I’m an international student who’s good at math but does not want to major in STEM but will probably major in social sciences instead. I’m thinking that if I take SAT math 2 and get a good score, it could improve my application? I heard that many other international applicants send SAT 2 scores, and maybe I should also send one to compete well? The only problem is I don’t know if colleges say, “oh, she is more interested in social sciences, so we should ignore this score” lol. I’m interested in math, too (I was the best math student in my class and a math tutor), but I just don’t want to major in it.
BTW, I need fin aid which makes everything harder. That’s why, I want to improve my application as much as possible. Do you think it’s a good idea, or just a waste of time?
I think you’re better off taking a literature or history based subject test. When you apply to a certain major, for the most part and to the best of my knowlege, you are competing against students who want to be in the same field as you. I think a literature subject test would make you look more competitive in the social sciences than a math test.
I would take it if you think you can get a good score. US schools are looking for someone to be well rounded, and scores in difficult subjects are respected. This is in contrast to England and some other countries where they are looking for tests in areas relevant to the specific field you will be studying.
Assuming you also take a non-STEM test and do well, I think it shows that you are smart & versatile. I think it is a rare student who can get an 800 in math II & Lit, for example. I have a kid who did that and had great admission results. I’m sure it helped.