To take, or not to take? (SAT Math)?

Question

I'm a high school junior interested in majoring in Biochemistry once I graduate from college in order to pursue a potential career in medicine.

I've taken the SAT (2200) in October, and I plan to retake in December.

I also plan to take SAT Chemistry, SAT US History, and SAT Spanish.

Should I take SAT Math IIC as well?

I understand that students who plan on majoring in the sciences are highly encouraged to take a science SAT (for which I am taking Chem) and a math SAT. I believe I am a high-performing math student (I received As in all my math classes since Pre-Algebra in sixth grade and Calculus AB this year), but I absolutely HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE studying for math! I say high-PERFORMING, because the only reason I PERFORM well is because I study! I am certainly not math "gifted," so I would really not like to take SAT Math. However, if I study for the exam, I am confident that I will score well (760+).

Also (I'm not sure how significant this is), but my ethnicity group

[continued] is notorious for scoring ridiculously high on the SAT Math test, and someone told me that for extremely competitive colleges (top Ivy League) many colleges will slightly DISREGARD a high SAT Math score as it is almost common for other people of my ethnicity to score 800s in math. That's why I would like to take SAT Spanish, to be a little unique in the sea of applicants.

Answer 1

I'm going to tell you what you don't want to hear, and that is that you need to take the Math SAT.

I would beg to differ about the math "gifted"ness, but you've learned a secret many students never do--performance is more preparation than talent. And that's going to get you very, very far, my friend.

TX Mom

Answer 2

If it is highly encouraged that you take the math SAT for the major you want to take, then you should take the test. Doing well in school is important, and so is doing well on all the test you take, but colleges will also look at how well you understand what it is they are looking for.
If they encourage you to take an SAT subject test, but don't madidate it, whether you take the test or not, is in and of it self a test.
If you choose not to take the test it looks like you're ignoring their suggesting, or somehow suggesting that you are such an exceptional student that you should not have to take the test that almost every other applicant will have taken.
Perception is as important as reality, and you want all potential colleges to know just how seriously you take their suggestions

Answer 3

If you're already in Calculus AB, I would recommend taking the Math Level 2 SAT Subject Test soon, because the topics it covers only goes up to Trigonometry and Pre-calculus. It's better to take the test while those topics are still fresh in your mind.

And hey, a score of 800 won't hurt you!

Also, many colleges require two subject test scores, with one of them being Math Level 2.

Answer 4

The SAT match subject test is harder than the math section on the SAT since it covers a wider range of math, but the curve is lower. So in the math section of the SAT just missing one could put your score really down (like missing one question could put you all the way down to 760), but since SAT math subject test is a lot harder you can miss more and your overall grade could be better. It's harder but easier to score higher if you do well.

Answer 5

Take it. You can always re-take it and pick the higher score. Also, are you taking your ACTs? I was very weak in math so I took my ACTs over my SATs (because where I went I actually didn't need to take any tests..) . Sometimes a different standardized test can help you out more, being that the set up is different. You could be stronger in the set up of one and not the other.

Answer 6

Math is a very important part of science whether you know it or not. It is also very important for other everyday aspects of life so take it. Piss off US history. Its a worthless subject for a career in Bio Chemistry.

Answer 7

take it, its unbelievably simple. if you've seen what math level 1 is like, add trig to it, you get level 2.

i also recommend you take the biology e/m. and drop the spanish since it probably wont be a required course in whatever college you attend and you'll be taking the test for nothing.

Answer 8

Well, Biochemestry and Maths are related, but not a lot. I'm in Phisyc-Maths and can tell you I wouldn't take a SAT in Chem. And yes, you match the behavior of your class, most of the guys that study for Biochem HATE maths but must study them, like most of my side HATE chem but must study for it...

Answer 9

u really should take it, because it is really hard to score well on that one and if u do well, then ur cahnces of getting intot he school u want increases alot

Answer 10

Take it...and keep exceling!! Did you finish your sentence ethnicity group what !!!!!