Biology E/M SAT Subject Test FAQs 2014-2015
Should I take the Biology SAT Subject Test (formerly known as SATII or Achievement Test)? We
recommend this test for students earning A level grades in Biology, who have strong reading comprehension
skills, and who typically score well on standardized tests. While students who fit this profile typically do best
on the Biology SAT, other students may choose to take the test if they would like some experience with taking a
standardized subject test.
Do the scores "count"? Several years ago the College Board reinstituted the “Score Choice” option which
means scores on this exam will only be seen by some colleges if the student chooses to release them. This is
really a “no lose” situation, and it is worth it for students to attempt the test if they have been doing well in the
course and are willing to put in time to prepare. Note however that some schools do not participate in Score
Choice and will ask to see all SAT subject scores. The date the test is taken is noted, so a low score on a test
taken in 9th grade will not be viewed the same way as one taken when the student is older.
When is the test given? You would take the test on June 6, 2015. This is just a few days before the Biology
final exam, so you will be studying for two tests at once. Some students in the past have elected to take it twice,
first on the May 2 SAT date for practice, then on June 6 “for real”. This is not recommended since there is still
a fair bit of biology content learned in the month of May, but some students have found it helpful to get a feel
for the test before taking it in June.
How do I register? Go to the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com. From there click on the page
for students, then go to "Register for the SAT". After that, click "Register Now". You will be asked to set up
a user name and password. Register for the Biology E/M Subject Test given on June 6, 2015. You must
complete your registration by May 8, 2015. The deadline for the May exam is April 6th. By registering
online, you should know right away if you get in to the test center of your choice, and you will be emailed a
confirmation and admissions ticket for the exam. Explore the website fully – there is a detailed description of
the test, as well as sample questions if you choose Biology in the SAT Subject Test Learning Center part of the
site.
What is my school code? The Friends Academy school code, which you will need in order to register, is
332880.
Where do I take the test? You need to look on the collegeboard website for "Code Search" – "Test Centers",
and find out whether the school district in which you reside offers the SAT subject tests on June 6. If it does
not, look for another school district near you that does offer the test that day. Enter the test center code for the
district on your registration form. Here are some local schools that DO offer the test, as well as their codes:
Glen Cove 33440
Locust Valley 33562
Manhasset 33584
Port Washington 33782
Syosset 33906
Which test do I take, the Biology "E", or "M"? In the past, we have not seen a huge difference in the scores
between students who choose the E test vs. the M test, though overall a few more students earn high scores on
the E test than the M. The E test is the Ecology oriented version of the test, and the M test is the Molecular
version. According to the College Board website, here is how to decide:
 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.
 Indicate choice of Biology E or Biology M on your answer sheet on test day.
Our ninth grade course prepares students equally well for both tests. Some students find the Ecology test
"easier", but some find that they were more familiar with the content of the M test. Sixty of the 80 questions are
the same for both tests, but there is one particular section of 20 questions that will lean more toward the
Ecological or Molecular, depending on which you choose. The questions are all multiple choice.
Will we cover all the topics that will be on the test? No. We hit all of the big concepts in Biology, but we do
not go in depth in all of the topics. A large part of the test is being able to interpret data from experiments.
Even though you may not have learned about the subject of a particular experiment, often you can determine the
answers to the questions anyway if you can read graphs and charts well. We will schedule review sessions after
school closer to the exam to go over some of the topics not covered in class. Here are the topics that we either
do very briefly, or don't do at all, that should be reviewed on your own in order to have a fuller mastery of all of
the topics of the test:
1. Energy: Photosynthesis and Respiration
2. Plants: Anatomy, Transport, Hormones
3.Human Systems – Endocrine, Skeletal, Muscular, Respiratory, Circulatory, Excretory, Digestive
How should I prepare for the test? Get a review book that has content review as well as several practice tests.
There are many books on the market – here is the quick take on some of them:
1. Barrons "How to Prepare for the SAT Biology E/M Test" by Bleifeld – This is the most thorough
content review, but can be boring and intimidating. Students who use this sometimes say it had so much info.
that was NOT on the test.
2. Princeton Review "Cracking the SAT Biology E/M Subject Test" by Wright – This does not have a
huge content review section, but gives lots of test-taking strategies, and ways to "beat" the test.
3. Kaplan SATII: Biology E/M - This is sort of a blend between Barrons and Princeton Review – it has
a bit more content review than Princeton Review, also geared toward test taking strategies. Some find it not
very readable.
4. Spark Notes SAT II Biology Test Prep – This is similar to the Princeton Review. There is a
companion book that has 5 practice tests that some students find helpful.
You should buy your review book(s) by March, and set up a schedule where you work through a chapter or
more a week between then and the exam. Take practice tests as you go, but know that students often feel the
real test is scored easier than the practice tests, so don't get discouraged. For the best practice, take the practice
tests under real test conditions.
Should I get a tutor? You will definitely need to do some additional practice and preparation to take this test.
It is important to take many practice tests so you become familiar with the types of questions asked. Some
students get a tutor to help with this, or go to a test prep center, and find it helps with their confidence and
familiarity with the test. Others just use a review book or two very diligently and do just as well without having
a tutor. It depends on how disciplined and organized the student is.
What do I do the day of the test? According to the College Board site:
 Be well-rested and ready to go. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test
 Bring acceptable Photo ID and your SAT Admission Ticket.
 Bring two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser — a pencil is required for the multiple choice questions .
Mechanical pencils are not allowed. Pens are not allowed.
 Plan to arrive at the test center by 7:45 a.m. Testing starts at about 8:00 a.m. The test lasts approximately
an hour.