**SAT II Biology December 2015 Discussion**

Only a few more weeks to go.
We got this, guys.

what are you guys all doing to prepare?

where can I find free practice tests besides the college board one

First I did a diagnostic test provided by CrackSat. I wrote down every question I got wrong, and the explanations. I am currently going through all of SparkNotes pages about Biology.

I personally like Princeton Review, since it is so easy to understand and seems to cover a majority of the test. Barron’s is good too, if you’re looking for something more in-depth.

Also, here are some practice exams if you haven’t taken them already: (I find the last 2 easier than the actual test, but it doesn’t hurt to practice)
http://projects.ecfs.org/pchurch/SAT2Practice/14PR02.pdf (Princeton Review)
https://sites.google.com/site/biologysat2/home/diagnostic-tests
https://docs.google.com/a/mysummitps.org/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxiaW9sb2d5c2F0MnxneDplMjdkMjFjYTg4YTVhM2Y

I’m using Barron’s and my AP Biology textbook. I’m hoping the Ecology test isn’t a huge wtf because I want to take it next week lol.

Anyone know of free online textbooks besides spark notes because I’m basically finished studying sparknotes.

Less than a week everyone!
@DDOuser I would recommend borrowing a biology textbook from your school if you don’t have one already. But other than that I don’t know of other free, legal sources. Actually, Quizlet has some useful flash card sets.

Does anyone know if we are permitted to look at both the E and M tests before deciding which to take? I thought that was allowed, but two of my friends who took it in November said they had to decide in the beginning or else their scores could be cancelled…

@Lbelle43 I’ve seen some posts in the november thread where people switched the tests after seeing how difficult the questions were. But I hope we can switch around…

so during one of the practice exams that @avu017 sent in this thread, i saw a question about the human epidermis (as in the skin layer). This is the first time I’ve ever seen a question on skin. I know this is a pretty odd question, but is there anything we need to know for skin (human)?

Also, follow-up question: I heard from a lot of people that november test was hard, does that mean that december will be easier?

Did anyone study using Princeton Review only?

@an1620 Nope, used Barrons and now switching to AP Bio textbook just in case College Board tests for stuff that aren’t on the prep books.

@kjhnbgfvdcrftgyh I don’t think you have to know in detail about the skin, but just in case it does show up on the test, know the overall functions, its main layers (dermis & epidermis) and its role in * thermoregulation

*very muy importante

Literally so stressed about this test.

I read how horrendous November’s was

@heymarseilles Same. I have my textbook on me 24/7 to study… I also have to study for 2 other tests. I dont know how I’ll get a good score this Saturday

Chin up @Ngzk07 ! From what I remember, you’re planning to take literature, right? There isnt “much” to study as there is to prepare, as you know. Learn some of those funny literary terms(they’re so wildly named that it’s actually quite easy to memorize them, just by how freaky they sound. Like stanza. STANZA.) and you’re good, for the most part. Unfortunately it kind of falls down to luck and skill with reading comprehension. The luck portion meaning we don’t get a test filled with 17th century works. That wouldn’t be fun.

As for Biology, Ive been breathing and eating biology this whole week, and I feel as though I can get above a 700 now, which is fantastic for me.

I’ve also decided to switch from MathII to MathI. I won’t have time to focus on the particularities of the second version. Biology gets preference.

But yeah, all in all, I feel the same way I felt before I took the SAT last month. Veeeeeery low expectations with a slight dose of excitement.

Though, if you’re taking one of the history subject tests, respect hahaha. I thought I was decent at World History until I tried a practice test. There’s certainly a lot of material to know.

Yeah guys, we can do this! To make you all feel better I haven’t had a lot of time to study this week because my teachers just had to give my classes a ton of homework on the week of the test (an essay took me 3 hours…) Very nervous.

Do any of you know how close the official collegeboard practice test is to the real test? I found it a bit easier than other practice tests.