What science SAT II should I take?

<p>Hey. I need to take two SAT II's, mostly to display my Math/Science skills. I'm taking Math II but I can't really decide on the other one.</p>

<p>I'm in my 4th year of HS now, and am taking Physics. I've finished Chem and Bio in 3rd and 2nd year respectively, but I've forgotten most of the stuff.</p>

<p>I don't really like Chemistry, and looking at the scope of the subject test, I feel much of it wasn't covered in my class. I don't study in the US, and I was in the honor's chemistry class (sorta like AP but to a lesser degree), but I had a lot of difficulty with the practice test (could be coz I forgot most of it though)</p>

<p>My elective now is Advanced Biology, and I have done Biology in my 2nd year, but again I must've forgotten majority of the stuff, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to do well in it, since it's mostly terms and stuff right?</p>

<p>Needless to say, I'm really lost here, and I have to decided already so I can focus my time to whatever subject test I take.</p>

<p>Could someone with much experience in the science SAT II's recommend me a test where I can get a high score? I'm basically good at math.</p>

<p>I'm planning to take in October/November or December, so I do have time, but wanna get an early start.</p>

<p>I don't mind starting a Science from scratch (Physics), I just need whatever will be the easiest to get a relatively high score in (near 800)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Physics<Chem<Bio.</p>

<p>This is what I think, in terms of difficulty.
But this is solely my opinion; I consider Bio the hardest because I started to learn from scratch.</p>

<p>Bio would probably be the most difficult for you, its AP level, I thought it was harder than the AP this year. I believe that Chem is also AP level, but physics is HS level, and it has a monster curve (a score of 58/75 is an 800). It would be a lot of work, but I would recommend using the PR physics book to learn the material, the math in it shouldn’t give you trouble if you can handle Math II.</p>

<p>^ Hyphae is mistaken; the lowest 800 is a 59/75.</p>

<p>My bad, you’re right, 59 is the accepted number.</p>

<p>Wow. I tend to do well in subjects which have a better curve. (I got 800 in Math II on my first try but 780 on Math I) </p>

<p>My school year started in June, and all I’ve covered in Physics so far are significant figures and some vernier caliper stuff. LOL</p>

<p>You really think I can score an 800 on it by Nov/Dec if I really study Physics hard and maybe get a tutor?</p>

<p>How’s the scope? Is there a lot to study?</p>

<p>I’m good with skills/concepts or “getting it” rather than memorizing terms and stuff, would Physics be good for me?</p>

<p>Lastly, any additional tips that might be helpful? Also, is PR Physics the best?</p>

<p>Thanks a bunch guys</p>

<p>My school’s intro physics sucked but AP Physics was one of the greatest classes EVAHR!
Therefore, I got a 5 for AP Physics B. Having taken the AP Physics B class, it was natural for me to score 800 on the SAT Physics June test which was a month later from the AP exam.</p>

<p>I find that barrons is a bit unclear, PR looked like the best for learning from scratch. You may also want to try Sparknotes, the guide is available for free online- [SparkNotes:</a> SAT Physics](<a href=“SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides”>SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides) </p>

<p>For much of the physics on the test, you MUST memorize the formulas. Understanding the mathematics behind them is how you understand the concepts, it is not rote memorization like biology (this is not just for the test, all physics works like this). It is much more analytical than bio. </p>

<p>I would recommend finding someone who has already taken the class, and consult him if you get stuck in the PR book. </p>

<p>The topics are: Measurements/Relationships, Vectors, Kinematics, Projectile Motion, Forces, Work/Energy, Momentum/Impulse, Torque/Circular Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves/Optics, Electricity, Magnetism, Solid State, Quantum/Nuclear Physics, and Special Relativity. </p>

<p>So, you have a bit of work to do, but it is certainly doable over a period of a few months.</p>

<p>For prep books, I suggest that you buy Kaplan and PR. I’d prefer that you buy both. But if you lack the funds, then go for PR.</p>

<p>

Hyphae is definitely correct.
Here’s my two cents. Memorize the formulas, and KNOW HOW TO DO THE GRAPHS! Interpretation of graphs is crucial. Also, in kinematics, you are required to know how and why certain systems behave in such a way. For example, when you fix an end of a steel ruler, and when you release it from the point of maximum displacement, the ruler will execute harmonic motion, oscillating from one end to another.</p>

<p>Take Bio, its straight foward if your willing to put the time in.</p>

<p>Bio is very straightforward and easy to learn if you have the time.
Chem is more difficult.
Physics I would now know since I have not taken it.</p>

<p>^ ^^
Why would you advise taking Bio? The E/M exams have harsh curves.</p>

<p>^True. The bio curve is pretty harsh, but so is the chemistry. The physics has an excellent score but the questions are quite difficult, especially if you have had little physics schooling.</p>

<p>Okay now I’m really confused.</p>

<p>Biology I don’t remember much.</p>

<p>Chemistry, I’ll probably remember all the basic stuff (electron configuration, stoic etc) if I take a refresher</p>

<p>Physics I’m completely n00b</p>

<p>Which should I take? @______@</p>

<p>Take Physics. Physics is so much overrated. Everyone thinks Physics is one of the hardest subjects in school, while the contents are pretty easy if you know how to play around with the formula and integrate multiple concepts into one. Eidetic memory will be a bliss if you are studying Bio, but still, the curve is the harshest out of all Sciences, I believe.</p>

<p>Go on Sparknotes, make an account(free), and take a practice biology and chem test. You’ll find out if it’s right for you, but i’ve found that the test are a <em>tiny</em> bit harder than a real SAT II, so add like 30 points to whatever you get.</p>