<p>Hey I am using the SparkNotes practice tests to prep for SAT II Bio E. Are the practice tests accurate? I know the curve is harsher but the questions seem easier. How do both of these things compare to the real one? Thanks</p>
<p>From what I've heard about the curve around the boards... their curve seems accurate.</p>
<p>I've never taken the actual test, but yeah... the questions do seem easier.</p>
<p>hmm...the curve is MUCH harsher than the one in Real SAT II's.</p>
<p>Are the barron's tests accurate?</p>
<p>From my experience with them, they are not accurate. I took one of the tests for kicks and did it in 25 min and got a 790. And I am in no way a super genius bio person.</p>
<p>bump- any more opinons from people who have taken the sparknotes and the real one and can compare?</p>
<p>Good stuff
I like it</p>
<p>? ?
bump</p>
<p>What about the test in the Real SAT II's book. Is that similar in difficulty/curve to more current tests?</p>
<p>I'll give you 2 sources of info:</p>
<p>1) review on <a href="http://www.bestsatbooks.com:%5B/url%5D">www.bestsatbooks.com:</a> By far, the best source for practice SATs is 10 Real SATs by the College Board and 11 Practice Tests by Princeton Review.</p>
<p>2) review on <a href="http://www.amazon.com%5B/url%5D">www.amazon.com</a> about Real SAT II's book: Since the 10 Real SAT I was really great, i decided this book must be the same, right? WRONG. It's nothing like the Real SAT I. It's poop, don't buy it. Yes, it has practice tests with real SAT 2 questions, but unlike its predecessor, there is only ONE test for EACH SUBJECT. The reason the book is so thick looking isn't because it has a whole bunch of honking information or tests, but because it literally covers EVERY STINKING SUBJECT offered by the SAT 2. For each subject, there is basic (and i mean BASIC) info like how long the test is, how many questions etc.. But there is almost NO information on the actual CONTENT of the tests. There's a couple of shoddy practice questions in the beginning of the section, and no detailed explanation of the answers. Then there is a total of...drum roll...ONE stinking practice test for your chosen subject. At the end, you don't even get half-assed answer explanations like before. In fact, you get NO explanations at all. They don't even really tell you how hard the questions are. In short, this book is really great if you are taking ALL 20+ SAT 2 SUBJECTS. If, like most people, you are not, then don't buy the book. Collegeboard is evil.</p>
<p>You decide!!!</p>
<p>So is Barron's/Sparknotes accurate or not? I'm worried not about the difficulty, but about the types of questions that might show up. What if what I'm studying has nothing to do with the actual test questions? 0.o</p>
<p>I don't think they're that accurate. I was getting 500-650 on them and I ended up getting a 720 on the real one.</p>
<p>Let me put it this way. If you can get an 800 on Barron's or Kaplan's tests, then you will ACE the real one. Both are very different from the real test. So don't study from them.</p>
<p>spikezz, could you clarify? What do you mean, "don't study from them"? And how is the real test easier/different?</p>
<p>I think you should just use the real book. If you can ace that, well then your in good shape.</p>
<p>So is the Real SAT II one pretty accurate? I have heard its not too representative of more recent tests</p>
<p>How so? Is it supposed to be easier or harder than the real test?</p>
<p>Barron and Kaplan have tendencies to put the most random/non-SAT II/more AP-like questions and information in their prep books. Study from them if you are 100% sure you know everything in books like Princeton Review and such.</p>
<p>Actually, let me rephrase. It's not more AP-like, but the questions and information are a bit irrelevant. The tests are hard because their questions are really random. So the real test is a lot easier than Kaplan or Barron. So, don't worry if you did poorly on Kaplan's tests.</p>
<p>was getting 550-630 on them and ended up 730 during my freshman year</p>