<p>I'm less than a week away from finishing my sophomore year, and I'm starting to wonder about these subject tests. Here are my questions:</p>
<p>1) When should these tests be taken? Is a score from the start of junior year just as valuable to a college as one from the start of senior year, or do I need to take them at a particular time?</p>
<p>2) Do people normally take both the Mathematics I and II tests, or do they choose one?</p>
<p>3) What should I take? Here is a quick overview of my core schedule (no band ;)) and my interests:</p>
<p>Freshman: French II, Precalc w/Trig, Biology, Honors English 9, Honors World History
Sophomore: French III, Chemistry (not AP... stupid underachiever!), AP Calculus AB, Honors English 10, Honors US History
Junior (signed up, hopefully I'll get it all): French V, AP Calc BC, AP Econ, AP Physics, AP Lang
Senior (projected): AP Stats, AP Chem, AP US Gov, AP Lit</p>
<p>I adore math and enjoy the hard sciences. I'm currently thinking I should take the Math subject test (question #2), Physics after I finish that class next year, and maybe Lit.</p>
<p>Can anyone shed some light on these questions?</p>
<p>**When should these tests be taken? **
Personally, planning on taking my SAT II’s in the June of Junior year. It’s best to take the SAT II’s after you’ve taken the actual class because the material is still fresh on your mind. If you have to take them senior year, I would say no later than October because you might run into some issues with deadlines and what not.</p>
<p>**Mathematics I or II? **
I’ve been pondering that same question and I would have to say take Math II if you feel comfortable with the material and if your math background has adequately prepared you for it. However, Math I might be easier than Math II because it covers less topics but the curve for Math I is harsh and the curve for Math II is pretty lenient from what i’ve heard.</p>
<p>**What should I take? **
From what I’ve seen from your schedule, I would say take Physics right after you finish your AP Physics course and Math II (with a good amount of studying). Also if you’re not too bad with the histories I would recommend taking another SAT II in US History or World History. This would allow you to be well rounded as you would have an SAT II in Math, Science, and Social Studies. But that’s optional. In the end I would say take Physics, Math I or II (preferably II) and another in a subject you’re comfortable in. </p>
<p>*Note: Some schools like Harvard and Princeton require you to have 3 SAT II’s *</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. As I understand it, the Math II (or Math I) exam doesn’t cover anything past Precalc, so I might want to take it sooner rather than later since I’ve already covered that. It might be a good idea to start studying anyway, since that would help me prepare for the AMC 12.</p>
<p>If you’re going to take it study now. One of my favorite quotes from my Chemistry teacher is that “procrastination leads to stress.” So you should definitely start studying. From what I know about Math I, it’s somewhat like the SAT Math section but it’s more straightforward and you either know it or you don’t. A score of 700+ should be fine. I don’t know any books of the top of my head but I would recommend reading any prep book within a 25 mile radius. </p>
<p>Here’s a post about studying for the SAT II Math I & II:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-subject-tests-preparation/544092-complete-guide-sat-subject-tests-mathematics.html?highlight=sat+math+book+study[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-subject-tests-preparation/544092-complete-guide-sat-subject-tests-mathematics.html?highlight=sat+math+book+study</a></p>
<p>Hope that helps. =]</p>
<p>^ I’m leaning towards the Math II. It sounds like it has higher-level thinking and has a better reputation. What do you know about this book: [Amazon.com:</a> 15 Realistic Tests for the SAT Math Level 2: With Solutions: Rusen Meylani: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0974886874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242352099&sr=1-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0974886874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242352099&sr=1-1) ? I like the fact that it has difficult problems and lots of them, and it might be more useful for the AMC.</p>
<p>I’m leaning towards math II as well. I don’t know anymore than you do about the exam but after looking at some threads it seems like a good book but I’m going with that along with the College Board’s Official Study Guide (for Math I & II) and Grubbers and Barron’s. From what I know, Barron’s is the hardest but it “over prepares” you which would be a good thing.</p>