Math IC vs IIC

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Is it possible to take the Math IIC SAT II if I haven't taken precalc yet? I got PR's Math SAT II book today (which covers both levels), and I was about to answer 23 of the first 30 without having prepared at all. Although the ones at the end are harder, is it possible to just teach myself the material that I haven't already learned? (I've taken algebra, geometry, and trig.)</p>

<p>And also, is the reason that the Math IIC scores are so much higher than the IC because the score curve is a lot more lenient? In my PR book, you need 50/50 on IC to get an 800, but you only need a raw score of about 44/50 on IIC. Is that true? Or are the IIC scores always higher because those kids are just math geniuses?</p>

2

<p>Of course it's possible..why wouldn't it be. You determine your own score.</p>

<p>Math IIC has a more lenient curve, but IC is easier. And no you don't have to be a math genius to get a high score.</p>

3

<p>Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....</p>

4

<p>Pre Calc would help you out a lot as the IIC contains trig functions and stuff like that.</p>

5

<p>Hmm, yeah.. Going over my book, I think I'll stick with IC, and just practice a lot. I'm aiming for high 700s, so I really have to focus not to make any careless errors.</p>

6

<p>The Ic curve is tough. I think answering a single question wrong puts an 800 in jeopardy, two questions wrong and the 800 is impossible. The IIc is indeed far more lenient, and if you're smart I think it's possible to teach yourself what you need to know. For example, the IIc always has a limits question on it, but you don't need to know calculus; you just need to know that the question is always the same. Factor numerator and denominator, cancel common factor, plug in, done.</p>

<p>In short: the IIc curve is easier because it covers more varied material. The extra material is not harder than the Ic material (I'd argue that in some ways, the Ic material is harder because there's more plane geometry, which is less mechanical than the extra IIc material).</p>

7

<p>Mathematics Level 2 is a broad survey test intended for students who have taken college-preparatory mathematics for more than three years, including two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and elementary functions (precalculus) and/or trigonometry.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/lc_two/math2c/math2c.html?match2c%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/lc_two/math2c/math2c.html?match2c&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Taking Math IIC would be no problem. If you prepped for it, you'll do pretty well with the courses you have taken already.</p>

8

<p>Hey dudes, I have a small question !
I intend to sit for the SAT II in Oct and my initial intention was to take Math, Physics n His or Lit ( not sure ). But recently I relized the considerable amount of His that I have to study, so I intend to quit Physics ( as it is supposed to be fairly tough, and I am terrible at it too ). So, my SAT II subjects test would include Math I, II,...
But the point here is lots of people discourage us from taking two Maths as in actuality it is just counted as one subject . So if I take Math I, II at the same time, will this be an huge disadvantage ? ( esp when it comes to applying to some Ivies ? ) :)
Thankx in advance !</p>

9

<p>i didnt even think you were allowed to take both math tests at the same time</p>

10

<p>OMG, GinPA: Is that true ? I am really surprised, I have seen some seniors in my school took Math I, II , Chem at the same time !
Can anyone verify this, please ?</p>

11

<p>You can take both math subject tests on the same test day.</p>

12

<p>Oh, thankx a bunch kchen ! ;)</p>

<p>But back to my question above, do you guys think it is still good to take two Math ( I, II ) and another subject ? If I take this, will it be an disadvantage compared with other candidates who take three completely different subjects ? ( to tell the truth, studying US History, with inter student like me, is intense enough. Taking Physics or Chem as a third subject will certainly get me down :( ). However, if it is absolutely necessary, I may consider it ! ;)
So, guys give me some advice please ! Thanks in advance ;)</p>

13

<p>bump ! I need your advice ;)</p>

14

<p>Check the colleges that you are considering. If they only require two subject tests, then it doesn't hurt to take two math subject tests + US History subject test (you would have math and history, two different areas, and that would be perfect). If you need three subject tests of different areas, you may want to change one of the math tests to another subject. If you don't want to take Physics or Chem, there's always Literature, Biology, and the foreign languages.</p>

15

<p>Oh, thanks a bunch for your prompt reply, kchen ! I will take a look at my dream schools' websites immediately ;)
But between Phy and Chem, which one do you think is easier ? ( I mean we stand a higher chance of getting high score, like Math I & II )</p>

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<p>Personally, I think a high score on the Chemistry Subject Test will look better than a high score on the Physics Subject Test, but both are about the same difficulty. I think Chemistry has the more lenient curve, although I can't be too sure because I have not taken either one of these.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2005/16_subj_test_percentile_ranks_0506.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2005/16_subj_test_percentile_ranks_0506.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Here's the percentile ranking for the Subject Tests, if that helps you in any way.</p>

17

<p>Wait a second, according to that percentile ranking, it's easier to get better scores on the Math IIC than on the Math I. How is that possible/is that only because smarter people take Math II?</p>

18

<p>No, because the curve is far more lenient-around five wrong is still an 800, any many people score that high on the exam.</p>