of you is going to have to slog through college website and see which ones are recommended for math/econ majors. Other than that - you want 3 strong scores, with the math IIc being the most important in his case. Make sure that he takes a practice run on it - if he is missing questions where the information was taught a while ago, he can do a bit of review and polish it up.</p>
<p>cangel,</p>
<p>Sorry, no SAT 2 for Econ. I understand that some would view his direction as 'social science' because Econ is one of the 2 majors. However, he is much more analytical by nature so the Chem should not be a problem.</p>
<p>ohio_mom</p>
<p>Good advice but I do not think he is quite there yet on which schools he likes best. I will check the ones that seem to rise to the top. Regarding the 2 math tests I will suggest to him that the order should be Level 2, then Chem, then Level 1. I understand that the curve is a bit harsh but he is pretty good with few if any careless errors. However, I would prefer that he drop the Math Level 1 and take US History because he just finished the AP class.</p>
<p>Eagle:</p>
<p>S should definitely skip Math 1. </p>
<p>a) For strong math kids, math 2 is more current (S would have forgotten less), has a better 'curve', and will 'feel' easier. b) colleges (outside of engineering programs) prefer breadth, so having a social science/history test rounds out the app better (gotta write essays and/or papers in Econ!). c) a budding math major should take the more rigorous test. d) since you are in RI, and it's probably not relevant to your situation, but the UC's will not accept Math 1, since it is already covered on the SAT/ACT. (btw: the UC's give equal weight to the ACT+W)</p>
<p>My S is going to be stuck with the two math tests, too. He took Math IC in May and we don't have the scores yet. He thought it was pretty easy, but I know the curve is tough. He is going to do some prep (supposedly) and take IIC in June. My niece took IIC in May and thought it was very difficult (she is a math whiz and was through calculus by mid-year). S will also take Lit, since he has no other options unless he really preps for physics and takes it in the fall.</p>
<p>bluebayou,</p>
<p>Thanks, I agree with your assessment. I will talk to him about changing the test. Though I will be leaving the final decision up to him. He took the ACT+W in February. No need to take it again.</p>
<p>My kid, a strong math student who just completed PreCalc took Math IIC in May and reported that it was "easy". Had taken one practice Math IIC and scored 800 despite a few errors due to the more advantageous curve.</p>