CHAPTER 1

What You Need to Know About the SAT Biology E/M Test

The SAT Subject Tests

What Are the SAT Subject Tests?

The SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as Achievement Tests) are the lesser-known supplements to the SAT, sponsored by the same people—the College Entrance Examination Board. The tests are actually created by the Educational Testing Service, which also creates the SAT. Just as for the SAT, to take the SAT Subject Tests you must sign up for the test(s) in advance, number 2 pencils in hand, and have your results reported to whichever colleges and universities by which you wish to have them considered.

Whereas the SAT tests general verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills, the SAT Subject Tests cover specific knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, including English, mathematics, history, science, and foreign languages. SAT Subject Tests are much shorter than the SAT; they’re only 1 hour long, so you can take up to three (3) in any one sitting, although you’re not required to. You can choose which SAT Subject Tests to take, and how many you’ll take on one day. Some students may take the SAT in World History, Math, and Biology in the same sitting, whereas others might choose just Biology and Math on the same day.

Why Should I Take the SAT Subject Tests in Addition to the SAT?

The College Board claims that SAT Subject Tests can help colleges measure your academic performance and predict your future achievement—but they say the same thing about the SAT. The difference is that SAT Subject Tests test your knowledge in specific subjects such as Biology, French, or U.S. History, therefore, they provide colleges and universities with a way to gauge your ability in these subjects, something they cannot get from the SAT. Many colleges and universities now require students to submit scores for SAT Subject Tests as part of their application. Some use SAT Subject Tests to advise or determine college course placement. Along with your high school transcript, SAT score, letters of recommendation, interview, and essays, these scores provide another way for colleges to weigh your application against those of other applicants.

Although colleges can look at grades to determine how a student is doing in a certain subject, it is often difficult for them to understand if an “A” at one school is equivalent to an “A” at another. If Biology is your strongest subject, then a high SAT Biology score, combined with good grades on your transcript, can convey that strength to a college or university.

How Many SAT Subject Tests Should I Take? And Which Ones Should I Take?

You can take as many SAT Subject Tests as you would like. According to the College Board, in 2007, 41% of SAT Subject Test test-takers took three tests, and 11% took four or more. Remember, though, that you’re limited to taking three tests in one sitting; if you want to take more than three, you’ll have to sign up for two testing dates. Your first consideration in choosing how many, and which subject tests, to take should be the requirements of the colleges or universities to which you’re applying. Many colleges require applicants to take specific tests, or to take a minimum number of tests.

If you can choose, then you should take the SAT Subject Tests for which you’re best prepared, and on which you will score highest. If you’ve taken a class in a specific subject and done well in that class, then you will probably be well prepared to take the test in that subject. When choosing how many to take, remember that taking more tests is not always better. Focusing your preparation on a smaller number of tests will probably leave you better off than taking a larger number for which you are not adequately prepared.

When Should I Take the Subject Tests?

You should take the SAT Subject Tests when you will be most prepared. Ideally, you should take the test as soon as possible after you’ve finished a course in that subject. So, if you took biology in sophomore year, you may wish to take the SAT Biology test in May or June following that year. Do consider that you may wish to leave yourself time to review for each test properly, especially if some time has passed since you last encountered the material.

The SAT Biology E/M Test

What Is the Format of the SAT Biology-E/M Test? And What Does “E/M” Mean?

The SAT Biology test is a 1-hour test consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions. The SAT Biology test is unique among the SAT Subject Tests in that you have a choice between the “E” version of the test, which focuses more on ecology (subjects such as ecosystems, biomes, food chains and webs, and the water cycle), and the “M” version of the test, which focuses more on molecular biology (subjects such as genetics, inheritance, respiration, and photosynthesis). All test-takers get the same 60 “core” questions, which cover all areas of biology. You can then choose between two 20-questions sections, the ecology section or the molecular section.

What Is Covered on the SAT Biology Test?

Both the Biology-E and the Biology-M tests are designed to cover the material that would be typically taught in a high school biology course and lab. You are also expected to be familiar with algebra and how to use the metric system; some questions will ask you to interpret data as if you had completed a laboratory experiment, and will occasionally require you to do simple mathematical calculations.

The College Board gives an approximate outline of how much of each area of biology the tests cover:

Although the test may not always be exactly 23% ecology or 27% cellular and molecular biology, you should be aware that the Biology-M test focuses more on cellular and molecular biology and cellular genetics, while the Biology-E test focuses more on ecology and evolution and diversity. Approximately one-fourth of both tests is devoted to organismal biology. This book includes a detailed review of all of the areas covered in both tests.

Does It Matter whether I Take Biology-E or Biology-M? How Do I Choose between Them?

The College Board doesn’t care whether you take the Biology-E or the Biology-M test, and almost the same number of students take each test. One is not designed to be harder than the other. You don’t even need to indicate which one you’re going to be taking until you’re actually taking the test. Your test booklet will contain both sets of questions, and instructions on how to answer either the ecology or molecular part.

You should choose whichever test is geared toward your strengths in biology. If your biology course focused more on ecology or evolution, discussing food webs, predator–prey relationships, nutrient cycles, and biomes, then Biology-E is likely to be the test for you. If your biology course focused more on cellular processes and biomolecules, discussing DNA, proteins, chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis, respiration, and photosynthesis, then Biology-M is probably the better test for you.

Colleges care far more about your score on the SAT Biology test than which form of the exam you took—so your first consideration should be choosing the exam with which you’re most comfortable. As a guide, however, you may wish to consider the type of biology you might study in the future. If you’re applying for or are considering a program in biochemistry, genetics, or microbiology, then Biology-M might be a better choice; if you’re applying for or considering a program in environmental studies, ecology, or evolution, then Biology-E might be more suited for you.

What if I Can’t Decide between Biology-E and Biology-M?

If you’re not sure whether Biology-E or Biology-M is better for you, don’t worry! This book is designed to prepare students equally for both tests, and Chapter 2 includes a section on how to use it to help you decide whether to take Biology-E or Biology-M.

Do I Still Have to Study Ecology if I Take Biology-M? Do I Still Have to Study Molecular Biology if I Take Biology-E?

The answer to both of these questions is yes, if you plan to do well. If you’re taking Biology-M, you may not be required to know ecology as in-depth as someone taking Biology-E, but you will still be asked some questions on ecology. And if you’re taking Biology-E, you shouldn’t overlook molecular biology. While you may want to spend more of your energy preparing for the specific test you’re taking, reviewing all of the material is your best bet.

Taking the Test

How Do I Register for the SAT Subject Tests?

You can register for the SAT Subject Tests in a number of ways. The easiest and quickest way is through the College Board website, at http://www.collegeboard.org. Through the website, you can quickly choose the tests you wish to take, choose a date and testing center, and immediately receive a confirmation of your registration. You will need to use a credit card to register online. If you are signing up for Sunday testing for the first time, are younger than 13, or require special testing arrangements, you will need to mail in your registration.

Registering by mail allows you to use a check or money order. Register by mail using the registration form in the Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, which should be available in the college counselling office of your high school.

If you have registered for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests before, you can reregister for the SAT Subject Tests via telephone, by calling (866) 756-7346 from 8 AM to 9 PM, Eastern time. You must pay by credit card, and there is a fee for telephone registration.

May I Use a Calculator on the Test?

Although some calculations may be required, you may not use a calculator on the SAT Biology E/M. You may use a calculator only on the SAT Math test.

What if I Need to Take the Test Under Special Circumstances?

Students with disabilities or special needs can qualify for testing accommodations or additional time through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). To qualify for a special accommodation because of a physical handicap or learning disability, you will need to apply and support your application with documentation of your disability. Talk to your guidance counselor, and visit the College Board website (http://www.collegeboard.org) for more information on how to register.

How Is the SAT Biology Test Scored?

Your answers for the Biology test will be scored by a machine that reads your answer sheet. Just as in each section of the SAT, your score for each SAT Subject Test will range from 200 to 800. This scaled score is based on your raw score for the test. The raw score is calculated by adding one point for every correct answer, and subtracting 1/4 point for every incorrect answer. This scaled score is then reported to you, your high school, and any colleges and universities you choose.

When Will I Receive My Scores?

You can view your scores by logging into your My SAT account approximately three weeks after the test. Refer to the College Board website to see on what date your score will become available. Scores are also mailed to students approximately 3 weeks after the test. You may also request your scores by telephone for an additional fee.

How Do I Submit My SAT Subject Test Scores to Colleges and Universities?

Once you’re ready to submit your scores to colleges and universities, there are a number of ways to do so. When you sign up for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, your fee includes free reporting of the results to up to four colleges or universities. You can also request that your scores be reported to more schools for an additional fee per school using the College Board website (http://www.collegeboard.org) or by telephone, also for an additional fee.

You should be aware that when you submit scores, all of your past scores—SAT and SAT Subject Tests—will be sent to the colleges or universities you selected, unless you have opted for the free Score Choice^tm feature that allows you to choose which scores will be reported. Scores for tests that have not yet taken place or have not yet been scored will not be submitted. Your scores will be sent about 3 weeks after your request; make sure you leave enough time to report your scores before the deadlines sent by the college/university of your choice. Rush reporting is available online or by phone for an additional fee.