Maths Content Review

Page Index:

1. What's on the test?


2. When should you take the test?


3. Recommended books

What's On the Maths Level II Subject Test?

Like the Math I Subject Test, the Math II test covers algebra and geometry. Additionally, it tests trigonometry and elementary functions, which describe a relationship between an input and output. A simple function question may ask you to solve for x, while others may ask you to define a function's range or domain or to graph it.

First, here's the breakdown of what percentage of the test covers each content area. As you can see, algebra and geometry make up a significantly larger portion of the questions than number / operations and data analysis / probability.

Maths Concept Approximate Percentage On Test

1. Number and operations: 10-14%


2. Algebra and functions: 48-52%


3. Geometry and measurement (coordinate, three-dimensional, and trigonometry): 28-32%


4. Data analysis, statistics, and  probability: 8-12%

Some of these concepts appear on the math section of the general SAT, while others, like trigonometry, elementary functions, and graphing, are more advanced and specific to the SAT Math 2 Subject Test.

When Should You Take the SAT Math Level 2 Subject Test?

What Year Should You Take the Test?

College Board recommends that you should takemore than three years of college prep math before you take the Math II Subject Test. These years should include two classes in algebra and one class in geometry, at least. A class in trigonometry and/or precalculus is very helpful, too.

So if you take algebra in eighth grade, geometry in 9th, algebra again in 10th, and trigonometry/precalculus in 11th, then you would probably be in the best position to take the Math II Subject Test at the end of 11th grade.

If you are taking trigonometry/precalculus as a sophomore, then you may be in a good position to take the Subject Test at the end of sophomore year. Usually you want to take Math II, and any other Subject Test, at the end of your school year when the course content is freshest in your mind.

That being said, which Subject Test dates coincide with the end of the academic year?

Math II is offered on May 2 and June 6. Its tentative dates for 2016 are May 7 and June 4.

Sign up by about a month in advance, if not sooner, just like the SAT.

Conclusion:

A high score on the Math II Subject Test is impressive to any college, and especially to selective technical and engineering schools like MIT and Caltech! By planning your study schedule and choosing the best test date, you'll be in the best position to score high on this competitive and impressive Subject Test.

Recommended Books:

I recommend using the Barron's book for topic review and the Princeton review for the tests. Online resources from college board can also be used.

Spark-notes and other websites like Khan Academy can also be used.However my advice would be to follow only those books as this is more than enough for a perfect score.