Does it look better to a college if you take math 2 instead of math 1?

Applying to College
1

So, I’m having doubts about taking math 2. I’ve done practice tests and I’ve been getting really bad scores on them. If I take math 1 instead, how will colleges view that?

2

I don’t think it will matter that much. Please note that score distribution is different, harder to get a high score on math 1 or perhaps the students taking it are not as strong

3

If you are looking to major in STEM, Math 2 is preferred.

4

Math 2 is much preferred by most colleges

5

Thanks for all the replies! Even if I did terribly in math 2. Say for example I get a 590 in math 2 but get a 700 in math 1 would the math 2 score look better to a college?

6

No it would not. Scoring highly on any test whether it be U.S history or Math will look good to the admissions people, its just that Math 2 tests certain math skills that are different than that of just reasoning (its tests your precalc abilities).

7

Math 2 is for those who have had precalculus. Math 1 is for those who have not.

Have you had precalculus?

8

Math 2 is required by top tier STEM colleges. Check the admission requirements for the schools you’re planning to apply to and see if they require Math 2. If they don’t and you don’t feel comfortable taking it, go for something else. Unless you’re going for a STEM school, getting an 800 on literature is probably better than a 600 or 700 on Math