How to Study for Biology on the SAT

Be prepared when taking the biology SAT subject test.

Deciding to take the biology SAT subject test is a serious time investment and commitment. Unlike the standard SAT required for college acceptance, the SAT subject tests allow prospective college students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of other school subjects such as biology. If you wish to major in a program focusing on the sciences in college, you should consider taking the biology SAT subject test in order to assess your understanding and interest of the various biology concepts that will be covered and built upon in college.

Instructions

1. Determine which of the two SAT biology subject tests you want to take. One of the biology subject tests, called the biology ecological exam, deals with biological communities, populations and energy flow. The other type, the biology molecular exam, focuses more on biochemistry, cellular structure and cellular respiration.

2. Register for the SAT biology subject test. Check collegeboard.com for registration dates and deadlines. It is usually a good idea to schedule your exam after finishing your biology high school course in June.

3. Start studying and practicing for the SAT subject test in biology. Purchase SAT subject test study materials, such as books, guides and full length practice exams in order to help you study for this exam.

4. Make a study schedule. Since the SAT subject tests are offered several times a year, chances are you will have to study for the biology SAT subject test while enrolled in your high school classes, so you need to allocate your time wisely. Continuously increase the amount of hours you study for the exam each week until test day to ensure adequate preparedness.

5. Take as many full length practice tests as possible. Full length practice exams are available in paper or online formats. When going over your practice exams, make sure you thoroughly understand the questions you answered incorrectly so that you learn from your mistakes.

References

• College Board: SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M Practice