Often, I am asked questions in regards to the SAT Biology Subject Exam. Below are my recommendations to a series of Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: Should my child take the exam?
A: That is entirely up to you and your child. It can help to strengthen a child's application to college, and some schools do require it for specific programs. Please check the college you are looking into for more information on their requirements.
Q: When is the best time for my child to take the exam?
A: The short answer - when you and your child feel most comfortable. There are three major times I have seen the exam taken - in June (at the end of my course), October (the fall after my course) and after the AP Biology course. Although I teach most of the exam, I am not geared for the SAT in the same way as the AP Biology course is. June may be a difficult time as the exam usually falls around our Final Exam period. October can be a good option if your child wants to look over the content in the summer. AP Biology is more geared toward covering all of the content, so you may choose to take it after that course (if you choose to take that course) as well. My biggest suggestion is this - get one of the practice books from the library and see how your child feels about it. If they feel confident, let them take it in June. If they do not, look into one of the other options.
Q: How do I register for the exam?
A: Information for registration can be found at
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests
Q: What kind of resources should my child be using?
A: I always recommend to start at the local library. There is the Kaplan, Barron's and Princeton Review books that are all equally good. There are also some addtional practice exams through collegeboard, found here:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/subjects/science/biology-emcollegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/subjects/science/biology-em
Q: Will there be anatomy on the exam?
A: Yes, there is anatomy on the exam. Below are all of the resources I have on the subject. Click any term to access the link for the information.
Skeletal System:
Bone Lecture (powerpoint)
Bone Lecture (notes)
Skeletal System (Blank Worksheet)
Bone Types (Blank Worksheet)
Muscular system:
Muscular System (powerpoint)
Muscular system (notes)
Types of Tissues
Types of Tissues (notes)
Circulatory System
Circulatory System (notes)
Blood Vessel (notes)
Blank Heart Label Diagram
Blood Vessels (powerpoint)
Blood (powerpoint)
Blood pressure (powerpoint)
Respiratory System
Respiratory System (powerpoint)
Respiratory System Blank Diagram
Inhalation and Exhalation Diagram
Respiratory System (notes)
Digestive System
Digestive System (powerpoint)
Digestive System (notes)
Digestive System Blank Label
Excretory System
Excretory System (notes)
Excretory System practice worksheet
Nervous System
Nervous System (notes)
Nervous System (label worksheet)
Nervous System Brain diagram
Immune System
Immune System (powerpoint)
Endocrine System
Endocrine System Diagram