SAT II subject tests?

Question

whats the difference between the math subject test 1 and the math subject test 2?

also, do you have to write an essay for the literature one?

are these tests hard?

thanks!

ive been told that since i want to be an engineer (and even if i change my mind its still better to take it i guess) i pretty much have to take the math 2

my problem is that im not all that great with math and tests and it is the subject i always score least in
(engish and reading being first)

Answer 1

Very simply:

Math subject test 1
- easier
- covers algebra, geometry
- each mistake will drop your score more than test 2 because people tend to do better on this test

Math subject test 2
- harder
- covers algebra, geometry, trig, pre-calc
- each mistake will not drop your score very much, in fact when I took the test 6 years ago you could pretty much get a perfect 800 even after missing 7-8 questions.

Literature:
- all multiple choice, i'm pretty sure. the website doesn't say anything about an essay.


About whether these tests are hard or not is a matter of your own comfort with the material. I found the Math 2 test to be very easy, but then I had already taken AP Calculus my junior year, and I did well in all the subjects I took (AP/Honors classes).

Even if math or literature aren't your best subjects, I think you could "learn" to take the tests and do well on them. The concepts involved aren't difficult to grasp. A lot of the questions are generally the same type so you just need to get used to how the testmakers think. The best way I can suggest to prepare for these tests if you have to take them soon is to find as many practice tests/problems as you can and do them. Grade yourself and for all the questions you got wrong make sure you understand why you got them wrong. Practice on more problems so you can catch yourself and not make the same mistakes again. Get a personal tutor if you can to help you through this process if you need explanations on how to reach the correct answers.

Good luck! :)