Frequently asked
questions:
Q: What
are the SAT II exams?
A: The SAT II exams are also called Subject Tests.
They are used to evaluate students' knowledge in specific
areas. Students may take several SAT II exams, each in a
particular subject area such as biology, chemistry, history,
languages, etc. The SAT II exam in biology is one hour long
and consists of 80 multiple choice questions divided into two
parts. Part 1 has 60 questions and these are answered by
everyone. Part 2 has 20 questions and students must choose
either the "M" (molecular) or the "E" (ecology)
question set for Part 2. Your biology teacher can further
explain the question sets and advise you on which you should take.
Q: Would
I take an SAT II exam instead of the regular SAT exam?
A: No. Students take one or more SAT II exams in
addition to the regular SAT exams.
Q: Why would I want to take an SAT II exam?
A: Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject
Tests for admission or placement. You should seriously consider
taking the SAT II in biology if you are planning to pursue a medical
or other science-related career. You should also take it if
you enjoy biology and are doing well in it.
Q: When
should I take the SAT II exam in biology?
A: Students should take the SAT II exam for a particular
subject when they have completed the course of instruction for that
subject. In the case of biology, that would be at the end of
this school year (assuming that you're taking biology this
year). Although the exam is offered at Shenendehowa in May, we
recommend that students wait until the June testing date (usually
the first Saturday in June) to maximize instruction in
biology. Although the exam is not offered at Shenendehowa in
June, you may register to take it at either Ballston Spa High School
or Burnt Hills High School.
Q: How
and when do I register for the SAT II exam?
A: The regular registration deadline for a June exam is usually
at the end of April. The guidance counselors usually visit my
Honors biology classes in advance to explain the procedure.
Registration materials are available in the Counseling Center.
You can also register on line at http://www.collegeboard.com/.
Q: How
do I prepare for the SAT II exam in biology?
A: The best thing you can do (besides working hard in
your regular biology class) is to purchase a review book for this
exam and start working through it in sections after those topics
have been taught in class. There are many different kinds
available at bookstores such as Borders or Barnes & Noble.
Two good review books to consider are published by the College Board
and by Barron's. As the exam date approaches, you should take
as many practice exams as you can. These can be found in
review books and also on line at the college board website. You can see sample SAT
II questions (in math., bio., chem. and physics) at:
http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/sat/satguide/SAT2_Math1and2_Bio_Ch_Ph.pdf
Q: Where
can I get more information?
A: To get more information, you can ask your biology
teacher, your guidance counselor, or you can go to the following web
address: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html
