Why is the Math II preferred over taking the Math I for the SAT subject tests?

Question

People usually avoid taking the Math I test, but would it be horrible if I took it, considering that I have not taken pre-calculus before? I've taken only 2 years of algebra (Algebra I and II, a little Trigonometry) and geometry.

Answer 1

Many schools do not accept the Math I exam because it is far too easy according to them. All of them that require SAT II Subjects or reccommend them accept Math II because the difficulty level is what they're looking for. Because of this, it's pointless to take Math I.

Take Math II anyway. Try to buy a review book and learn the problems. It's not incredibly difficult, but it's not all that easy.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Just wait until you have taken pre-calc., then take Math II.  Math I is extremely easy.

Answer 3

There's a good reason why prestigious colleges accept only the Math II - it covers more material. While in many countries (including all of the G8 except the US) college-bound high school graduates would have done all the precalculus components and usually calculus as well (often surpassing the AP Calculus AB in depth; occasionally BC as well), American high schoolers by and large don't do calculus, so precalculus is pretty sensible and reasonable requirement. As Math I and the math portion of the Reasoning test gauges only fundamental skills that in countries as disparate as Britain, China, Japan and Singapore 16 year olds should have, Math II is the only logical SAT to look at.

I suggest you get an SAT prep book or two and review the topics carefully if you aren't too confident. Lots of practice helps. But frankly speaking there's no real need to take the Math II unless you're applying to a decent college. The majority don't need it, to be honest.

Good luck.