The SAT Biology Subject Test

UPDATE: As of June 2021, the SAT Subject Tests are no longer administered. For more on the cancellation of all Subject Tests, see our post here.

What does the Biology Subject Test Look Like?

The Biology Subject Test is a multiple-choice exam with 80 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. 60 of these questions are “common core” Biology questions, and the remaining 20 are either Ecological or Molecular questions. This test is unique in that it offers students a choice between the Ecology (E) or Molecular (M) section, so it is important to pick (and master) one of these topics. Questions appear in a variety of formats, including Classification and Five-Choice Completion. The “common core” questions cover Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, Classical Genetics, Organismal Biology, and Evolution and Diversity.

Example:

Directions: Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best fits each statement, and then fill in the corresponding oval on the answer sheet. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set.

Questions 1–4:

(A)  Prophase
(B)  Metaphase
(C)  Anaphase
(D)  Interphase
(E)  Anaphase II

  1. The stage during which recombination occurs.
  2. The stage during which homologous pairs are separated.
  3. The stage during which homologous pairs align.
  4. A stage in meiosis.

How is the Exam Scored?

Correct answers are worth +1 points, incorrect answers are worth -0.25 points, and omitted answers are worth 0 points. Points are added to form a raw score. Then, the raw score is converted to a scaled score from 200-800. The average score for Biology M is 655, and the average score for Biology E is 626.

What Skills from School Will Help Me on the Test?

First, the Biology Subject Test assumes knowledge from a one-year Biology course (with lab), as well as a one-year course in Algebra. Students who take these courses have already been exposed and tested on the Subject Test material, and a lab component will prepare students for questions that ask them to make inference using given data. AP and Honors students will be more prepared, but even those students need to review Ecology concepts.

What about strategy?

High school courses rarely focus on actual test-taking strategy; instead, they focus on content. But the Subject Test can be bested by learning different approaches for different question types, by spotting incorrect answer choices (instead of always looking for the correct ones), and by understanding the implications of the guessing penalty. Many of these skills can be learned by studying with a prep book or by working with a tutor who has mastered the Biology Subject Test.

Find out exactly how much strategy and content from your current AP or IB courses can be applied to the SAT Biology Subject Tests! Download our handy guides below:

Biology Ecological
Biology Molecular

Are There Any Tricks I Can Use to Immediately Improve My Score?

First, it is important to begin preparation as soon as possible. This Subject Test is dense with material, and requires a great deal of memorization. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Second, make sure to always identify what the question is asking. This sounds simple, but many people forget to complete this crucial step! Many of the questions are presented under the guise of complex word problems, and it is our job to label pertinent information and identify the actual question.

Finally, remember that “guessing” isn’t always bad! Although haphazard guessing doesn’t get us anywhere, educated guessing does lead to improved scores. By removing just one answer choice with certainty, we improve our chances over the course of the exam.

I’m an International Student. Any Tips for Me?

Students taking IB courses need to review Molecular Biology and lab processes. Typically, IB students should consider taking the Ecology (E) section.

Main Takeaways:

  • Students have a choice between taking the Ecology (E) or Molecular (M) section. 20 of the 80 questions will be from this chosen topic.
  • There is a lot of content that requires memorization, and adequate time must be set aside for preparation.
  • Students should learn the two question types: Classification and Five-Choice Completion.
  • The average score for Biology M is 655, and the average score for Biology E is 626.

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