<p>I want to major in Science
and take the SAT II Subjects Test--should I take the math?
I enjoy math but I have never been a math wiz. I am a senior and want to apply to Johns Hopkins and other schools with strong science departments. I have taken the SAT once and my math score was not high (500). I am working hard to pulling it up and I am taking College Algebra at a local College.</p>
<p>Question: Should I take SAT II in Chemistry and not in Math?
Or take the Math also?</p>
<p>Can I submit only the scores I want?
Also, what is a "good" score in these areas?</p>
<p>You’re in a difficult situation. For someone planning to major in a science, taking the SAT math II is quite typical. But getting a poor score on this exam will hurt your chances at a selective college such as John Hopkins. I’m sure you’ve seen the JHU recommendation on which SAT II exam to take for engineering majors. I would assume that the recommendations apply for science majors as well.</p>
<p>My sense from your SAT math score and your comment that you are not a math wiz is that you will struggle with college math. Since most college science coursework requires a relatively high level of math (surely through differential equations by junior year) you may want to reconsider your declared major.</p>
<p>Thank you for your suggestion. I am not a math wiz but more of a slow and steady-wins-the-race student. I understand that math is very important in science and I am now applying myself 100%. I may be a late bloomer in this area but plan to pull my math SAT score up significantly this fall. I am taking college algebra, chemistry, chem lab, meteorology and US History right now as an Early Admissions student at Miami Dade College (I am taking 10 classes this year–5 in the fall and 5 in the spring). I will take Trig/Pre Calc., physics, geology and botany in the spring. My commitment and interest level in science is very high, so I don’t plan to change majors.</p>
<p>Math level 2 is expected if you have completed trigonometry before taking it. Math level 1 exists because on-level non-advanced students will not have completed trigonometry in time.</p>
<p>The generally higher scores on math level 2 are due to self-selection – only students at least a year ahead of the normal sequence in math take it. These are generally the better students in math. Math level 1 is taken by on-level and behind students who are generally not as good at math as those who are at least a year ahead in math.</p>
<p>I am taking college algebra and Chemistry at Miami Dade college now. I have completed high school Algebra I, II and Geometry. Thats it. I am taking Trig and Pre Calc in the spring—so that will be after college applications are in. I plan to take calculus and Statistics and probability during the summer after I graduate from high school.</p>
<p>I am homeschooled and I am enrolled full time in the early admissions program at Miami dade college where I am taking 5 classes now and 5 in spring. Almost all science and math courses.</p>
<p>It doesn’t look like I should take the SAT II Math 2 before January, right?
Will this hurt my chances of acceptance into Johns Hopkins? Should I applied undeclared or as a Chemistry major (thats what I want to study–although I love all science).
Can I take the SAT 2 in the spring and submit scores?</p>
<p>I hate to say it, but if you’re applying to schools with the caliber of John Hopkins, don’t take the Math level 2 unless you’re certain you can score a 750+. The reason for this is that so many math geniuses take it that it’s almost expected to score in the high 700-800 range. I forget the percentage of 800s but it’s something ridiculous - like in the 80s or something. About 20% of test takers get 800! </p>
<p>So think about it. If you’re competing with someone who scored an 800 for that spot at John Hopkins and you didn’t even break 750, who are they going to choose?</p>
<p>Of course, if you DO get a 750+, that will look extremely impressive. So it’s really your choice. In the end, if you’re looking at top science programs but DON’T think you can do a great job, find another test to do - chemistry, bio, etc. If you DO have the drive to work hard enough for that 750+, then who’s stopping you?</p>