Just a thought. So it’s like if your SAT I Math is subpar, but you take the SAT II for Math 2 and score really well, does it sort of balance out that subpar score to admissions officers? Thanks!
I would reatake the SAT I and get the math score up.
It depends on the school whether they look at SAT2 and how low was the Math score in SAT1.
Just study and bring up your SAT score. I think the answer is no. If you are taking SAT subject tests, I presume you are going for top schools. If your SAT math is not over 700, you not competitive. Best case you have a 1500 SAT and/or 33 ACT. Once you are in that range, sure a 750+ on SAT II can help.
Doubtful. As others have said, I would work on bringing up your SAT math score if you are in this situation.
No. Subject tests are validators at best. They do not substitute for standardized tests. You might want to take the ACT too. It can’t hurt, and you never know if you do better.
@Sportsman88 Whether or not a 700 on math is “not competitive” is extremely relevant, and could still equate to a 1500 overall, which is quite competitive, in fact.
Anyway, I’m upset that I have to take Math 2 since I skipped Pre-Calculus. I say enough with the subject tests. Getting a 5 on AB and BC should be validation enough. Now I have to learn Math 2 after taking 6 APs. RIP.
Agree that subject tests are definitely secondary to strong SAT scores. For TOP schools, you want both sets of scores to be very high, and have some extra “pop” on top of that in your application.
@AimingTop50 I’m confused where your post is coming from - I was addressing the OP’s concern about SAT II vs SAT Math. No one says you have to take Math 2 for the SAT Subject Test. Math 1 is fine. If someone scored a 1500 with a 700 Math, obviously that’s a student geared towards humanities and Math 1 is fine.
For that matter, no one says you even have to take Math as one of your tests unless you are going for math/engineering.
At the end of the day, colleges set their own rules and there is no shortage of applicants following those rules.
@Sportsman88 But OP said he/she did well on Math 2.
I’m a Math/Science student. I couldn’t imagine taking any other subject tests sadly.
A very few colleges, or even certain majors within the college, require Math 2 (rather than Math 1) SAT subject test. It’s important that you check out the individual requirements of the school you’re applying to.
@AimingTop50 My comment is on you feeling you need to take Math 2, not the OP. Why can’t you take Math 1 subject test? Your question is valid but better for it’s own thread to prevent confusion.
OP uses the term SAT I so I’m a little confused on whether that’s standard SAT or SAT II in Math I. I take it as the former. It’s also unclear if this is hypothetical or OP’s situation without providing numbers which I think is more likely.
If a student did well on Math 2, I get that it’s been a while since he or she has worked on basic algrebra or geometry but nothing a little study can’t remedy.
SAT 1 refers to the standard SAT.
Thanks. It’s what I thought. Looks like we’ve lost OP at any rate.
The Math 1 subject test is pretty similar to the math part of the SAT that admissions officers don’t really distinguish the two or give the Math 1 any relevance. That’s why guidance counselors recommend the Math 2, you should assume that as an engineering major, your fellow applicants will have taken Math 2. And while colleges publicly may say they don’t care which Math subject test you take, if you approach them privately, they’ll say Math 2.
We can agree to disagree. Engineering/math, absolutely Math 2. Humanities, not necessary. Many students don’t have the opportunity to take enough math in HS to be prepared for a high score on Math 2. A 750 on Math 1 is better than a 650 on Math 2.
Admissions are holistic.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Please do. The OP’s question has nothing to do with M1 vs. M2.
Guys I’m so sorry for the confusion. The situation is hypothetical, not a real scenario right now. The question just popped into my head and I wanted some feedback. I do have a 700 on the math portion of the SAT I (680 on CR). This was a first time shot w/o prep. I’m already retaking in June. I’m in Honors Precal right now and I figured I’d do better on a test for one subject than having to spread my brainpower across the whole SAT. (For reference I want to apply to Duke). Thank you so much for all the feedback!
What year are you in HS?
What to you want to major?
1480 is not a bad score and you could easily get that into low 1500’s, especially if you practice based on what you missed before June.
FYI, you might want to take a practice test on Math 2 before assuming you’ll do better on it. My D aced Calc 1 and Math I was the right test for her based on practice tests before registering for the actual subject test.
@Sportsman88 I’m currently a junior and I want to major in Biochemistry. My SAT actually a 1380 (I know that’s poor especially for Duke, but I know I can get it up if I practice)
I would take the Math 2 test in August, so I’ll have the whole summer to practice (my teacher is giving me review packets and such).