SAT II Biology Test – General Introduction

The purpose of the SAT II Biology test is to measure knowledge of biology at a college-preparatory level with either an ecological emphasis (Biology-E) or a molecular emphasis (Biology-M).

How to Choose Biology-E or Biology-M

-Take Biology-E if you feel more comfortable answering questions pertaining to biological communities, populations, and energy flow.

-Take Biology-M if you feel more comfortable answering questions pertaining to biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis.

You can decide whether you want to take Biology-E or Biology-M on test day by gridding the appropriate code for the test you have chosen on your answer sheet. Only questions pertaining to the test code that is gridded on your answer sheet will be scored.

NOTE: Because there is a common core of questions you are not allowed to take Biology-E and Biology-M on the same test date. You can take them on two different test dates.

Format of the SAT II Biology Test

-60 multiple-choice questions that are common to both Biology-E and Biology-M 20 specialized multiple-choice questions for either Biology-E or Biology-M

-Total of 80 questions answered by each test-taker. Questions may require you to recall and understand the major concepts of biology and to apply the principles, organize and interpret results obtained by observation and experimentation, draw conclusions or make inferences from  experimental data, including data presented in graphic or tabular form or solve problems with simple numerical calculations using the metric system.

NOTE: Calculator use is not permitted.

Recommended Preparation for the SAT II Biology Test

-One-year course in biology

-One-year course in algebra and familiarity with  simple algebraic concepts such as ratios and direct and inverse proportions

-Laboratory experience

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1. SAT II Physics: General Introduction
2. Content of the SAT II Chemistry Test
3. Structure of the SAT Test
4. Sat II Chemistry Test – General Introduction
5. SAT II Test Day Strategies

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