<p>If you're terrible at math, you have several options:
1) take the Math II anyway, asking help from anyone who's willing to give it. The math on the SAT is far different from that in a textbook. It's playing the test that gets you a 700+ (~ the score you need). You can miss 4 or 5 or 6 problems and still be in good shape
2) Take the Math I and risk missing a couple problems (even if they're a tad easier) and thus lowering your score dramatically
3) Take your SAT II's in another science area (perhaps a math-related subject like Chemistry or Physics [side note about Chemistry though to anyone planning on taking it: make sure you've done an AP or AP-equivelent course before taking it. A standard high school course won't cut it), and a couple you do good at. You want well-roundedness, and you may be able to get away with being balanced in the "math and sciences," as some people will lump them together. I don't know about the legacy. One more note on trying--it's no good to "try" and get a 600 just for the sake of trying. You should be working on the things that aren't your strengths, but being above average in those areas too. Princeton wants either well-balanced students (students who are well above average in everything), or well-lopsided students (students who are about to win a Field's Medal or something).</p>
<p>so, assuming I switch to the Math II and do decently...what are my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>you seem to think your admission is contingent on one SATII score, which it is not.</p>
<p>I realize that, I just can't seem to get an answer...just talk about my SAT II choice</p>
<p>You've got some holes in your application, which isn't good. However, if you really shine in other areas, you've got a good shot...did you mention if you're going RD or ED?</p>
<p>ED makes me really nervous...so probably RD, which I know reduces my chances a little</p>
<p>jon314:</p>
<p>It's not true that you need to take ap chem to take that test. I did normal chemistry at my school (that's all that's offered) and literally skimmed a few chapters of a review book i got and got an 800 on the chem sat ii.</p>
<p>although, i DID take ap chem and also skimmed chapters of a review book and got a 690. Granted, I hate chem with most of my heart, but still.</p>
<p>edit: I was actually only a month or two into my ap chem class when I took it, now that I think about it.</p>
<p>It really depends a lot on the school. You have to be intelligent to get an 800, but it also has to do with the quality of the course. No matter how smart someone is, they probably won't be able to deduce their own version of kinetic molecular theory if they aren't familiar with it. I imagine that Clendenator's course was much more rigorous than the AP course that a recent poster named adidas got an A in only to score a 1 on the AP. I think at most schools, you're better off waiting until you've had AP.</p>
<p>If you apply RD, your chances are only ~7-8 percent anyway. Your profile is very good, but not exceptional- have you ever participated in competitive sports, perhaps something related to horseback riding? I would be much more concerned over athletic participation and leadership than than whether to take the math I or II. I would also retake the SATs to increase your math and writing scores; they are certainly within range but put you on the lower side. Don't worry about middle school grades.</p>
<p>Agreed. You don't have to take an AP course (I actually did not, and got a 750). However, that's because I worked my butt off the week before when I found out that I had only covered half the material. It's really best to have 2 high school chemistry courses or an AP course. You don't have to, but to be prepared you do.</p>