Level 1 or Level 2 Math Subject Test?

<p>Hi, I need the help and expertise of cc'ers! I am a junior with a prospective major in ug business (finance), applying to schools such as Wharton (hey, can't hurt to try), NYU, UMichigan, Boston University, Northeastern, etc. </p>

<p>Currently I'm taking Precalculus in my school, and we're up to implicit differentiation in the calculus half of the class. My teacher recommended me for AP Calc BC next year.</p>

<p>My question to you all: Which math subject test should I take? Aside from the difficulty levels, what's the difference (material) of the two tests? I looked at collegboard site, but I'm still a bit blurry. Does one have calculus in it? If so, is there integrals, b/c we won't learn that this year (according to my teacher)? I'm shooting for a score above 700 w/o more than 2 weeks of prep (i'll be dovoting most of may to prep for 4 ap exams and the first week to SAT reasoning test).</p>

<p>I'm no math genius, but an above average hardworker/studier who can get pretty good grades. Based on the level of my math class in junior year, which test should I take in June? Which one would ultimately look better (including how well i'd do w/o extensive prep) for a finance major? For example, do the upper tier school expect me to take the harder one or do most students from these school do so? </p>

<p>Also, should I take the easier one now and the harder one in fall? Or is that redundant, and I should just get the math over with?</p>

<p>Thanks a bunch for listening to a newbie! And feel free to ask questions about to help you think of the best solution!</p>

<p>Take Lvl 2. For one, the curve is WAY easier and you should have covered all the topics by the end of pre-calc.</p>

<p>Yeah, go with level 2 because of the nicer curve.</p>

<p>bump..................................</p>

<p>thanks, anyone else agree or disagree? I want to start thinking about it before it's too late!</p>

<p>level 1 is a waste of time, most colleges would recommend level 2. Level I is way too easy and would not look impressive at all, even if you score perfect.</p>

<p>I say level 2 because it will best show the advanced level of math you've taken (it only tests up to precalc / trigonometry, however). Math 2 also has a much nicer curve than Math 1, so you can miss about 4 and still get a 800. Simply put, the Math 2 looks much better for you at a prestigious school than the math 1 will, with your given course load.</p>

<p>I dont think the MathII even has precalc on it....i may be wrong, but I looked it up not too long ago.</p>

<p>I was also told that Math II has no Calc or preCalc on it--that the best time to take the test is right after a student finishes intermediate Algebra...hope that was correct as son is scheduled for SAT2, Math 2 this June as a sophomore.</p>

<p>cardinal - that is what I read on sparknotes.com. I am finishing up Algebra 3/4 w/ trig. this year, and will be taking the MathII SATII in June.</p>

<p>wow, you guys sure there's no calc on the satIIC? that's a relief!</p>

<p>the curve is like 12. meaning 12 wrong is still 800</p>

<p>take SAT level 2. might seem more daunting, but in the end if you feel that math is a challenge to you either way then your score wil turn out roughly the same on both tests. i scored a 800 for math level 2 but i (somehwat embarassingly i think) got a 740 for level 1. ouch.</p>

<p>clearly, level 2 is the way to go. i was much more at ease taking level 2 knowing the curve would be more generous. when taking the level 1, i was anxious as to not make any carless mistakes and ****. haha</p>

<p>I was told that a higher score in Level 2 will look less impressive than it does on Level 1. Colleges know that Level 2 has a much more generous curve than Level 1.</p>

<p>rebuttal, anyone? :)</p>

<p>I think it'd be a good idea to take both simply because Math IC tests accuracy (harsh curve), whereas IIC tests more knowledge.</p>

<p>To my homedawgs art_star 'n fuzzman: That is still illogical, because if you have a higher score on the math 2 with the higher curve, but with still harder questions, and then you have an equal score on the math 1, but with easier questions, the weighing amongst colleges should be at least equal. I mean theoretically that is how it should be, and if not, I would still never think the colleges would weigh more towards the easier exam. NY represent!</p>