Math II v. Math I.... why??

<p>So I took the Math Level 1 subject test several months ago and I got a 740. I know that this can be improved and I plan on taking it again. The thing is, though, I have a LOT of friends who are taking/have taken math level 2. Example scores of my friends are 800, 800, 750, 780. I know that Math Level 2 has a generous curve, but is it really that much easier than Math Level 1? When I look at the practice questions it always seemed that Math Level 1 was easier which is why I chose it.. now I'm starting to have second-thoughts. I know colleges don't look at both maths if you have taken them, it's either one or the other. Would you guys recommend I continue studying for Math Level 1 to raise it or switch and try to get an 800 on Math Level 2? </p>

<p>P.S. Please don't say something about how they test different things and they are both as hard as each other/yadda yadda. All of Math Level 1 are like common sense that you can figure out, but Math 2 has such a generous curve.... I'm torn :O Any help would be appreciated!</p>

<p>Math 1 has easier qs (no precalc) but a harder curve because it’s very possible to get all qs right. Math 2 is harder and with precalc so you can miss more as and still get an 800.</p>

<p>i’d recommend that you take math 2c because it’s a requirement for many colleges, and actually a lot of majors. (especially in math/science/engineering)</p>

<p>here’s what collegeboard has to say: </p>

<p>"If you have taken trigonometry or elementary functions (precalculus) or both, received grades of B or better in these courses, and are comfortable knowing when and how to use a scientific or graphing calculator, you should select the Level 2 test. If you are sufficiently prepared to take Level 2, but elect to take Level 1 in hopes of receiving a higher score, you may not do as well as you expect. You may want to consider taking the test that covers the topics you learned most recently, since the material will be fresh in your mind. You should also consider the requirements of the colleges and programs you are interested in.</p>

<p>Areas of Overlap on Math Level 1 and Math Level 2</p>

<p>The content of Level 1 has some overlap with Level 2, especially in the following areas:</p>

<pre><code>Elementary algebra
Three-dimensional geometry
Coordinate geometry
Statistics
Basic trigonometry
</code></pre>

<p>How Test Content Differs</p>

<p>Although some questions may be appropriate for both tests, the emphasis for Level 2 is on more-advanced content. The tests differ significantly in the following areas:</p>

<pre><code>Number and Operations. Level 1 measures a more basic understanding of the topics than Level 2. For example, Level 1 covers the arithmetic of complex numbers, but Level 2 also covers graphical and other properties of complex numbers. Level 2 also includes series and vectors.
Algebra and Functions. Level 1 contains mainly algebraic equations and functions, whereas Level 2 also contains more advanced equations and functions, such as exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric.
Geometry and Measurement. A significant percentage of the questions on Level 1 is devoted to plane Euclidean geometry and measurement, which is not tested directly on Level 2. On Level 2, the concepts learned in plane geometry are applied in the questions on coordinate geometry and three-dimensional geometry. The trigonometry questions on Level 1 are primarily limited to right triangle trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent) and the fundamental relationships among the trigonometric ratios. Level 2 includes questions about ellipses, hyperbolas, polar coordinates and coordinates in three dimensions. The trigonometry questions on Level 2 place more emphasis on the properties and graphs of trigonometric functions, the inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations and identities, and the laws of sines and cosines.
Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability. Both Level 1 and Level 2 include mean, median, mode, range, interquartile range, data interpretation and probability. Level 2 also includes standard deviation. Both include least-squares linear regression, but Level 2 also includes quadratic and exponential regression.
</code></pre>

<p>Seek advice from your high school math teacher if you are still unsure of which test to take. Keep in mind you can choose to take either test on test day, regardless of what test you registered for.</p>

<p>Please note that these tests reflects what is commonly taught in high school. Due to differences in high school classes, it’s likely that most students will find questions on topics they’re not familiar with. This is nothing to worry about. You do not have to get every question correct to receive the highest score (800) for the test. Many students do well despite not having studied every topic covered."</p>

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