SAT II Biology Preparation

SAT II tests, required almost exclusively by colleges in California, assess a student's knowledge in a specific subject area outside the reading and mathematics of the standard SAT. The SAT II Biology test is designed in two sections. The first section consists of 60 multiple choice programs on a range of biology topics. The second section allows the test taker to choose between ecology/evolution or molecular biology/evolution. As with any standardized test, there are good and bad ways to prepare for success on the SAT II Biology exam.

Questions on Scientific Measurement

Measurement is an important aspect both of academic science and success on the SAT II Biology exam. Since the test materials do not include a measurement conversion chart, students preparing for the test should memorize both English and Metric measurement, and understand how to convert between the two. Though you aren't given conversion charts, it's not cheating to write brief notes on test materials once the test begins if you're afraid you'll forget some details.

Questions on General Biology

A successful SAT II Biology exam will come with understanding atomic structure as it relates to biology, cell structure, energy for life, genetics, animal and human anatomy, ecology and how biology interacts with behavior. The test also covers basic scientific methodology. You can prepare for this by reviewing exams you've taken in high school science classes, and reviewing topics where you received less than an A grade.

Study Plan

You will not successfully prepare for the SAT II by cramming for a few hours the night before. It's a better idea to create a study plan for the three to four months before the scheduled test date. Use the first month to identify your weakest points, then spend the next two months solidifying your knowledge in those areas. During the final month or weeks, spend your time taking practice exams to compare how well-prepared you think you are against how well-prepared you actually are.

Additional Resources for Practice

You can study for the SAT II using printed guides or online resources to make yourself better prepared. Practice tests are another powerful test preparation tool. These can include the review questions at the end of each chapter in your textbooks, online quizzes on specific topics and specialized practice tests for the SAT II Biology exam. Taking practice exams fulfills two goals. It prepares you for the context of the test so you don't make mistakes based on format, and it helps you identify your strongest and weakest points so you can focus your study moving forward.