Admission chance:Is it worth taking both SAT Math level 1 and level 2?

<p>Okay. So I am really confused about this and desperately need your advice. </p>

<p>The only SAT subject test where I feel confident that i can do well is the Mathematics. And some colleges require applicants to submit TWO SAT Subject tests results! I've asked and some schools say submitting both Math 1 and 2 is okay, as they can be considered two SAT subject tests. But everywhere i read on the internet everybody seems to say it is a waste of time to take both tests because math 2 cover all the topics tested by math 1 in a more difficult level. </p>

<p>I'd like to know your opinion about this. Will colleges consider applicants with good scores on both math level 1 and 2 the same as applicant with good score on 2? And if math 1 won't help my admission chance at all (providing i already have a good score on math 2), SHOULD I try to take another SAT test of a different subject? (i can probably do physics, the score would not be so bad, but it would not be as high as Math 1, either. I'm sure. :()</p>

<p>If some schools that you've already asked say it's okay, why don't you ask the schools you most want to get into and see what they say? I mean, that's all that matters, right? What <em>they</em> think about it.</p>

<p>My guess is that unless they say otherwise maybe you could get away with it at some less selective schools, but even then it wouldn't really work in your favor as much as showing some breadth. If you were applying to a regional state U that accepts 80%+ of the students who apply and your grades and scores are in range... I don't think they'd keep you out because of it, but those schools don't generally need SAT SubjectTests to begin with.</p>

<p>Once you get into more selective schools, I really think you'd be wise to ask them and if they say it's alright, ask them if it's just as strong a choice as having 2 scores in different subjects.</p>

<p>Students from the public HS I graduated from who used Math Level I
and Level II (aka I, IIC) were penalized at top schools (waitlisted
and rejected) compared to peers who submitted different SAT IIs
(Usually a mix of USH/WH/French/Spanish and Math, Science).</p>

<p>There are other factors but this did stand out in a glaring kind of way.</p>

<p>It makes no sense to make two of your your two/three primary scores Math I and Math II. That's just dumb: there's no other way to put it.</p>

<p>You could take both of them, to hedge your bets, but you'll have to ultimately decide which of your two scores you'll want counted as one of your primary scores.</p>

<p>It doesn't matter what opinions you get from posters here; the only "opinion" that counts is the one held by the admissions staff that will be reviewing your application. In general, top schools want to see SAT subject tests from two different subject areas. But as you have already found out, some schools apparently don't care if you submit both Math 1 and Math 2. So you really do need to contact each school you plan to apply to and ask them the question directly.</p>

<p>Have you taken the ACT and done well? Many schools will take the ACT in place of both the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT subject tests, but again, you need to check with the individual schools.</p>

<p>Check your high school's history of such score submissions
at the colleges you are applying to, your GC should be able to help.</p>

<p>Student who inquired at said top schools I posted about earlier were told
that there was nothing to preclude submitting scores from I and IIC. </p>

<p>FYI, the curve on I is likely to make you look somewhat negative
(relatively speaking) as it is a cakewalk to get 800 on IIC and not
so for I.</p>

<p>I found it odd that any school would count both Math Level I and Level II as the two required SAT Subjects. What are some of these schools you asked?</p>

<p>It's like testing for Alg II and Pre-calc for admissions. I think the reason they want two is to see your diverse strengths. For UCs they specifically ask for two different subjects.</p>

<p>No, don't waste your money. Take Math II only.</p>

<p>For UCs, they specifically indicate that Math Level 1 doesn't count.</p>

<p>"These must be in two different areas, chosen from the following: English, history and social studies, mathematics (Level 2 only), science or language other than English."</p>

<p>@ worried_mom: ACT is not offered in my country. :( I'm an international applicant.</p>

<p>@ GoBlue81: I asked Connecticut college (my first choice) - they say Math level 1 and level 2 are different tests, thus can be counted as two SAT Subject Tests.</p>

<p>Thank you all for your advice. I understand the traditional wisdom is that taking both tests is a waste of time and money, as they are the same subject. But the thing I'm most confused about is, since my first choice school requires two SAT subject tests, do you think two high scores on Math 1 and Math 2 (two high 700s, or, if everything goes well, two 800s) will make my application look better than a high score on Math 2 and a mediocre score on Physics (estimated at above 650 but below 700 >.<) ??? </p>

<p>@ Columbia_Student:you see i must take at least two different tests, so I cannot take only Math 2 :(</p>

<p>I'll try emailing the school to ask, too. But please tell me your opinions. Thank you so much!</p>

<p>you need another subject besides math. Even if you get 800 on both Math 1 and Math 2, that is still not good enough.</p>

<p>There may be a stituation where you could use both (unique to you) but you would have to contact each intstitution about it.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I asked Connecticut college (my first choice)

[/quote]

What about your other choices and safeties?</p>

<p>If Connecticut College is your first choice and they'll accept it, then submit your test scores for the SAT I, and the two Math SAT Subject Tests. <em>After</em> you've had the scores sent, you can take the Physics subject test and send it to schools that require more breadth than 2 math tests, but don't send it on to Connecticut College if you think the score will reflect badly on you.</p>

<p>Sometimes high schools will put all your scores on your transcript anyway, but it's one way to officially report just your two math scores, if you want.</p>

<p>Submitting both math tests will hurt you even if it is allowed (and at the Ivies, MIT, etc., it usually isn't). Think about it: the subject tests are for showing colleges other areas of expertise besides what is tested on the SAT. That's why the math II is liked more than the math I, because the math II tests more concepts that aren't on the math section of the SAT I. </p>

<p>Try the literature subject test if you need another one. It doesn't actually require you to know anything about literature or about anything, actually. All it is is a longer version of the critical reading section of the SAT - you just interpret some passages and stuff like that. If you suck at this, it can be taught easily out of a prep book. My SAT critical reading score went up 200 points the second time I took the SAT. The only difference between tests? One hour (actually more like 45 minutes) the night before the second test spent looking through a prep book. The prep book can tell you what the questions will look like, what to look for, and what kind of answers the test wants.</p>

<p>Also, the physics subject test isn't that bad. Don't settle for "I don't know everything on the test but I guess I'll just settle for a mediocre score". If you are actually serious about getting in to the schools you want to get into, again, use a prep book to fill in the gaps of what you don't know. The test only tests basic conceptual knowledge, and it goes at a pretty slow pace compared to the others. By the way, I took the Physics test without a prep book, got a 700. With a prep book, got an 800. You can miss like 9 questions and still get an 800, so it's not that unreachable of a goal. : )</p>

<p>take physics... you never know in which test you d get better unless u try it. I always considered better in math than physics and I got higher in physics than in math(like 20 pts)...
if u submit 2 math tests ur telling admission that you are ONLY good at math and have nothing else to show...</p>