SAT II Biology or Physics?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
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<p>Hi guys, it's my first time posting here, so please don't shoot me x]</p>

<p>So, I plan to take another subject test in October. Basically, the material will be new to me for the most part; I took my sucky bio class 2 years ago and I'll only be learning physics this school year. </p>

<p>I was originally thinking of just going bio, but after seeing the percentile ranks for both tests I decided to ask for your opinion. :]</p>

<p>If it helps, school just started where I am, so I'll have to balance. I taught myself all of Math II a few months ago (expecting 750+), but it was summer and I had much time.</p>

<p>Would you recommend I forge on ahead with biology or switch to physics?</p>

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<p>I think biology would be the easiest to teach yourself, but physics has a nicer curve.</p>

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<p>I would say whichever one you enjoy studying more (since you’re going to have to study a lot). If they’re equal, I think Bio is easier because it’s mainly memorization.</p>

<p>Btw, how did you self-study Math II? I am trying to do the same thing over the summer but I haven’t taken Pre-Calc yet :(</p>

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<p>Hmm, at this point I’m almost certain I’m going to take Biology. I looked at some sample Physics questions and decided there is no way I’m going to attempt that with school starting. :]</p>

<p>As for Math II, I first looked at table of contents of the [Barron’s</a> 7th Edition book](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/How-Prepare-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0764120190/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276595115&sr=1-7]Barron’s”>http://www.amazon.com/How-Prepare-SAT-Math-Level/dp/0764120190/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276595115&sr=1-7) to find out what I needed to learn. Then I started watching Khanacademy and PatrickJMT videos on Youtube to learn the very basics. After that I did an online Sparknotes practice test to find out where I was particularly deficient. I read through their book about those parts before continuing on.</p>

<p>Next, I bought myself that Barron’s book. I did the diagnostic test and I went through every exercise. Um, I suggest that you practice with your graphing calculator as you go along. That book is harder than the real test, but I did learn some neat stuff that I didn’t find from the videos and other internet sources. A few even came out for me. </p>

<p>Still, there are times when it’s perfectly fine to skip a part. For instance, I think DeMoivre’s theorem is overkill. Good to know, but I don’t think it would ever come out on the test.</p>

<p>It would be better if you have somebody who’d go over Barron’s with you the second time, just to clarify some things and make to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything. Also to make sure you don’t end up confused because of the occassional typo. :/</p>

<p>I then got the [url=<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-Subject-Extended-Revised/dp/0974822221/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276594570&sr=1-5]Meylani[/url”>http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Tests-Subject-Extended-Revised/dp/0974822221/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276594570&sr=1-5]Meylani[/url</a>] book. Answered a few tests casually, then started timing myself. At first I felt like I was going to have a heart attack, but once I got the hang of it, I got better scores.</p>

<p>When the test day draws near, I suggest some Sparknotes exams to get your confidence up. I also typed up a ‘cheat sheet’ where I summarized everything I needed to know. That’s what I looked at the day before the test.</p>

<p>At this point you’re probably going to get something pretty good, as long as you don’t panic (which I did towards the latter part xD)</p>

<p>It’s a LOT of ceaseless studying and it’s easy to get discouraged, but if you keep at it, I’m sure you can do it. :]</p>

<p>Um, so… that was long. It’s a different experience for everyone, but… I hope this will help. :></p>