To take Math II or not to take Math II...

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>Anyways, I've heard rumors that colleges really like seeing students that have taken Math II. I have no idea as to whether the rumors are true or even a slight bit valid. It has just been bothering me a little. I'm potentially going into the natural sciences, and as a science major, math II is apparently "recommended". I can't say I'm a very math-based person. Sciences and humanities are always much better for me. I took a pre-calc class about two years about and learned next to nothing (bad teacher; it was basically a review of algebra I & II). I didn't learned anything about matrices, permutations/combinations, polar coordinates, etc...</p>

<p>Anyways, in summation...
- I'm a science major.
- I'm not great at math.
- I need advice on whether I should even take it or not.</p>

<p>P.S. - I've already taken US History and Biology, both of which are 700+. I will also take German with listening later in November.</p>

<p>nluu, select one more subject that you are good at and take it. Although II is recommended, it’s not required. You will still be in a good shape as long as other things are no problem. Math 2C’s curve is very forgiving, so I would say give it a shot. If you don’t do so well, don’t worry about it. 2 Subject tests is already enough pressure.</p>

<p>By the way, how many questions did you get wrong/omit on the US and still ended up with a 700 or + ?</p>

<p>I would highly suggest taking Math II if going into a science field. The two fields of math and science are directly tied to each other, and admission officers may raise some eyebrows if they don’t see that you took a Math SATII. </p>

<p>However, it all depends on the schools you’re applying to. Most top schools would look for Math II if going into a science field, although you could get away with a Math I if you’re shooting for some less competitive schools. </p>

<p>All in all though, it comes down to you. If you know you will totally bomb the Math test (i.e. lower than 650), then it won’t be a good idea to take it. However, if you think you can manage to learn it well before the test date, then it would be best to go for it.</p>

<p>Okay! Thanks for all the advice. I do, however, have one more question. It seems to be in my best interest to study for and to take Math II. However, I was planning on retaking my Biology (I got a 740; it seems that on CC, everyone gets 800’s).</p>

<p>Basically, I’m asking whether I should sacrifice a chance at a possible 800 in Biology for a good score (i.e. 700+) in Math II. Oh, and I got a 720 in US History (but that might not have any bearing on this topic at all, oh well).</p>

<p>@Seachai
My score report never mentioned how many I missed/omitted so I can’t really help you out on that.</p>

<p>I think you should focus more on Math II than Biology for your next test date as SATIIs are, from what I’ve researched, looked at more cumulatively than anything. So, even if you don’t get an 800 in bio, if your overall SATII range is 700+ you should be okay.</p>

<p>I will take the opportunity to point out that even MIT only requires Math II OR Math I - and multiple adcoms have gone on record as saying that they have no preference for Math II.</p>