I was wondering if I should take Math 1 or Math Junior year as I’m taking Chemistry Subject Test Sophomore Year.
Major: BioChem
Should I take Math 1 or Math 2?
Freshman Year: Alg 2
Sophomore Year: Geometry Honors
Junior Year: Pre Calc Honors
Senior Year: AP Calc BC
Bump
Math 2.
Math 1 isn’t really a thing at colleges that require or recommend subject tests. I mean, I know it is offered, but you really should take Math 2 and some other subject test to be taken seriously. If you don’t feel like you’ve had the full coursework yet for Math 2, then wait to take the test until you have. There isn’t a rush to take subject tests – try to finish them up by end of junior year to take pressure off in the fall.
OP’s math sequence should be fine for Math 2 by end of Junior year, based on what my kids have told me about the test.
Agree that there is no pressure to take these. My son is a senior and just took his subject tests over the weekend!
Math 2 is for students who have completed precalculus or are completing precalculus at the time of the test.
Math 1 is for students who have completed algebra 2 and geometry (or equivalent integrated math courses) but not precalculus.
Best choice for the OP would be math 2 at the end of junior year as s/he is completing precalculus.
Is there any benefit to taking Math 1 after integrated 3 and Math 2 after precalculus?
^^No. For stronger math students, (and taking Precalc as a Junior qualifies for stronger), M2 is a no-brainer after Precalc… M2 has a more forgiving curve.
OP: Math 2 after junior year.
Ok thanks!
Is there a school in the country that would specifically need Math 1?
^With so many kids taking Calc. now in high school, it does seem that Math 1 is a holdover from another era. Nevertheless, MIT allows the submission of Math 1. CMU no longer requires subject tests but still strongly recommends Math 1 or 2 for Dietrich and IS. I’ve seen a few architecture programs accept the Math 1 as well. So there is still a specific use for the test.
There are also elite colleges that want to see subject tests but leave it up to the applicant to choose. Someone who, for whatever reason, isn’t planning on calculus in HS might benefit from submitting a strong Math 1.
Math level 2 is the most commonly taken subject test (though math level 1 has almost as many test takers as US history or chemistry), probably because it is now mostly more selective colleges that want subject tests, and most students aiming for those colleges are on the +1 or higher math track (completing precalculus in 11th grade or earlier).