2012 USABO Thread

<p>Could anyone please give us a good heads up on what to expect? My ecology/animal physiology/botany is very weak and I’d really appreciate what to expect on that portion. thanks</p>

<p>MasterYster,</p>

<p>What I heard from past BO-doers is that more animal biology questions appeared than plant biology in open exams, from 2004~2010. I also did practice 2004~2008 open exams, and animal biology contents were equal to that of cell&molecular biology, which are more than plant ones.</p>

<p>I have one question to ask to everybody here. Do you use only textbooks to study, but not other books? I recently borrowed the Study Guide to Campbell Bio 9th and it is quite not useful as I hoped. </p>

<p>Do you read textbook from front to back?</p>

<p>I read about 1/2 of the campbell’s book so far due to being enrolled in AP Bio. This has allowed me to get around the 22-28 range on the questions due to heavy knowledge on molecular ****. Basically if you read campbell front to back and took notes as you read and really read for comprehension, it would be perfect. What I’ve realized is that Barron’s is a great supplement (AP BIO) for the USABO. I plan to read it more indepth tomorrow, as I have my USABO on Tuesday</p>

<p>Apart from Campbell and Reece many recommend Raven. But do you need to read another textbook for Biochemistry and molecular Biology. Would reading molecular biology of the gene by Watson be helpful? How useful is Alberts for cell structure. There is much detail there.</p>

<p>anyone have the 2007 full semifinal exam? I’m willing to trade 2 open exams (03,08,09,10,11) or a full semifinal (2004, 2008, 2010)</p>

<p>Has anyone taken it yet?</p>

<p>Anyone want to trade? I have the following items:</p>

<p>USABO Open Exams (2003,2004,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011)
USABO Semifinal Exams(2004,2008,2010)</p>

<p>In addition to these excellent resources, I have the FULL Campbell & Reece 7th Edition Test Bank. This is great for people who want questions on specific topics (since its organized by chapter)</p>

<p>For those who are interested in further study (Semifinal Level+) I have some good ebooks in Molecular Biology and Plant Sciences. PM Me for a trade - I am looking for Semifinal Exams (2009,2011, 2007,2003) ~Jaden</p>

<p>Which is a better textbook for molecular biology:</p>

<p>Modern Genetic Analysis: Integrating Genes and Genomes</p>

<p>or Molecular Biology of the gene by Watson et al.,</p>

<p>Just had it, it was pretty hard, hardier than last year I think. I’m guessing the curve will be lower 20’s like last year</p>

<p>What are you talking about, good sir? Last year the test was of average difficulty and the cutoff was 29 - not lower twenties as you attest. Only once was the test in the lower 20’s for a cutoff, and that was for the ridiculously hard (and imo badly written test), USABO Open 2010. </p>

<p>Are you saying it was as hard as last years (so cutoff between 28- 31) or are you talking about USABO 2010 difficulty (cutoff 20-24ish)</p>

<p>Sorry I meant the 2010. My mistake. But seriously the knowledge on that test was very esoteric but thats me</p>

<p>NightShadeQueen: Do you think it is worthwhile to read Molecular Biology of the cell and do problems from the problems book for the semifinals? did you use any other genetics textbook?</p>

<p>Opinion123 did you already take the open exam? And if so did you find it harder than last years? I just want to know if it was actually hard or just me</p>

<p>Hey guys, for any of you that have the open coming up and want more practice, I have all of the opens+ans and 2007, 2010 semis. I’m willing to trade for any semis. PM or email me.</p>

<p>Enough with this Trading bullcrap , seriously. No one wants to give their old semis. I’m def not giving my 2011 semi.</p>

<p>^ same although i wish i had the 2011 semi =P</p>

<p>Is there a similar thread for USA Chemistry Olympiad? I am thinking of trying out next year. Looking for the best books to start with. </p>

<p>MasterYster: I found the test to be at the same level as last year’s test. Its hard to say if it was easy or tough because the results are based on how everybody else performed as well!</p>

<p>can we just gauge how hard the test was? I felt like it was much harder than last year</p>

<p>btw, when is the semifinal exam?</p>

<p>^nvrmind.</p>

<p>10 char</p>