A few months ago, we shared our complete methodology for how to prepare for the SAT Subject Test Chemistry. Now, we’ve decided to do the same for a test many more people take: the SAT Subject Test Math Level IIC. If some of your chosen universities require you to take this exam and you’re not sure what it is, check out this post that explains the SAT Subject Tests.
The Math IIC is NOT the same test as the Math IC! The content is not the same and the tests are not interchangeable. Math IIC contains more advanced topics not tested on Math IC. However, since the SAT Subject Tests are supposed to test you on concepts you actually learned in school, you will have seen many of the topics covered before. Math IIC is most often required for future math, science, or engineering majors.
Additional Topics Covered on the SAT Math IIC
We have written this guide and the notes assuming you have ALREADY prepared for and taken the SAT. Therefore, the notes do not cover topics in detail that are really important on the general SAT. The following topics are NOT on the general SAT:
- Logarithms
- Matrices
- Vectors
- Exponential functions
- Trigonometric functions
- Piecewise functions
- Recursive functions
- Hyperbolas
- Polar coordinates
- Cosines
- Sines
- Standard deviation
- Least squares regression
- Irrational numbers
Here’s how we get students started and, if you’re prepping on your own, we recommend you go about your preparation:
Your Strategy Notes for SAT Subject Test Math 2C
Download our complete strategy notes for your SAT Subject Math Level IIC Test prep as a PDF file.
Almost everything is taken from the Sparknotes SAT Math Level 2 Guide. Here’s how to use these:
- Print the PDF or use the PDF editor on your tablet to take digital notes on the notes.
- Read a chapter of the book and follow along in the notes.
- Try to do the examples in the notes without using the Sparknotes book. You can use your calculator.
- Check yourself with the Sparknotes book.
- Complete the review exercises at the end of the Sparknotes chapter. Time yourself giving 1 minute per question (e.g., if there are 10 questions, you get 10 minutes). At the end of the time, mark where you stopped and keep working. Be faster next time. On the actual test, you have 60 minutes to complete 50 questions.
- As you review at the beginning of your next session, review only the powerpoint (PDF) notes.
SAT Subject Test Math 2C Practice Tests
Take a diagnostic test BEFORE you start preparing. This score is your baseline score and let’s you know what you would get if you took the SAT Subject Math IIC now. You’ll need to write down and try to improve upon this score.
You MUST take practice tests if you intend to score over a 600 (this is a good score on the subject tests), so you’ll need supplemental material. We recommend you use the Kaplan SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 book. It’s also a great resource if you need more help on a certain subject. You can buy the Kaplan book at Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall. If the book isn’t available, you can buy the Barron’s SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 instead.
SAT Subject Test Math 2C Study Schedule
Since you probably have a lot of school work, we recommend you reserve one day a week to study for the SAT Subject Math IIC. Each session will take about 3 hours (practice tests only require 1 hour). Here’s the schedule to prepare over 7 weeks. If you have less time, you’ll have to do 2 days a week.
Week 1: Math IIC Fundamentals and Algebra (There are no strategy notes for the fundamentals because much of this information was included in your SAT prep. You should fly through these first 2 chapters.)
Week 2: Plane Geometry and Solid Geometry
Week 3: Coordinate Geometry; Practice Test #1
Week 4: Trigonometry; Practice Test #2
Week 5: Functions; Do the official College Board questions of pgs. 17-19 of this booklet
Week 6: Statistics and Miscellaneous Math; Practice Test #3
Week 7: Review notes; Practice Test #4
Our Expert Advice
You don’t have to know everything to do well on this exam. Concentrate your studying on the topics in weeks 1 to 5 because these concepts will allow you to answer a bulk of the questions.
You won’t be able to answer every question on the exam. You have 50 minutes to answer 60 questions. Some of them require calculations and some of them require a lot of thinking. It’s fine to leave questions blank.
In order to decide what to leave blank, do the test in two passes. On your first pass, complete everything you know. Circle questions you skip in the answer book. Bubble in the ones you complete on the answer sheet after you finish each page.
It’s okay not to do work on a problem. Normally, we would say always show your work, but some questions are so easy that you don’t need to worry about it.
Study regularly for the best results. Cramming won’t allow you to master the subject matter or be able to apply it well.
That’s everything you need!
Need help preparing for the SAT Subject Test Math 2C?
Whatsapp us! We’ve helped lots of students score about a 600 on this test and move on to more challenging parts of the application.