@Mango920452 https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/sat/sat-percentile-ranks-subject-tests-2014.pdf based on percentile ranks, bio
@CollageWhat I got a 780 E, and that is a much higher percentile than a 780 M, why is that?
@vmiller7723 i heard that e is generally harder, so that means less people would score that high i’m guessing
@maruthepup Life isn’t all about scores. A 680 on a test doesn’t discredit the value of life.
I took Literature this time and had studied a lot and prepared very “earnestly” for it, and I just hoped for a 700. But CB says I got a 690. I was disappointed indeed, but now I shake off that disappointment (or perhaps “disillusionment” is the more appropriate word) and feel fine. I know how it feels when you don’t see your hard work pay off. But sometimes it’s just a matter of luck. Other times it’s a matter of self-evaluation. Don’t push yourself too hard, and don’t set up unrealistic objectives for yourself.
Anyway, your value isn’t simply measured by test scores. Cheer up and look at the brighter sides of life.
@Tajmahal Yo same e_e I’m going to retake it next year and hopefully get a better score next time. I have to take 3 subject tests next year.
I’m so upset because I did horrible and now (as a senior) I have to retake it in November and hope I get a 750+. The June test I took was based on ecology and like genetics questions with Punnett squares and I did so bad on them 
Got an 800. Most definitely overprepared, but when I think about it, I definitely needed to have read through the Barron’s and Princeton Review or else I definitely wouldn’t have broke 700. (thanks, plants and systems.)
Honestly, I would definitely not suggest taking the test and hoping for a 750+ if you haven’t taken AP Biology. The test is not based on pure memorization. The test requires taking background knowledge and applying it to unfamiliar situations, which is something that you cannot do unless you’ve practiced, practiced, practiced.
Definitely take practice tests.
@ayraify totally agree, I reviewed Barron’s well but I think that my having taken AP Biology was much more important in breaking 750 (I got 780 E). Especially for those experiment-based questions, having a solid foundation in biology that you get from an AP course is very helpful.
I got an 800 on E. I didn’t expect it at all, but here’s what I did:
- Took AP Bio
- Started flipping through the Princeton Review book 4 days before the test and memorised anything I didn’t already know from class (e.g. plants, taxonomy)
- Took two of the PR practice tests the day before and went over my mistakes. I think I scored around 720 on the first and 750 on the second. Haha, I was really worried it would dip on test day because of anxiety and stuff.
I agree with vmiller7723 about the experiment-based questions. AP preparation and class will really help you with those.
I was pleasantly surprised to find some of the PR practice questions on the actual test (Indiana birds questions, anyone?)! But I think my AP Bio prep covered most of what I needed to know. Now just have to wait for those results D:
The day that I checked the score, it said I got a 700, and a detailed score report would be available June 30th. Just opened that “detailed score report” today and it gives you your score again, the 60 point range it’s within, and the percentile (ALL of which I already knew). Thought I was going to find out which I got wrong. Welp.
I got 800 on Biology E.
How to get 800:
-READ THE CAMPBELL BOOK!!! (I didn’t take any bio classes; I just memorized the book down to every word)
Just checked my scores, am I late to the party? lol
800 bio-m. Here’s what I recommend for anyone still reading this thread:
- Take AP Bio. If your school's honors biology class is strong, then maybe consider taking it after that class, but for the majority of people, I'd recommend taking the test near the end of your AP Bio course. The class will not only fill in the majority of the info you need for this test, but also provides you with important study resources that might be harder to find by yourself (eg. textbook, teacher, notes...).
- Usually students coming out of AP Bio only really have to brush up on organismal biology for this test, but I warn you, Barrons is misleading in the way it deals with this topic. Nearly half of the book is dedicated to organismal biology, and is bloated with excessive terminology that will never show up on the test. If you do end up using Barrons, definitely review basic structures for different domains etc. (because teachers may not cover it in class) but do not fall into the trap of wasting your time to memorize everything it presents you.
- This is mainly for Bio-M testers: do not ignore the first few sections in your bio book on water potential, solutions... The chemistry, however basic, is important and can make or break a perfect score. Don't regret missing easy questions!
- Finally, during the test remember to TAKE YOUR TIME. You can take a few practice tests to determine how you should be pacing yourself, but for most people, the test is easily finished in the hour allotted. There are a lot of lengthy questions (in the form of paragraphs and diagrams) that you should carefully peruse before jumping to the answers.
Good luck to all future test takers!
Not trying to sound a little bit cynical or anything but there’s no way all these people got 800 is there? I studied a lot and got 780 E and it seems bad compared to all the people here that get 800.
@vmiller7723: Yup, that’s CC for you. You’d better get used to it :/.
Although I must say, a 780 is still an excellent score.
@JuicyMango aha seems so thanks. It’s crazy though, my score of 780 on BIO E is 95th percentile, and it seems that the entire 5% that did better is on this thread lol.
I haven’t taken AP Biology yet but i am in the fall of my senior year. I’m trying to take Biology E/Min october. Most people are saying to take ap bio first but obviously that’s not an option so can i still score 750+ through prep books?
@Gatortristan I only took honors bio before taking the bio SAT and scored an 800 (Im pretty sure I got 3 questions wrong on the actual test but it seems like there was a good scale). That being said, I studied SOOOO much. I used Princeton Review and Barrons review books (both newest or almost newest versions). I studied for maybe 5-6 weeks before the test and on average, I spent 3-4 hours studying A DAY. I just sat down in a quiet place and went to work. I memorized the books pretty much word for word and did all of the practice tests 2X and reviewed the answers each time. I will admit that Barrons does have some superfluous information, but better safe than sorry. I definately over prepared but that is what probably got me the 800 so I think it is worth the time. The test really wasn’t like the ones in the books because the actual one focused more on applying the information you learn whereas prep books focus more on memorization. But still do the tests! They will help you learn more and understand the material better. With the rest of the summer left, you will definitely have time to get good studying in and if you do what I said above, you will easily get a 750+. Best of luck in October!!
P.S. While straight up memorizing the information is helpful, really strive to also UNDERSTAND the material. It will help you so much because all of the logic behind things becomes so much more clear, so in the end, understanding material will help you make a great educated guess when you are stuck on a problem. When you blindly memorize facts, that advantage of making good guesses based on previous knowledge is taken away. Also, sometimes the material can get tough so don’t get discouraged. If I didn’t get something I would usually look it up or maybe just take a break and come back to it later. It takes time. Again good luck!!
can u guys post some questing so i will know how the real test looks like? 
5 DAYS LEFT EVERYONE! LETS GOOOOOOOOO