<p>Why are there Math and Lit SAT IIs if the point of the SAT IIs is to test for things the SAT I doesn’t test for?
Do the math subject tests go further in depth than the math portion of the SAT I?</p>
<p>Definitely. The math section of the SAT I is sort of like the math section of the HSPA (I don’t know if this is nationwide–I live in NJ). It’s just enough so colleges know you know how to do some basic math and reasoning. Critical reading has always been more difficult for me than math, but in the same vein, it is dry-cut. Sure, some of the questions appear to have more than one answer, but careful reading of the text and reasoning can usually let you figure out the right one.</p>
<p>I have not taken the literature test, but I have heard it is much more subjective. I don’t know if that’s a good thing on a multiple choice test, but it certainly is higher-level than normal critical reading.</p>
<p>Even the Math 1 test is harder than the SAT I math. It tests more mathematical concepts, such as sin^2 + cos^2 = 1 and equations of parabolas. Math 2 goes further in depth.</p>
<p>I see.
Thanks.</p>
<p>In terms of the CR SAT I and the Lit SAT II, I think the point of the SAT I is to see that you have basic reading analysis skills down. The Lit test has much harder passages and questions and is likely a more accurate reflection of college-level English courses.</p>
<p>Also, remember that only higher level colleges require SAT IIs for admission. Therefore, students who take SAT IIs are on average more intelligent than those who don’t, and the difficulty of the tests correspond accordingly.</p>