EXCERPT
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Research & Education Association (REA) is an organization of educators, scientists, and engineers specializing in various academic fields. Founded in 1959 with the purpose of disseminating the most recently developed scientific information to groups in industry, government, high schools, and universities, REA has since become a successful and highly respected publisher of study aids, test preps, handbooks, and reference works.
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INTRODUCTION: PREPARING FOR THE SAT II: BIOLOGY E/M SUBJECT TEST
Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used For?
Students planning to attend college should take the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test if:
(1) Any of the colleges they apply to require the test for admission;
OR
(2) The student wishes to demonstrate proficiency in Biology.
The SAT II: Biology E/M exam is designed for students who have taken one year of college preparatory biology (either a general survey course or one with emphasis on Ecology or Molecular Biology), a one-year course in algebra, and have laboratory experience. However, due to the variation in high school biology courses, most students will encounter questions that test material with which they are not familiar.
Who Administers The Test?
The SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test is developed by the College Board and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test development process involves the assistance of educators throughout the country, and is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.
When Should the SAT II: Biology E/M be Taken?
If you are applying to a college that requires Subject Test scores as part of the admissions process, you should take the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test toward the end of your junior year or at the beginning of your senior year. If your scores are being used only for placement purposes, you may be able to take the test in the spring of your senior year. For more information, be sure to contact the colleges to which you are applying.
When and Where is the Test Given?
The SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test is administered six times a year at many locations throughout the United States; most test centers are at high schools. For more information on specific testing dates and locations, consult the registration bulletin or your high school guidance counselor.
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the exam, consult the publication Taking the SAT II: Subject Tests, which may be obtained from your guidance counselor or by contacting:
College Board SAT Program
P.O. Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
Phone: (609) 771-7600
E-mail: sat@info.collegeboard.com
Website: http://www.collegeboard.com
Is There a Registration Fee?
Yes. There is a registration fee to take the SAT II: Biology E/M. Consult the publication Taking the SAT II: Subject Tests for information on the fee structure. Financial assistance may be granted in certain situations. To find out if you qualify and to register for assistance, contact your academic advisor.
Can I Use a Calculator?
Calculators are not permitted on the SAT II: Biology E/M. The metric system of units is used, so review of metric units may be helpful.
The Biology E/M is a one-hour exam consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions. Each question has five possible answer choices, lettered (A) through (E). The common core, which appears on both the Biology-E and the Biology-M Tests, consists of 60 questions. It covers Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Classical Genetics, Organismal Biology, and Evolution and Diversity. Its emphasis is on Organismal Biology.
In addition to the common core, you will be required to take a specialty section comprised of 20 questions, making 80 the total number of questions you will be answering on any form, or in any administration, of the SAT II: Biology E/M. One of these specialty sections is the Biology-E Test, which covers principles and applications of Ecology. The other specialty section is the Biology-M Test which covers concepts and principles of Molecular Biology. Remember, these specialty sections are taken in addition to the common core. However, you will not be able to take both the Biology-E and the Biology-M Tests in the same administration.
The following chart summarizes the distribution of topics covered on the SAT II: Biology E/M exam:
Topics Covered in Core Section / Percentage of Test /Number of Questions
Cellular and Molecular Biology / 12% / 9-10 questions
Ecology / 12% / 9-10 questions
Classical Genetics / 10% / 8 questions
Organismal Biology / 30% / 24 questions
Evolution and Diversity / 11% / 8-9 questions
Ecology (Biology-E Test) / 25% / 20 questions
OR
Molecular Biology (Biology-M Test) / 25% / 20 questions
Note: Every administration of the Biology E/M Test includes 60 common core questions.
This book will provide you with an accurate and complete representation of the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test. Inside you will find a course review designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do well on the exam, as well as six full-length practice tests based on the actual exam. Three of our model tests are aimed specifically at students taking the Biology-E Test, and three are geared toward those taking the Biology-M Test. REA's practice tests contain every type of question you can expect to encounter on the SAT II: Biology E/M Test. Following each test, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations to help you master the test material.
What Do I Study First?
Remember that the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test is designed to test knowledge that has been acquired throughout your education. Therefore, the best way to prepare for the exam is to refresh yourself by? thoroughly studying our review material and taking the sample tests provided in this book. They will familiarize you with the types of questions, directions, and format of the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test.
To begin your studies, read over the review and the suggestions for test-taking, take one of the practice tests (Biology-E if you are studying Ecology, or Biology-M if you are studying Molecular Biology) to determine your area(s) of weakness, and then restudy the review material, focusing on your specific problem areas. The course review includes the information you need to know when taking the exam. Be sure to take the remaining practice tests to further test yourself and become familiar with the format of the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test.
When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the SAT II: Biology E/M test. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Last-minute studying and cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more comfortable you will be when you take the exam.
TEST TAKING TIPS
Although you may be unfamiliar with standardized tests such as the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test, there are many ways to acquaint yourself with this type of examination and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties.
Become comfortable with the format of the exam. When you are practicing to take the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only a couple of times, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual exam with much more confidence.
Know the directions and format for each section of the test. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the exam will not only save you time, but will also ensure that you are familiar enough with the SAT II: Biology E/M Subject Test to avoid nervousness (and the mistakes caused by being nervous).
Do your scratchwork in the margins of the test booklet. You will not be given scrap paper during the exam, and you may not perform scratchwork on your answer sheet. Space is provided in your test booklet to do any necessary work or draw diagrams.
If you are unsure of an answer, guess. However, if you do guess - guess wisely. Us...
