SAT Subject Test: Biology E/M

The Biology E/M Subject Test begins with a General section that encompasses all topics of biology.
The design of the test recognizes that a school’s curriculum may focus more on ecology than on molecular biology, or vice versa. Thus, the final quarter of the test allows students to choose questions with an emphasis in one of the two areas. However, students must be strong in both ecology and molecular biology in order to do well on the rest of the test.
Calculators are not permitted on the Biology tests.

Test Calendar

Students can take the Biology E/M Subject Test on any of the six official SAT Subject Test dates: October, November, December, January, May, and June.
Usually, students are concurrently enrolled in a biology course at school and take the official test in May or June, near the end of that course.
Less frequently, students elect to take the test in October or November of the fall following the end of a high school course. In such cases, preparation should begin no later than the beginning of July and continue throughout the summer.

Test Format

1^st Section (for all students)	2^nd Section (students choose only one)	Number of Questions	Content	Time
General		60 multiple choice	Cellular and molecular biology Photosynthesis and respiration Genetics and molecular DNA structure Function and development of organisms (with an emphasis on plants and animals) Evolution Classification and diversity of organisms Ecology	1 Hour
	E	20 multiple choice	Ecological Emphasis
	M	20 multiple choice	Molecular Emphasis

Please see our general information about the SAT Subject Tests for details about test scoring and other topics.

Our Approach

Content of Program

Tutors use the initial diagnostic test and subsequent meetings with the student to determine which specialized section—ecological or molecular—the student should take. In addition, diagnostic tests allow tutors to adjust the order and emphasis of particular biological topics in light of the student's fundamental knowledge and the anticipated time frame for the official test.

Because the subject of biology is so broad, there will likely be topics that are not covered, or are only briefly discussed, in a student’s school curriculum. Tutors might, for example, provide detailed knowledge of specific phyla, classes, and orders within the field of taxonomy that students may not yet have learned. In addition to reviewing familiar concepts and teaching new content, tutors will help students develop analytical skills in interpreting graphs, charts, and diagrams. Students are given homework, quizzes, and timed practice tests to reinforce concepts and monitor their progress.

Further Information

Please see our general information about the SAT Subject Tests for details about the length of the program and other topics.

For additional information about preparing and registering for the Biology Subject Test, follow the link below to the College Board’s website:
http://www.collegeboard.com.