<p>on regular SAT? and should students...in particular mine...who scored low on the SATI take the mathlevel two? They are in precalc and math analysis right now and getting an A and a B respectively. Are the subject tests more straight forward than the resoning test?</p>
<p>Their situation is this. Solid applicants taking the most difficult course load possible at their rural hs (under 500 students) one has a 3.9 the other a 3.7. Solid everything and good CR and Writing scores. they got the same low math score. In fact it is significantly lower (40-130 pts) lower than the mid 50% for all but their safeties. they will be doing serious prep and retaking them in June but I wonder if the math2 subject test will hurt or help them at this point.</p>
<p>In my experience, there isn’t too much of a difference in the “straightforwardness” of the math tests. They are generally in the same format with the only difference being difficulty. Don’t take Math II until you are done with precalc… I don’t know what “math analysis” is.</p>
<p>I personally have never taken the Math II subject test, but just from talking to other people, the content of the subject is of a higher lever than that on the reasoning test. Whatever you decide, review in algebra (I and II) and geometry is critical to success on the math exams. However, I would advise your kids to wait until they are done with precalc before taking the Math II exam, as noted above.</p>
<p>IMO, colleges would look for all-around success on standardized tests more than specific points of weakness. I would encourage your kids to take subject tests in subject areas in which they excel and generally enjoy rather than trying to make up for one bad score. I think the importance of the mediocre math score could be diminished in the context of other excellent scores. </p>
<p>While you may put yourself in a situation similar to those of many math/science-oriented students (lopsided SAT scores, only math and science subject tests, etc.), your children’s performance in math classes shows that they are capable of succeeding in higher-level math classes. In general, I would say, study and take the SAT I again, don’t sweat the subject test, and take the subject tests on which your children can best show their talents. It’s not a big deal unless your children want to be math/science majors.</p>
<p>All of this doesn’t apply if your children’s safeties are the Ivies. :)</p>
<p>LOL…their safeties are not the Ivies none of us are after the perfect score. The girls were shooting for the mid 600s in all three areas and fell significantly short in math. Thanks so much to both of you for the advice. Based on your advice I’ll advise them to go ahead and cross MATH off the list all together and just focus on bringing up that score on the reasoning test.</p>