Hey guys, I’m in a dilemma right now. It’s a really long story but the bottom line is, I’m hoping to take the SAT Chem in June this year. So I was wondering, can I get a 790/800 if I don’t take AP Chem? I’m currently in honors Chem and I think I’m doing pretty well because I’ve scored 100s+ on almost every test we’ve taken. However, I know the material on those tests are a lot easier than they should be.
I know I have 4 months, but with many AP tests, extracurriculars, competitions, etc., those 4 months don’t seem like enough time to be certain of a high score. I looked at the objectives list on the SAT website and many of the things we’ve already covered. The only problem is that I don’t know how in depth they’re tested. If anyone has any answers, advice, tips, or review book suggestions, they’d be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m an international student so have no idea about APs. I’ve listed below any tips I can give after my experience of the SAT II Chemistry (I got an 800).
Regarding books:
- I used the Barron’s book, which actually over prepares you, but that’s a good thing. I do recommend it, but I did find that the explanations of concepts was poor. I think that, had I not already known quite a lot of the material beforehand, I would have struggled to learn from the book (for example, their explanation of electronic configuration is terrible). This is easily dealt with, however - you can just google things you don’t understand from the book. The 4 practise tests are excellent preparation.
- Other books include Kaplan and Princeton Review. The latter, I bought simply to take the practice tests, and then returned - it is a very well written book, however, it’s very concise and so I don’t think it is sufficient preparation for someone aiming for 800s.
Tips:
- In the exam, tear off the periodic table if you are allowed (I wasn’t). This’ll save time flicking pages.
- PRACTICE TESTS. Do every single one you can find. This will maximise your chances of an 800. Search online for them, even order books with practice tests and return them, like I did, if necessary, but do TONNES. I found and did over 15!
- Whichever book you get (I recommend Barron’s) take the first practice test (often called the diagnostic test) in the book. This’ll give you an idea of how much you actually need to improve. I was around the 700 mark initially, and I made this an 800 within a week - so your initial score will give you an idea of how much time you’ll need for preparation, though you seem to have plenty of time.
- Learn EVERYTHING you don’t already know. Any area being tested that you DON’T KNOW, go off and LEARN IT. For example, I hadn’t known about solubility product etc, and it came up in my test.
- Know the SOLUBILITY RULES. You’ll need them.
- Know all the POLYATOMIC IONS of a first year college course. Barron’s includes a nice list of these.
- Know the PERIODIC TRENDS. I guarantee you they will be assessed.
- Learn VSEPR Theory and know how to predict the shapes of molecules.
- Know ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATIONS.
- While doing practice tests, take note of EVERY question you got wrong, find out why you got it wrong and why the correct answer is indeed the correct answer. Then return to that question a day later and try it again.
That’s all the things I can come up with off the top of my head. Hope I’ve been able to help, good luck in your exam!
@barankarakus1 thank you so much! That was definitely helpful. Congrats on your 800!