Standardized Math Too Easy?

Test Preparation
1

This is something maybe no one else will agree with, but throughout the whole college prep process I’ve had a big problem with standardized math. Everything on the SAT/ACT I probably learned in eighth grade, and the math level 2 sat test could have literally been my ninth grade final exam. At some points, I felt disadvantaged because I learned this stuff so long ago, and some of the formulas/geometry/weird things like matrices I have since forgotten.

Perhaps it’s my own fault for not studying the material well enough but I hated to re study things I learned in middle school when I had calculus in my brain . But it’s obvious in my stats that I keep getting better at the math as it gets harder which seems paradoxical, but is really only because I’m more familiar with the more difficult math. On my SATS I got 730, on ACT I got 33, on Math II I got 760, and on AP Calc AB I got a 5. Will colleges be able to realize that I can actually perform on difficult math even though my SAT is low? This is especially important because I applied to math related fields.

Interested in hearing some opinions.

2

The SAT II goes through precalculus. Don’t know if you had that in 9th grade.

The test measure how you can apply the math. I would recommend preparing for all 3 of the exams you mention you had disappointing scores on.

3

They want to test how fast and accurate you are at basic math. Stuff like AP calc is easier to score high on than SAT/ACT. If you want to apply to math related fields at competitive schools, you scores on math seem too low.

I took calc and had to take the SAT/ACT too. Just practice and you’ll get back into the groove of doing your math really fast, which isn’t needed in AP calc AB.

4

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I didn’t realize precalc was on there, it didn’t seem like it to me at the time. I had that in 10th grade. Regardless, I probably should have studied more, and in generally I’m just bad at doing math quickly. Really hoping the scores aren’t too low though. :confused: