SAT II Math

Understand the Math Test

SAT is administered worldwide for admitting the students who pass their senior grade and wish to pursue their undergraduation in various universities across the USA. SAT comprises of two tests altogether namely, the Reasoning Test and Subject Tests. SAT Reasoning Test is a single test which aims at testing you in three different sections which include Critical Reading section, Writing section and the Mathematics section.

There are altogether 20 SAT Subject Tests, each of which is administered in a specific subject. You may take any number of Subject Tests. Usually many universities recommend to present at least 2 test scores. The Subject Tests will be considered in order to test your ability in the specified subject which is selected by you. One such test out of the 20 Subject Tests is the Math test.

What Exactly is the Math Test?

The test is also called as the SAT Mathematics Level 2 test. It was earlier called as SAT Math II. This test is a more advanced version of the SAT Mathematics Level 1 test. This test is highly recommended for you if you wish to apply for an engineering college in USA. Many universities recommend the subject test score for review process during admissions into engineering courses in their university. Nevertheless, if you wish to apply for any science related courses, the math test score would be of more help.

Test Structure

The test questions cover a wide range of concepts from Mathematics, which primarily focus on the concepts from number systems, functional algebra, geometry which includes coordinate geometry, 3-D geometry. Concepts from trigonometry, statistics, probability and data analysis are also covered.

The Math test is a one hour test comprising of 50 questions covered broadly from all the above mentioned topics. Hence, you have to answer 50 questions in 60 minutes which leaves hardly over a minute for each question. So, you will have to be fast and accurate at the same time. It is evaluated on a scale of 200-800. Moreover, negative marks are applicable for all the wrong answers that you might select. Each wrong answer marked by you will deduct quarter of the marks allotted to that particular question.

Use of Calculator

The exam is characterized mainly by the freedom to use a graphing or scientific calculator during the test. The College Board specified that a calculator may be useful or necessary for you to attempt 60% of the paper. The College Board also said that the test paper is developed keeping in view the student’s ability to use calculators. There are certain norms set by the College Board pertaining to the use of calculators. You are recommended to use only the calculators specified by them in the ‘calculator policy’ in the official website. You can find the instructions at the link:

www.sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-test-day-checklist#calcPolicyAt the above given link, you can also find about what and what not to carry to the test center on the day of your test.

Tips to Improve

    • Generally, you are recommended to have undergone three years of college preparatory Mathematics which would help you score high in the test.
    • The link given below gives you a clear idea of the percentage of questions appearing from different topics of the test.

www.sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation/mathematics-level-2

  • Based upon this information, you can concentrate on the syllabus that has more importance in the test. However, a sound knowledge of Mathematics along with speed and accuracy would only help you to score exceptionally high.
  • Around 10% of the test takers score a perfect score of 800.
  • You can also get downloadable practice tests from the link given above that would help you get acquainted with the structure of the subject exam.