<p>How realistic is it to apply to Ivy league without a maths SAT? If I don't do maths, would it be better to do literature as the other one, or just do two sciences? I'm thinking of doing US history and Biology E. So is it common to be accepted without maths, and is maths usually replaced by literature or does it matter at all?</p>
<p>Assuming you would not be a STEM major, applying without a math subject test is fine. If you are planning on STEM, Math 2 is pretty standard.</p>
<p>If you were not to take math, I would suggest 2 different areas, not 2 subjects in the same area, US History and Bio E will work just fine.</p>
<p>But since at the application stage the university doesn’t know which major you are going to choose, generally, is it significantly more appreciated to have maths as one of the subjects? Obviously an application with 2 sciences is fine, but does it give a slight disadvantage? Thanks for answering.</p>
<p>I would suggest a humanities and a science over 2 sciences. </p>
<p>While the universities do not admit by major, they do admit by school. So math would be expected for engineering, Wharton, etc. For admissions to an arts and science college, it’s not necessary IMO.</p>
<p>Having said that, why the aversion to taking a math subject test? Have you taken a practice exam in any of the potential subjects?</p>
<p>Some either inquire about your possible major or look at the obvious courses and strengths in your transcript and your activities. The overall patterns in what you present in your app should make sense. </p>
<p>The reason for my aversion towards maths is that I only did advanced maths for half of high school, and though I excelled at it, I dropped it as I found it boring. So I would have the capability to do maths 2, but I would have to learn some of the things without prior knowledge. Maths 1 wouldn’t be a problem at all, but doesn’t it seem a bit underachieving? Is it a realistic option? And I’m aiming for economic or political major, so yes mathematics would help. Though I did get the best grade in maths on the matriculation exams of my home country (Finland). Thanks again for the help guys.</p>
<p>OK, for econ or poly sci, I would definitely take a history SAT and a second subject of your choice. I don’t think the choice of Math 1 vs. Math 2 would hurt you, assuming you scored well. Again, the advise would be different for an engineering major. I wouldn’t overthink this; if you score well enough on 2 tests, you can move on to strengthening other aspects of your application.</p>
<p>Math 1 is fine, but if you choose it, prep for it, since it’s been a while. Agree with ski. USH and Bio are fine. As we say, play to your strengths. </p>
<p>But make sure you followed the recommended hs preparation for the Ivies. As an example, Harvard says, “The study of mathematics for four years.” </p>
<p>
Don’t get too hung up on this. While I almost always suggest following the minimum recommended preparation, the guidelines from Harvard and others are geared specifically for applicants from American high schools. Colleges will recognize that there are differences in educational systems around the world (e.g. specialization in later years in the British system).</p>
<p>Bottom line, make sure you are taking the most challenging classes that are offered in which you can perform well.</p>
<p>History and Math 2, or history and a science, would be fine. You don’t have to declare a major (apply “undeclared”) and choose whichever 2 subjects are your strongest, one in the sciences, one in humanities/social sciences.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks guys!</p>