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SAT Science Test Format, Topics, Free Practice Test, and Tips

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

SAT science is the part of the assessment that candidates take along with the regular SAT. The regular examines the college readiness of the candidates, whereas the SAT subject test examines the readiness of any particular course. There are several colleges that require the SAT science section score for admission. The following subjects that are offered by SAT Science tests are:

  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

SAT Science Section Topics

Candidates while applying for admission to universities, would have to submit their regular SAT scores and SAT subject test scores. The SAT Science test can fulfill subject test requirements, in case students are planning to apply for Sciences in college.

SAT Biology Test Format

SAT for biology students provides two choices, namely Biology-M (Molecular), Biology-E (Ecological). Both Biology E/M have the same test format and guidelines. SAT Molecular Biology includes topics like- Biochemistry, Cellular structure, and Cellular processes. Whereas SAT Ecological Biology includes topics related to Energy flow, Biological communities, and Populations. Here is the table is given below discussing the test format and topic which might help in the preparation:

SAT Biology Test Format SAT Biology Topics
60-minute time limit
80 multiple-choice test questions
Scores are scaled from 200 to 800
Test-takers are NOT allowed to use calculators.
Cellular and molecular biology
Ecology
Genetics
Organismal biology
Evolution and diversity

Which one to Take Between - Biology-M/ Biology-E?

The SAT College Board suggests candidates take the Biology E test as it contains more interesting topics such as ecology, biodiversity, and evolution. But candidates who are interested in topics such as animal behavior, biochemistry, and photosynthesis must opt for the Biology M exam.

Biology-M/ Biology-E Question Analysis

Here is the approximate number of questions that might come in the test from Biology E/M:

Table

SAT Science Sample Questions for Biology

SAT Chemistry Test

SAT Chemistry is a little difficult in comparison to Biology. For candidates planning to become a chemist, then choosing Chemistry would be the right decision. The College Board offers the SAT Chemistry Test in January, May, June, October, November, and December. Candidates are not allowed to use calculators during the exam but will be provided with a periodic table for reference.

Here in the table below is the basic structure and topics for SAT chemistry:

SAT Chemistry Test Format SAT Chemistry Topics
60-minute time limit
85 multiple-choice test questions
Scores are scaled from 200 – 800
Structure of matter
Molecular Structure
States of matter
Reaction types
Stoichiometry Equilibrium and reaction rates
Thermochemistry
Descriptive chemistry
Laboratory

SAT Science Sample Questions for Chemistry

Physics SAT 

The SAT test physics includes 75 multiple-choice questions. Physics SAT majorly covers physics concepts, such as thermodynamics, magnetism and electricity, kinematics, and gravity.

Here in the table below is the basic structure and topics for Physics SAT:

Physics SAT Test Format Physics SAT Topics
60-minute time limit
75 multiple-choice test questions
Scores are scaled from 200 – 800
Mechanics
Waves and Optics
Heat and Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism
Modern Physics
Miscellaneous

SAT Science Sample Questions for Physics

SAT Science Reading Passages

SAT Science Reading Passages is one of the components of the science section. The SAT Science Reading comprises two passages which might be difficult as it is heavy with information and data. The objective of the SAT reading science passage is to test the candidates’ ability to interpret data. Practicing more SAT Science Sample Questions will help to synthesize and analyze the information in a way that will make reading the passages and answering the questions much easier.

Here in the table below is the basic structure and topics for SAT Science:

SAT Science Test Format SAT Science Topics
52 questions to be answered in 65 minutes
multiple-choice and corresponds to a passage and any corresponding informational graphics.
One classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.
One or two historical passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the Great Global Conversation they inspired, such as the U.S. Constitution or a speech by a historical figure.
One social science passage covering economics, psychology, or sociology.
Two science passages (or one passage and a passage pair) that examine foundational concepts and developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.

SAT Subject test for Computer Science 

SAT subject test computer science is taken by students aspiring for engineering. Computer technology, software, and statistical algorithms are some of the most difficult topics in the field. The majority of computer science majors study calculus to earn their degrees, and other relevant math courses include statistics and linear algebra. SAT Computer science would study algorithms, computer organization, and abstract data types in introductory classes.

Domain Required SAT Test Minimum Score
BS-Computer Science SAT I – Math. SAT I – Verbal 550 550

SAT Science Strategies

SAT Science test might take a longer time for preparation. Making a prior SAT study plan would help to ace this section. Here are a few tips to score better while preparing SAT subject test:

  • Complete known of the science SAT pattern and syllabus
  • Preparing from authentic SAT study materials and read the relevant SAT books
  • Watching YouTube videos relevant to the Subject test
  • Taking regular mock tests
  • Reading scientific publications would help to gather more knowledge.
  • Read science vocabulary.
  • Train your mind to think like a scientist.
  • Take the SAT Practice test and try explaining scientific concepts.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

SAT 2021 : 5 answered questions

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Ques. Is 1160 a good score in the SAT to get a call from the IIM Ranchi IPM program?

● Top Answer By Radhika Srivastava on 19 Jan 23

People with scores of 1500 or higher often aim for the IIM Ranchi IPM program. With a score of 1160, you may not be in a strong position to get a call from IIM Ranchi, but if you have strong extracurricular activities and good academic performance in the past (e.g. in 10th and 12th grade), you may still have a chance.  If you do not receive a call from IIM Ranchi, you can still try for the IIM Indore IPM-AT program. You must keep in mind that IIM Ranchi may also consider applicants for the IIM Indore IPM-AT program. It's worth giving it your best effort....Read more

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Ques. Do I have to take the SAT for the IPM course provided by IIM or only for IIM Ranchi?

● Top Answer By Yashluv Virwani on 19 Jan 23

IIM Ranchi has not disclosed a specific cutoff score for the SAT for admission to their Integrated Program in Management (IPM) program. However, according to an interview with the IIM Ranchi IPM admission panel, students who score highly on the SAT may be invited to participate in a personal interview.  It is worth noting that this information is based on assumptions and research, and a score of 1400+ on the SAT may be considered a safe bet for admission consideration. However, it is also possible that a score of 1350+ could be sufficient if luck is on your side....Read more

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Ques. I got 1090 in my SAT attempt. Will my marks be eligible for the IIM Ranchi IPM program?

● Top Answer By Juhi Gupta on 12 Jan 23

I am willing to give you my honest opinion in this regard. Your score is good but not at par with the competition posed during IPM admissions. I have seen scores higher than this while attempting to get admission to the IPM program. But don’t let this discourage you as Indore also conducts an aptitude test IPMAT and admission is based on that too. You can work on this exam and compensate for your past low scores.  Another option to compensate for your low marks is to upgrade your extracurricular background. IIM Indore actively considered extracurricular activities during admissions. But in the end I will still ask you to depend on IPMAT mostly for your admission...Read more

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Ques. I'm in the ST category. I got 930 in my SAT. Is it good enough to get into IPM IIM Ranchi?

● Top Answer By Ankur Shukla on 12 Jan 23

IIM Ranchi offers an IPM Program based on SAT / IPMAT Scores. The Expected Cutoff for IPM via SAT is 930. Apart from this, we don’t have many criteria to base this admission on. So the benefit of the doubt goes to applicants having SAT scores soaring at about 1100–1600. The admission criteria for other programs are more flexible as it is based on parameters such as 10,12, UG scorecards. So it’s highly unlikely that even high marks will get you into IIM Ranchi....Read more

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Ques. What will be a good SAT score to get into IIM Ranchi with decent academics?

● Top Answer By Saurav Pandey on 11 Jan 23

The admissions to the IPM Program are based on SAT / IPMAT Scores. The Expected Cutoff for IPM via IPMAT is 265 / 300 . SAT Expected Cutoff for IPM Admission 2023 is as follows:   Category  SAT Cutof f General 1350 Other Backward Classes (OBC) 1050 Emotionally Weaker Sections (EWS) 1030 Scheduled Caste (SC) 930 Scheduled Tribes (ST) 930 Differently Abled (DAP) 800...Read more

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