Using Math Level ONE for admissions at MIT

Colleges & Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>MIT says on their website that they don't care which math test you take (level 1 or 2), and that it just depends on what level of math you're at and when you took the test. On the online application, it just says select test, select score. In June 2007 I took math level 1 and scored 760. In June 2008, I took math level 2 and scored 640 (-- this take was on 2 hours of sleep as I had insomnia the night before the test. I can score higher and plan to retake the test soon, but I'm still wondering about this as of NOW). </p>

<p>If I do the math 1 score on the application, does that REALLY mean the exact same thing to the admissions officers as if I took math II? Furthermore, if I score something like a 740 or 750 on the math II on my next attempt, would it make sense for me to put the math 1 on the app instead of math 2 because it's higher? (This is a hypothetical situation). </p>

<p>As a side note, my scores are this: SAT I first try CR 620, M 740, W 790. SAT II math 1 760, math 2 640, chemistry 650 (chem was same test date- insomnia, plan to retake). I would like to apply early to MIT (apps due November 1st but they accept the Nov test date) so that gives me 2 test dates- October and November- to improve my CR and my SAT IIs (and hopefully SAT I math a little).<br>
When should I retake the tests and (as my above question addresses), should I bother retaking math II? Should I do SAT IIs in October and SAT I in november or vice versa? Which would MIT like better?</p>

2

<p>No. It does not mean the exact same thing due to different curves, different content. </p>

<p>This may just be me, but if you only send the first level SATII, MIT would wonder why you didn’t take the second one ALSO. Furthermore, if you are '09, then they can see both scores anyway.</p>

3

<p>MIT genuinely does not care whether you take math level I or level II. Taking level II will not make you look better in the eyes of the admissions committee.</p>

<p>Also, if you submit both scores (or all scores, in the event that you have more than two), MIT will consider only at the score which makes you look best for admissions. MIT admissions officer Matt McGann has a blog entry on this topic [url=<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/testing_requirements_faq_1.shtml]here[/url”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/testing_requirements_faq_1.shtml]here[/url</a>].</p>

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<p>well, i have two conflicting responses, so does anyone else want to chime in?</p>

5

<p>I agree with Mollie. Also, Mollie’s post links to an admissions officer stating no preference between math 1 or math 2. I don’t think MIT Admissions wants to lie to you =)</p>

6

<p>I’ll go with molliebatmit. I think she mods the mit forum, so she’d know best. As for me? Not even applying to MIT!</p>

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<p>I would study hard and take the math 2 correctly (get sleep, etc, don’t give yourself any excuses). Also a 640 is pretty damaging. Maybe not at MIT where they only take the best scores, but consider the curve for the Math 2. You can miss a ridiculous number of questions and still get an 800.</p>

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<p>When I took math 2 like 2 years ago, I think you could get 5-6 wrong(out of 50 total?).
It is actually a bit harder to get 800 on math 1 because you have to get perfect. The curve for math 2 is a LOT easier. If you don’t think the math problems on the level 2 is too much harder than 1, it might be worth to retake it.
otherwise, you can always use your level 1 score.</p>

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<p>Whether it makes sense to take the SAT I or the SAT II will depend on your high-school math preparation. On the admissions website, Matt McGann wrote: “You should take the tests for which you’re best prepared and best suited.” If you’ve never had the opportunity to take calculus, then take the Math SAT I. If you’ve gone further, then take the test that includes content you’ve studied.</p>

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<p>Hey now, all my SAT IIs (including Math II) were in the 600s. Not the shiniest grade, but I wouldn’t say pretty damaging given that the rest of the application is strong =).</p>

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<p>another thing relating to my test scores (see bottom paragraph of first post above)-- which tests should I worry about the most/which are most important? Should I take SAT I in october and SAT IIs in November or vice versa? I am sitting here right now trying to figure out what to do with my time- study SAT chemistry, study SAT math II, study SAT critical reading, or write college essays, and I want to get my priorities in order.</p>

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<p>bump?..</p>

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<p>Are scores from history SAT IIs considered by MIT admissions?</p>

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<p>No, MIT only considers a math SAT II and a science SAT II. They used to require a humanities SAT II, but dropped that requirement when the SAT I began to include writing.</p>

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<p>thanks for your knowledge mollie! It sounds like if my math II retake goes wrong, it won’t be the end of the world because I’ll have the math I results.</p>