About the Mathematics Level 1 SAT Subject Test

Mathematics Level 1 is a one-hour standardized test offered by the College Board designed for students who have taken three years of high school mathematics, including two years of algebra and one year of geometry.

• Whereas the SAT math sections test one’s math aptitude, the Math Level 1 exam assesses students’ knowledge of high school math concepts.

• It is not necessary to use a calculator to solve every question on the Mathematics Level 1 Subject Test; only about half of the exam’s questions should be solved with a scientific or graphic calculator. Although students have the choice of utilizing a scientific or a graphing calculator, the College Board recommends the use of a graphing calculator.

• Scoring is based on a 200 to 800 point scale. The raw score is calculated by adding one point for every correct answer and subtracting a ¼-point for every incorrect answer. For each unanswered question, zero points can be earned. ETS converts one’s raw score to a scaled score using a curve tailored particularly to each test.

• The SAT Math Level 1 is administered six Saturdays (or Sundays for those who qualify for religious reasons) a year in October, November, December, January, May, and June.
  
  

Format of the Test

Source: The College Board

About the Mathematics Level 2 SAT Subject Test

Mathematics Level 2 is a one-hour standardized test designed for students who have taken college-preparatory mathematics for more than three years, including two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of trigonometry/pre-calculus.

• While the SAT I math sections test a student’s math aptitude, this exam measures one’s knowledge of high school math concepts.

• Though it is not necessary to use a calculator to solve every question on the Mathematics Level 2 Subject Test, one may be useful or necessary for about 55 – 65 percent of the questions. Although students have the choice of using a scientific or a graphing calculator, the College Board recommends that test-takers employ the graphing variety.

• Scoring is based on a 200 to 800 point scale. The raw score is calculated by adding one point for every correct answer and subtracting a ¼-point for every incorrect answer. For each question left blank, zero points can be earned. ETS converts raw score data to a scaled score using a curve tailored specifically to each test.

• The SAT Math Level 2 is administered six Saturdays (or Sundays for those who qualify for religious reasons) a year in October, November, December, January, May, and June.
  
  

Format of the Test

Source: The College Board

There are 50 multiple-choice questions on the Math Level 2 exam. Students are not expected to have extensively studied every topic on the test but should be generally familiar with concepts in each of the aforementioned subject areas.

Which Math SAT Subject Test Should I Take?

Things to consider:

Your Mathematics Background: While the two tests cover similar topics, the Math Level 2 covers more material (specifically a year of trigonometry and/or pre-calculus in addition to two years of algebra and one of geometry).

Your Understanding of Mathematical Concepts: The Math Level 2 exam covers the basic topics in greater depth and is generally considered more difficult than the Math Level 1 test.

Your College Choices: Research the requirements and/or expectations of the specific colleges and programs to which you intend to apply. Colleges with a strong focus on math usually require the Math Level 2 test. Many other colleges have no such requirement but may still prefer that you take the Level 2 test. (Note: Some colleges, including the University of California system, will NOT accept the Math Level 1 exam as one of your SAT Subject Tests.)

The Grading Scale: The two tests are scored according to very different curves. The Level 2 test is scored on a much more lenient curve (you may miss six or seven questions and still achieve a perfect score), whereas the Level 1 test often necessitates 100 percent accuracy to attain the same.

Our Approach to Math SAT Subject Test Tutoring

For many students and parents, the SAT Subject Tests and their impact on college admissions can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing. At Med School Tutors, we understand the apprehension you are experiencing; we went through it ourselves. Fortunately, the SAT Subject Tests are teachable and, with proper preparation, offer students the unique opportunity to make a powerful impression on admissions committees.

Our Math SAT Subject Test preparation program typically includes:

• An in-person consultation – this allows us to familiarize ourselves with you, your strengths and weaknesses, your learning habits, and your short- and long-term educational objectives.
  
  
• A real Math SAT Level 1 or 2 diagnostic test – this offers us a highly useful indicator of your starting position and natural test-taking skills; it is also a useful benchmark for developing reasonable goals as well as a comprehensive strategy to dramatically improve your scores.
  
  
• Access to our exhaustive collection of Math Subject Test materials, which provide comprehensive notes and problem sets for both versions of the test, including all relevant subject matter and strategies.
  
  
• A comprehensive review of all subject matter presented on each of the Math SAT Subject Tests.
  
  
• Disciplined practice of all test-taking strategies and techniques necessary for conquering the entire spectrum of Math SAT questions.
  
  
• Practice, practice, practice – we provide an abundant supply of real practice Math SAT Subject Tests and exercises for students to hone their testing skills and strategies.
  
  
• In-depth review of each practice test allowing your tutor to re-evaluate regularly your test-taking abilities and thereby continually adapt to your progress.

Our approach emphasizes analytical, problem-solving, and test-taking strategies for each section of the test. Students will learn how to move through the test efficiently and confidently. 

Through a combination of frequent sessions, homework assignments, and regular practice tests, students will refine their test-taking skills and their command of test material.  Simultaneously, they will bolster their test-taking endurance and confidence so they may excel on test day.

Our Mathematics Tutors

Med School Tutors instructors are experts at the Math SAT Subject Test who have been educated at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, such as Yale, NYU, Georgetown, and Columbia. Currently, they are continuing their educations at New York City’s finest M.D., Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

Our Math SAT Subject Test tutors have spent time reviewing, reevaluating, and, most importantly, teaching all of the material and strategies needed to master the test, and they are especially capable of explaining its unique style of questioning to students of any learning background.

Finally, our tutors are adept communicators capable of explaining the test in ways that will make sense to you. Indeed, your instructor is carefully selected to match your particular needs and temperament.  This ensures that he or she is able to inspire and motivate you with methods and explanations that “click” for you.

At Med School Tutors, our goal is to see you achieve superior results for both the short- and long-term. We envision securing your mastery over the Math SAT Subject Test as a way to polish your analytical skills and improve your learning habits—laying an invaluable foundation for your future success.

Further Information

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