<p>@ Shrinkrap</p>
<p>While people say SAT is testing your EQ and how well you can take an exam, I have to be honest with you that almost everyone should agree that SAT math is probably a lot simpler than SAT II Math 1, which is just plain algebra and geometry.</p>
<p>If one scores the Math section below 650, and has done many practice problems before, this person has not yet fulfill the basic mathematic ability yet. </p>
<p>Look careful at each word I use. I am not against people who have problem with SAT for whatever reason that prevent them from getting good scores.</p>
<p>However, even a 800 on MATH section does not suggest that the individual is a good candidate for majoring in physics. The score only reflects that the person has fulfill the requirement. The math problems present on SAT 1 Math sections are extremely simple. There are tricks, and I understand that there is a time limit. However, if you cannot solve it within 20 minutes and cannot work under the pressure, you probably will not be happy when you major in physics (actually any science course).</p>
<p>Advance study in science and engineering rely heavily on math. They are written in forms that you cannot imagine. They are so complex that will make you cry.</p>
<p>However, physics majors should endure the pain, and love to solve problems. If you enjoy physics, and you like what physicists do, by all mean try it. </p>
<p>Not everyone has IQ 160, and not everyone is a master in math. In fact most physicists have to collaborate with mathematician when they encounter complex mathematics. While Einstein is a gifted physicist, he approached to his friend Dr. Grossman to learn about tensor analysis, which was needed to formulate his mathematical ideas (and his physics quantities) in his work of theory of relativity.</p>
<p>In essence, not every physicist is an expert in mathematic. But every physicist can solve all the SAT math problems. They know how to perform calculus as if they were doing 1+1. It takes practice (math is pretty mechanical in some ways), and time to absorb the materials solidly.</p>