So im currently a level below pre calc (I’m scheduled to take pre calc next year as a senior, if I dont summer study to skip) and was thinking of taking Math I and USHistory for subject test, but from what I am reading I hear its easier to get a higher score in math 2? Is this true? Also is it worth it for me to Math I vs Math 2? I have no calc knowledge but I got a 670 on Math SAT section in Janurary. I plan on taking the subject tests in May and regular SAT again in June. Is it even worth it to worry so much about subject tests anyway? ALso i wanna go to NYU Stern
I would try math 2… it really is much easier in my opinion
fwiw i got 660 on math sat (though I only took it once w/o prep), but an 800 on math II on my first try without any prep as well
The reason it is “easier” to get a good score on Math II than Math I is because of the curve. You can look up sample curves, but the general idea is that you can get a few questions wrong/omit a few questions on Math II and still get a perfect score, while on Math I the curve is less lenient - once you get a couple wrong your perfect score is gone.
Purchase a prep book and/or look online for some free prep for both tests. Many books cover Math I and Math II so you may want to invest in one of those. Take a practice test for each test, and see which you do better on. I really don’t remember the exact details of the curriculum covered on each, but make sure you’re capable of doing the Math II content before taking the test.
If nothing (or close to nothing) on Math II comes as a “complete shocker,” I’d definitely recommend taking Math II. Like I said previously, the curve is more generous, and generally, when you are applying to prestigious Engineering **and/or Business Programs/b, Math II is favored.
If you have additional questions regarding the tests, check out the subject test forum: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-subject-tests-preparation/
As for NYU’s requirements, I believe they are very lenient in testing, and have allowed for different standardized tests to cover their application requirements. However, I’d definitely recommend taking subject tests to boost your application, especially since Stern is so competitive. In addition, you may be applying to other schools that require the subject tests, so they are good to have anyways.
If you have additional questions regarding NYU admissions, check out the NYU forum: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/new-york-university/
You do need pre-calc for Math2.
On my Math II, I felt like there were less than 10 questions which really required anything I learned in Pre-Calc.