<p>I am applying to colleges for Computer Science this year. I have taken the SAT 3 times and am now taking the Subject Tests. Last Saturday, I took the Chemistry (self-taught) and Math Level 1 tests. I expect to get about a 780-800 on the Level 1 (judging from my practice tests). My concern is this: since I am applying for a science, is it an issue that I am only taking the Math Level 1?</p>
<p>I took the Level 1 because I felt that I would not be ready for the Math on the Level 2. However, now I have become worried that top engineering schools may not be happy with the Level 1 test. Do they understand that since I am homeschooled I don't have access to AP Math classes, etc.?</p>
<p>I have taken many Computer Science courses at a decent local College and gotten good gradestherefore admissions departments will see that I have excelled in my area of interest. Will that good Level 1 score be an issue?</p>
<p>I am retaking the Chemistry subject test in December and could take another subject test with it. However, taking the Level 2 would require an absurd (nearly impossible) amount of studying pre-calc, etc over the next 3 weeks. What should I do?</p>
<p>I’d check individual schools for what subject tests they expect. I wouldn’t try to say “I’m homeschooled and don’t have access to AP Math classes”, because you clearly have access to a decent local college. Obviously, having excelled at many CS classes will work in your favor - congratulations!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t sweat it if you really think you did that well. MIT says they don’t care if a student takes Math I or Math II. </p>
<p>Be aware, though, that the curve for the Math I is much harsher than for the Math II.</p>
<p>If you don’t have time to prep for the Math II (and it sounds like it would be impossible), spend your time writing great essays instead! And make sure someone edits your essays to make sure you stayed on topic and didn’t have any major grammatical, punctuation, or other errors.</p>
<p>You should definitely contact the colleges you are planning to apply to and ask for their preference/policy. Then again, if prepping for the Level 2 test is not feasible, then it’s not feasible.</p>
<p>I know the Univ of Calif says if you are taking Math, take the Math II. You don’t need any AP math classes to pass level II. It has some trig on it (like law of sines and cosines, etc). Find some practice tests for it and see if you can do them.</p>
<p>You seem misinformed. Level 2 math doesn’t require calculus. Also, I’m not sure I understand why you can’t homeschool calculus like any other subject. Actually, it should be easier than science because there isn’t any labwork. If you look around on this site, you can find discussions of kids who are studying calculus on their own and taking the AP exams. Isn’t the point of homeschool that you are able to learn things on your own from books?</p>
<p>This post is from more than a month ago. At the time, my concern was not having enough time to learn the necessary material—I could certainly teach myself it, I just lacked time. </p>
<p>Since then, I did my best to learn pre-calculus on my own and ended up taking the Math I and Math II subject tests together in December. I actually think I probably did better in Math II as the curve is a lot nicer.</p>