SAT II Subject Test Study Tips
So without wasting anytime I’ll break all of it down for you here. SAT II Subject Tests are a requirement for dual nationals (not doing the entry test) trying to apply to a medical college in Pakistan. The minimum score requirement is at least 550. Each test is out of 800, and the following subject tests have to be taken: Math/Physics, Biology, Chemistry.
Study Tips
1. Read through their student guide: I don’t actually mean to tell you to spend hours dwelling over a nearly 90 page study guide. Just skim through it, look specifically at your interest related subject tests. Understand the topic breakdown, the calculator policy, the negative marking, and the scoring. In order to prepare for a test, it’s important to understand how the test will work.
2. Make a CollegeBoard account: To actually do the subject test you need to look at important deadlines. Hop onto CollegeBoard’s website and find all the international dates (if you’re not in the US). There’s actually fees if you apply late so it’s very easy to prevent this by looking at deadlines. I don’t suggest calling them as this will only keep you on the wait line of the phone and often cause more confusion. Make the account and apply to write your first SAT subject tests. You’re going to have to give a lot of information so be prepared to sit there for 40 minutes. Once you get your admission ticket at the end of the application make sure to SAVE that and take it on the day of the test.
3. Make a Plan: Now you know your test date and the subject tests you’re doing. How are you going to prepare? It’s important to have a plan, a clear schedule that will help guide you to study all the concepts and do practice drills. It’s especially important if you’re in school since it can be difficult to juggle all of this. I researched all the study guide books that I wanted to test and see for myself, and found any additional websites/Youtube channels that would help me with studying. I got all of my books from the library, and starting reading through a couple of them just to get an idea of how they all worked. I found Barron’s to be tougher in comprehension and in general difficulty. I found Princeton to be super beneficial as it was super detailed, conversational, and similar to the actual SAT subject tests. McGraw Hill was also supplementary as it was comparatively smaller in size, and had many practice drills; however it was easier. I would make plans for the week and decide what topics I would study. It was all a matter of trial and error to see what worked best (study guide books, Youtube, other resources etc.). I would first read McGraw Hill for Chemistry, then move onto Youtube and take some practice question tips, and if I still didn’t understand I would read through the other books and ask my teachers at school for help. What worked for me may not work for others. Last important tip, make sure to prepare before your practice drills, set specific dates, time yourself, and create a test type environment.
4. Study smart, not hard: I know I was definitely on a time crunch for 3 subject tests and a preparation time of 3 months with all my high school courses going on. I can understand how difficult it would be to make time for all of this all with school. That’s why I feel it’s so important to plan before hand so you can study smartly and use tools that work best for you. When I say study smart, this is what I mean. Don’t put in hours trying to understand a concept you can’t put your mind to at the moment, take a break, do something else. Plan what you’re going to study and take NOTES (with colourful pens haha :) ). Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with doing practice drills consistently. Spend less time on learning a concept, and focus more on giving your whole attention to it and thoroughly understanding it. The last important tip would be to practice practice practice as many questions as possible.
5. CollegeBoard Study Guide Books: The College Board has its own official study guide books for subject tests that have real SATs in them. Yes, SATs that have been given in the past. Luckily, subject tests don’t change much so this is a great way to study 2 weeks before the actual exam. You’ll have an idea of how you’re doing in the real deal!
6. Health: An odd point you may think. I find that the best study habit is to actually stay healthy. I find myself performing better with so much more productivity when I keep myself healthy. YES. No stress eating! And I’m not just talking about physical health, I’m talking about your mental health. How you feel before studying impacts the level of productivity ultimately. So it’s important to take breaks, and have fun in the process. Don’t overwhelm yourself, you’ll figure it out. We all do.
7. The day before the test: Once you’re through the whole studying part, it’s better to keep the last day for last minute reviewing and touch ups to your memory. Don’t CRAM things to the last night.
8. The day of the test: It’ll go something like this. First the SAT I students will go in, and the subject test ones will be divided from those students. Students will make a line and show their admission tickets and IDs. Waitlist students wait till the end and only get a seat if there’s any available. About an hour is spent on instructions and rules once you get into the test room. The test is timed for 60 minutes and you get a short break after each SAT subject test. There’s going to be a lot of anxiety, perhaps fear that you might not do as good or you haven’t prepared as much…it’s all very common. Make sure to do a healthy breakfast like they all say and have faith in yourself. If it doesn’t go as well, there’s always a second time to do the test. Do your best and that’s it. If it helps, take some notes with you to hold onto. I took my cue cards and it just gave me something to hold onto so I don't feel emotionally overwhelmed when I'm waiting in that line.
All the best of luck :)
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