SAT Math II Without AP Calc AB?

Test Preparation
1

Hello everyone,

There’s a long story to why I am not in the advanced mathematics class at my school. I am currently with the regular kids which puts me a year behind in math. By the end of junior year, I will have completed Algebra II with Trigonometry. That is when I plan to take the SAT Math Subject Test, so I can include my math score in my application.

Lately, I’ve had a lot of concern about college and especially about the Math SAT Subject Tests. I’ll be taking multiple subject tests (Chemistry, World History, etc.), but I am just not sure how I will take one in math.

I’ve been told that the Math II covers slightly more material than the Math I, but has a better curve. I’m pretty sure the extra material is covered in the AP Calc AB curriculum, which I won’t be taking until senior year.

Is it possible to take the SAT Math II without Calc AB? Would it be better for me to just take the Math I instead?

If anyone could give some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

-Vortex

2

Math II basically finishes up at pre-calc, it’s like a slightly beefed up ACT math. I think the hardest thing I found on Math II when I took it last year (didn’t have Calc either, don’t worry) was like polar coordinates (which we did in class that Monday…urgh). Point is, Calc is neither recommended nor necessary to do well on Math II, just do well in Alg. 2 and Trig, and maybe pick up a Barron’s book or something for review. Good luck!

3

Thanks! @ivyhopes12‌

4

You don’t need calculus on Math II. However, it may ask questions on limits (e.g. what is the limit of f(x) as x --> c), so it may help to familiarize yourself with them and how to evaluate some basic limits (you won’t need L’Hopital’s rule or anything like that). Some curricula define a limit in pre-calculus, others do it first thing in a calculus course.