<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm planning to apply to Caltech (which requires 2) and MIT (which requires either 1 or 2). My problem is I just finished Alg 2 at school, which is enough for math 1, but this summer I have been taking a online class on Precalc, which is enough for math 2. Because, geometry and basic algebra is still fresh in my mind, I think Id do better on Math 1 for MIT (I got 790 in Math on SAT). Should I just take math 2 for both colleges or should I take math 1 and 2 together or at different times or what?</p>
<p>Depends on your major. But if you have to ask, probably Math 2. Since MIT and CalTech are technology/science oriented-schools, they would probably prefer math 2. I know that MIT’s core curriculum includes math up to multivariate which everybody has to complete - that’s unusual for other schools. So Math 2 shows that you have the mathematical skills required for those schools.</p>
<p>Math 2 has a higher level of rigor in terms of content, but has a more lenient curve and looks better on paper.</p>
<p>Take 2. Learn some precalc. </p>
<p>The level 2 test is easier anyways if you know precalc.</p>
<p>I would just take Math II. I don’t think you have to take Math I/II until November or December, since Caltech and MIT’s RD application deadlines are around January 1.</p>
<p>Besides, you should already be familiar with pre-calculus if you’re planning on going to Caltech or MIT.</p>
<p>Ok thanks, I think I will take it in October and retake it if necessary</p>
<p>Yup, math II b/c it’s almost impossible to get an 800 on math I since you have to score perfect, but an 800 on math II is pretty easy. Don’t worry too much about not knowing that much precalc - you only need to know the basics, like radians. Review as much algebra as you can. I don’t think geometry is too important, but look over that too.</p>
<p>^I’ve heard the same, on math I you need pretty much perfect to score 800 (which is possible, but no room for error). You do need at least some basic trig, e.g. know the definitions of sin,cos,tan, and maybe a few basic identities (Pythagorean identity, for example).</p>
<p>You learn about sin, cos, tan in algebra. Yeah, for trig identities, just know that (sinx)^2 + (cosx)^2 = 1.</p>
<p>I dont mean to like steal this thread lol … but im going to take math 2 and i know u need precalc but like what topics from pre calc on there
apparently from stated above theres basic trig …</p>
<p>Yup, basic trigs, and make sure you’re good w/ radians.</p>