About the Biology E/M SAT Subject Test

The Biology E/M SAT Subject Test is designed to measure students’ knowledge of the material typically covered in a high school biology course and lab. Students are also expected to be familiar with algebra and the metric system.

• The test is a one-hour exam consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions.

• Each student chooses to take one of two variations of the exam: molecular (M) or ecological (E). The “core” 60 questions are, however, the same for both and cover all areas of biology (cellular and molecular, ecology, classical genetics, organismal, and evolution and diversity). For the remaining 20 questions, test-takers choose between the "E" version (ecosystems, biomes, the water cycle, etc.), and the “M” version (genetics, respiration, photosynthesis, etc.).

• Scoring is based on a 200 to 800 point scale. The raw score is calculated by adding one point for every correct answer and subtracting ¼ point for every incorrect answer. For each question you leave blank, you earn zero points. ETS converts your raw score to a scaled score using a curve tailored to the particular test you take.

• The Biology SAT Subject Test is administered six Saturdays (or Sundays for those who qualify because of religious beliefs) a year in October, November, December, January, May, and June.
  
  

Biology SAT Subject Test Format

Table Source: www.dummies.com

How to Choose Biology E or M

The College Board has no preference for the Biology-E or Biology-M test; neither do colleges and universities. Approximately the same numbers of students take each version, and one is not designed to be more difficult than the other. So how should you decide which to take?

You should choose whichever test is more oriented towards your strengths in biology, or towards the topics with which you are most familiar from your biology coursework. More specifically:

• We recommend that students take the Biology-E exam if they feel more comfortable answering questions pertaining to biological communities, populations, food webs, nutrient cycles, and energy flow.
  
  
• We recommend that students take the Biology-M exam if they feel more comfortable answering questions addressing biochemistry, cellular structure (DNA/RNA, proteins, chromosomes), and cellular processes (photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis and meiosis).

As you contemplate your choice, you may also wish to consider the type of biology you would like to study in the future. If you expect to pursue program or career in biochemistry or microbiology, then it may be more beneficial to take the Biology-M test now. Alternatively, if you are weighing environmental science and ecological studies programs, the Biology-E would be a far better fit.

Our Approach to Biology SAT Tutoring

For many students and parents, the SAT Subject Tests and their impact on college admissions can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing. At Med School Tutors, we understand the apprehension you are experiencing; we went through it ourselves. Fortunately, the SAT Subject Tests are teachable and, with proper preparation, offer students the unique opportunity to make a powerful impression on admissions committees.

Our Biology SAT Subject Test preparation program typically includes:

• An in-person consultation – this allows us to familiarize ourselves with you, your strengths and weaknesses, your learning habits, and your short- and long-term educational objectives.
  
  
• A real Biology SAT Subject diagnostic test – this offers us a highly useful indicator of your starting position and natural test-taking skills; it is also a useful benchmark for developing reasonable goals as well as a comprehensive strategy to dramatically improve your scores.
  
  
• Access to our exhaustive collection of Biology Subject Test materials, which provide comprehensive notes and problem sets for both versions of the test, including all relevant subject matter and strategies.
  
  
• A comprehensive review of all subject matter presented on the Biology SAT Subject Test such as biochemistry, protein synthesis, and animal physiology.
  
  
• Disciplined practice of all test-taking strategies and techniques necessary for conquering the entire spectrum of Biology SAT questions.
  
  
• Practice, practice, practice – we provide an abundant supply of real practice Biology SAT Subject Tests and exercises for students to hone their testing skills and strategies.
  
  
• In-depth review of each practice test allowing your tutor to re-evaluate regularly your test-taking abilities and thereby continually adapt to your progress.

Our approach emphasizes analytical, problem-solving, and test-taking strategies for each section of the test. Students will learn how to move through the test efficiently and confidently. 

Through a combination of frequent sessions, homework assignments, and regular practice tests, students will refine their test-taking skills and their command of test material.  Simultaneously, they will bolster their test-taking endurance and confidence so they may excel on test day.

Our Biology Tutors

Med School Tutors’ biology instructors are experts at the Biology SAT Subject Test and have graduated with degrees in biology from some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, such as Yale, NYU, Georgetown, and Columbia.  Currently, they are continuing their educations in biology at New York City’s finest M.D., Master’s, and Ph.D. programs.

Our Biology SAT Subject Test tutors have spent time reviewing, reevaluating, and, most importantly, teaching all of the material and strategies needed to master the test, and they are especially capable of explaining its unique style of questioning to students of any learning background.

Finally, our tutors are adept communicators capable of explaining the test in ways that will make sense to you. Indeed, your instructor is carefully selected to match your particular needs and temperament.  This ensures that he or she is able to inspire and motivate you with methods and explanations that “click” for you.

At Med School Tutors, our goal is to see you achieve superior results for both the short- and long-term. We envision securing your mastery over the Biology SAT Subject Test as a way to polish your analytical skills and improve your learning habits—laying an invaluable foundation for your future success.

Further Information

For additional information, or to register for Med School Tutors’ customized Biology SAT Subject Test program, click here.
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