<p>I don’t know if this has been asked yet, but… What is the cutoff score for USABO usually? I’m taking it for the first time this year, so I have no clue regarding a lot of things, but is the score kind of consistent like how the AMC12 is usually between 95-105? </p>
<p>I’m also kind of lost on how I should study. I have Campbell’s book, and I decided to start reading about the cell, but it seems like I have loads to read before I get anywhere. Should I read 25 pages a day or something? Oh, and also, I took a test before any studying and got a 22/50 which is horrible, and the material seems really specific. So again, is the best way to prep just by starting on page 1 and reading?</p>
<p>Well, last year’s cutoff was 24. And I think it’s usually in the mid to high 20s. But if the test was really easy, they could bump up the cutoff score to the 30s, and if it was really hard, they would probably move it down to the low 20s.
So you look to be in pretty good shape, seeing as the Opens are administered in early February :)</p>
<p>My friends and I actually made a study group for the test - we’re going unit by unit. I’m not sure how everyone else is studying, but you can see the breakdown of the test online and start from there. I think they focus a little more on animal form/function, as well as plants. </p>
<p>@starchow I’m doing Science Olympiad this year. Do you know what events you have in mind? I want to do Anatomy and Physiology, Forestry, Disease Detectives, possible Designer Genes, maybe Chem Lab, maybe Astronomy but I know it’s really hard and Forensics. </p>
<p>I’ve totally put off USABO studying for almost a month now. I skipped the genes section, and now I’m stuck on Darwin’s evolutionary theory. I’ll hopefully start again in one or two weeks when I actually get to go home on the bus instead of staying at school until 8.</p>
<p>^
EveningSwan; I have been doing Science Olympiad since freshman year, and I got to say that studying for the Biology events in SO really helps to prepare for Bio Olympiad.
I am doing Designer Genes and Forestry this year, and studying for those events will naturally cover different aspects of molecular biology and plant biology sections of USABO. SO events are easier than USABO, but it is like killing two birds at one shot.</p>
<p>@EveningSwan I have also put studying off for a while because of school and all of my IB classes. Now I am going to study Campbell hardcore now and additional IB study guides.</p>
<p>My school’s SO team is large but not that talented-we have around 100 kids-, We haven’t even came in the top 5 in the state. How good is your guys SO team?</p>
<p>I’ve been so busy with ECs and classes lately that I’ve put off studying big time. Once winter break rolls around, I’m going to start studying intensely. |D</p>
<p>I have finished C & R and now I am memorizing the charts, tables etc. So going forward which course would be the best one to start with in the MIT openware courses?</p>
<p>Hello!! Academic life really affects my USABO studying time…Anyway, do you guys read some scientific articles or books on biology? I am currently reading Regenesis and it is really outstanding science book written by Harvard Medical School professor who explains the synthetic biology! You should check it out!</p>
<p>For those who are doing Science Olympiad, what kind of events are you preparing? I chose Designer Genes, Thermodynamics, and Forestry. </p>
<p>@Mansu007: Are you trying out for Anatomy and Physiology? The questions are more detailed than what is covered in C & R. Wondering if I should read another A & P textbook. </p>
<p>I am just curious … how would forestry help with USABO prep? I am doing designer genes too.</p>
<p>^(Opinion559)
I treat the preparing for Science Olympiad (Life Science) and USABO as one because they have common theme: biology. It is like killing two birds with one bullet. Forestry does help you since it covers a lot of plant biology (this is cooler name than botany). Although the Forestry event focuses mostly on species of plants and flowers, it also requires you to have broad and deep understanding of biological metabolism of plants.</p>
<p>I am using Field Guide and Raven Plant Biology for Forestry and Molecular Biology of Cells for Designer Genes since I am completely done with our bio bible: Campbell.</p>
<p>Why people regards Physics and Chemistry as “thinking” science while Biology as “memorizing” science?? This is really an offense!</p>
<p>I signed up for anatomy & physiology, forestry, disease detectives, designer genes, chem lab, and elastic launched glider. I know for a fact that I won’t do all of them, mostly b/c there’s only enough time slots for 5, right??? It’s been a couple years since I did SO so I’m kind of rusty on the information. It’s so weird this year because when I was in middle school, I did physics and earth science events, but now I absolutely hate both, so I’m doing biology events.</p>
<p>Just curious with you guys, do you feel more comfortable with Chemistry or Physics? I already took AP Bio and Chem and currently taking AP Physics, and I have to say that I hate the fact that Physics require a lot of assumption, especially in kinematics.</p>
<p>I personally prefer chemistry because physics requires too much math for my brain. It’s ironic 'cause when I was in middle school, I thought I would be an astronomer until I discovered my intense dislike for physics and math.</p>
<p>^
I am just curious but how can you read whole textbook within two months or so?
Biodiversity part really hindered my effort to consume my reading time…I just do not believe that biodiversity is not science, but merely a heavy memorization of facts and details. </p>
<p>February is drawing closer each day! Let us prepare to our fullest potential and ability!!</p>