<p>I've just gone through all the SAT2 Math threads here and I know how the two exams differ in content and in curves. But I have a slight variation of this question. DD is taking Alg2+Trig in sophomore year and will take Precalc/Calc next year. Assuming (big assumption, I know) she can score an 800 in each exam, would it be better to: </p>
<p>A) Take SAT2Math1 in sophomore year.
B) Take SAT2Math2 in junior year.<br>
C) Take both exams, one in sophomore year and the other in junior year.</p>
<p>In either case she will be taking at least 2 other non-math SAT2 exams in the next 2 years.</p>
<p>To echo every other comment on Math 1 vs. Math 2 threads, taking both Math 1 and Math 2 is redundant and a waste of time. </p>
<p>It's easier to score an 800 on the Math 2 (bigger curve, you can get 8+ questions wrong and still get an 800). The material is easier on the Math 1, but need to be very close to perfect to get an 800. </p>
<p>If your D is taking precalc/calc junior year, she should be fine to take the Math 2 then. If she plans on majoring in eng/math/sci, then definitely go with Math 2. Even if she plans on majoring in the humanities, I'd still suggest Math 2, if she's capable of it.</p>
<p>I'd definitely second taking the MathII Junior year. I can't see any real advantage to having the score sooner. AFAIK, colleges really don't care when you take the test, and unless you're planning to apply to some program over the summer, I don't see how having the score with you a year before will be that helpful.</p>
<p>Thanks for replies, confirms my impressions. She is humanities oriented and has no intentions currently of majoring in math/sci, but she is just a sophomore so who knows how she will evolve. She is definitely good in Math and it looks like SAT Math 2 is not going to be too much extra effort over the demands of her honors precalc/calc course next year. </p>
<p>So basically, is there ANY reason for a 'math-competent' student to take the SAT-subject test in Math-I?</p>
<p>Yes, colleges will appreciate the mastery of a subject, especially if the indicator has the SAT label. Also, it proves that the grades at your daughter's school aren't inflated.</p>
<p>Taking both exams is NOT a waste of time.
It is impressive for students to show well-roundedness--in both advanced and basic mathematics.
I don't consider one hour and a 750+ score a waste of time, really.</p>
<p>The only risk one faces is doing poorly on the Math I while scoring 800 on the Math II.</p>
<p>E.G.
My scores on the Math I are as follows:
600 > 660 > 750,
whereas it took me one shot to get 800 on Math II.</p>
<p>Be careful. Your child may be better off merely taking Math II.</p>
<p>By that token, shouldn't all students try to take all possible SAT subject tests like they do these days for AP? I mean why not take SAT Math1, Math2, Bio, Chem, Physics, USH, WH, Lit, etc etc. </p>
<p>Assuming you can score well on all of them, you would demonstrate to colleges that your good grades in school are not due to grade inflation. And since you can take 3 subject tests on one day and several subject tests in one year, you could actually max them all out without too much trouble. Much easier than AP exams, right?</p>
<p>^^ Is that really true? I have read several posts here saying that XYZ subject test was very similar to the MCQ part of the corresponding AP test.</p>
<p>Even if it were, the point of the SAT subject tests would be to demonstrate that the A you got on your Chemistry course in high school was in fact a well-deserved grade, corresponding to (say) a 760 on the SAT.</p>
<p>Isn't that the reason for colleges to ask for subject tests? So if 2 are good, 4 should be better- no?</p>
<p>agree with the others that taking math 1 & 2 is a waste of (time and money), assuming the scores are comparable. Heck, the UCs won't even consider Math 1 anymore. The percentiles are meaningless to adcoms -- the Math 2 group is stronger, by definition, and is self-selecting.</p>
<p>forizled: for the most part, only engineering programs specify Math 2. (The UCs will take any two Subject Tests i different disciplines, but if math is submitted, it must be 2.)</p>
<p>V-Parent, its a benefit for a humanities student to show a strength in math-science. Are four 800s better than two, of course, particularly if they are in different disciplines.</p>
<p>Math 1 sample questions look a LOT like the SAT1 Math questions. Both go up to Algebra2. So how is the Math1 subject test different from SAT1 Math?</p>
<p>vicariousparent, I think it's been established that if your D is capable of taking Math Level 2, she should. There is a bigger curve, it shows more mastery of math skills, some colleges will not accept Math Level 1, it shows motivation on your D's part. It seems like we're beating a dead horse.</p>