<p>I'm taking the SAT Math subject test and I need to know whether I should attempt Levels 1 or 2. In my home country, we cover less topics but in much greater depth, thus I do not understand many of the questions in Level 2, but those I do, I get right. From what I understand, higher scores in Level 2 often correspond to lower percentiles, which is the most important, the scores or percentiles? I also have my Math results from my native country's final examinations which from what I can understand, will be regarded more closely than my SAT Math results. Level 1 is very easy for me. Keeping this information in mind, which one should I do?</p>
<p>If math level 1 is very easy, you should try math level 2. If you don’t score well, you can choose to not send it to colleges anyway. Even an 800 on math level 1 is not particularly impressive: it’s just an algebra test. Math level 2 is what colleges will look for.</p>
<p>Scores and percentiles are both important. The score you receive is based on the percentile your test performance puts you in. This is why score scaling changes test to test.</p>
<p>Generally I agree with pancaked’s advice. And while both scores and percentages are important, I think it is important to note that the math level 2 test takers are a fairly high achieving self-selected group, so while a good but not great score on that test may reflect a so-so percentage, colleges will still be impressed by the score, certainly moreso than they would be by a strong math 1 score.</p>
<p>It depends where you’re applying. Top schools and certain programs at even average schools (engineering, business, science majors where they admit by major) want to see the llc.</p>
<p>^not an important point, just a pet peeve; there hasn’t been a Math IIC test for several years. It’s now called Math Level 2.</p>
<p>Math level 2 is much more impressive. If you take math level 1, it looks like you were lazy.</p>
<p>Ahh how annoying, I’m applying to Ivies, I still think I’m going Level 1 just because I am not acquainted with so many topics on Level 2, they can look at my school/my own country’s results if they want to judge my Math level. I’m mostly a humanities student anyway, no engineering/science programs or anything.</p>
<p>Try for Level 2. It looks much better to colleges (material is more rigorous/difficult), and it has a very lenient curve. You can get as low as 43 in raw score (out of 50) and still get an 800.</p>
<p>When we visited Dartmouth, the admissions rep insisted it made not one bit of difference which subject tests you opted for. </p>
<p>What is considered a “good but not great” score for math II?</p>
<p>^ low 700s</p>
<p>If you might be majoring in something that needs a good math background, then take Math 2, otherwise Math 1 is good enough. For the good math students, schools would like to see an AMC/AIME score when possible, because there are so many kids out there with 800s in Math 2 (about 10%)</p>
<p>Math1 is so similar to the sat math section that it really does not provide any extra information to the college. I recommend you take the math 2 test. You can have up to 12-14 wrong and still score 700+</p>
<p>You’ve all convinced me, I’ll do Math 2 and see how I go.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>