I just recieved my score for my second SAT Math 2 subject test, and my score indicated that I am still far below even the 50th percentile. I realize now that there are a lot of topics on the test that I don’t have a solid understanding of and am thinking about dropping down to the Math level 1. Some schools require subject tests and some like Duke strongly recommend them. What is the function of the math 1 subject test, and would a school as prestigious as Duke view a high score on the math 1 favorably, and have it help my admission? I am not sure what the purpose of the Math 1 is given that Math 2 exists, so would it be reasonable for me to take Math 1? Keep in mind, I have finished calculus if that makes a difference, which might seem odd for someone who cannot seem to get their score above the 50th percentile on math 2.
Math L1 has a very harsh curve because so many students take the test. Math L2 is preferred by higher tier institutions because most of the students taking AP maths will take it. The curve is really generous, because the material is comprehensive from geometry to algebra 2 to precalc. In addition a 83th percentile is an 800, while for math L1, it’s a 99th percentile (making it very hard to score high). I think a 750+ in Math L2 is better than an 800 on a Math L1 test. This is because it shows the students is taking the harder course. However, if you think some of the concepts are still confusing, you can try to Math L1 and aim for at least a 750+ for Duke. Do you consider math your strong suit? You should also take practice tests and study because the school curriculum isn’t built for the tests.
Simply don’t take a math subject test. If you’re aiming for Duke you ought to have good skills on analytical reading (= English Literature), in a foreign language , and in a science. And that’d be good for Duke and any other school.