I am working with a client who has about 630 on the math level 2. He is applying for engineering and has hooks, so they are fine with submitting that kind of score. I was wondering what score on the math level 1 would be high enough that it would be preferable to submit that? I know the math level 1 has a harder curve.
Most engineering schools like to see Math Level 2 rather than Math Level 1. Math Level 2 is almost always required for any potential STEM majors.
At an MIT admissions session we went to last week, they stated that either Math 1 or Math 2 can be submitted because they test different material.
Just based on what I’ve learned from one child who went through the engineering admissions process, and another who just took the Math 2 subject test, plus looking at the CB statistics, I’d say at least 700, and preferably 730 or more.
My take on top schools saying they’ll take either is like them saying Subject Tests are optional. I think submitting anything under an 800 Math 1 to MIT, and even an 800, would put you at a disadvantage.
But MIT says differently about the score bar, RichinPitt. One rep reflected on how they know anyone with a 7 in front “can do the work” at MIT. Then they look for a whole lot more. (This was before the new SAT, so expect a tad higher.)
It’s a mistake to focus on stats alone, as if. Yes, 630 in any math is low for many engineering progeams, because of the competition. But you haven’t even hinted at the targets or at the rest of what this kid will offer. Or not. GPA, rigor, math-sci ECs, collaborative stem activities, breadth, and more. Some hook wont make up for an incomplete whole record.
What sort of targets?
For MIT, anything under a 790 for Level 2 and they’re probably under the median. I don’t think it’s a good idea to submit any score for Level 1. Just a personal opinion.
As I noted, they say many things, and this is my take on it. I’m not alone, as you see.
No one said to focus on stats alone. There was a question about one data point, the answers are about that one data point. Broad discussions about admission don’t belong in a “what Math 1 score” topic.
Nor did OP mention MIT.
For engineering at many colleges, 630 could be fine. See the issue here?
. >>>>Math Level 2 is almost always required for any potential STEM majors.>>>>
3 kids admitted to engineering of various flavors, not one of them took an SAT subject test.
This score was earned after completing which high school math courses?
If this was after completing trigonometry and precalculus, that suggests that the student may not be optimally ready for calculus and may need to review some high school math topics before going to college to study engineering or other math-heavy subject.
If the student has completed algebra 2 and geometry but not beyond those by the time of the test (probably means a student who is not advanced in math, taking trigonometry and precalculus in 12th grade), then math level 1 is the more appropriate test.
Student has taken honors precalculus, and I helped him improve from 610 to 700 on the math SAT. Top 50 schools are generally looking for 700+ on subject tests, but many schools would like to see math level 2 for engineering and will take 600+.
Student initially was going to take math level 1. I suggested to parent that he take math level 2, as he had honors precalc, and most people submit level 2 for engineering or top schools. Student preferred level 2, as forgot a lot of the earlier math. However, he is getting almost all of problems 35-50 wrong, so thought we might consider level 1.
What grade did he earn in the course?
If he earned an A in the course (and previous math courses), that can be a warning that the high school’s courses are not of good quality, or the grades are highly inflated. He may need to review or learn any gaps in his knowledge of high school math before going to college to study engineering, regardless of what SAT subject scores he presents for admissions. Otherwise, college math and everything depending on it in engineering could be a difficult struggle.
Many colleges will have math placement tests like this one that new students take before enrolling in calculus 1: http://www.math.buffalo.edu/rur/rurci3.cgi
Also, a “top 50” for engineering school that wants subject tests may wonder why a student who completed honors precalculus sent math level 1 instead of math level 2, regardless of score. Math level 1 is understandable for a student taking precalculus in 12th grade, but not for one who completed it earlier.
My daughter scored 800 on Math II (and SAT math section)… But NOT when she took it right after pre-calc. There were a few subjects- including matrices and polar coordinates that hadn’t been covered in her classes. If your student is solid on the first 2/3 but missing everything else then it might be better to study those over summer and retake Math II in August.
I meant that top 50 schools look for math subject tests and so do many engineering programs. The student I am tutoring is applying for engineering, but probably not mainly to top 50 schools. Engineering programs will often take a 650 or whatever or no subject test. I know Ivies and such want 700+.
The student is just going to average public schools, and the precalculus class may not be that great, and he may be getting a B in it.
Yeh, the fact that he does well on the first 2/3 but terrible on the last 1/3 probably indicates I need to teach him more of the advanced material.
Is he currently in the course now, or did he take it last year? If he is currently in the course, when (which test date) did he take the math level 2 subject test?
If he is currently in the course, but took the math level 2 subject test months ago, then it is obvious why he does not know some of the material.
He just took the test. He has almost completed precalculus. I would have strongly recommended against taking the level 2 until completing precalculus or close.