Biology E/M Subject Test
Introduction
Taking the SAT Subject Test in either Biology Ecological or Biology Molecular can help you indicate to colleges that you are interested in focusing on science. The Biology Subject Test assesses your understanding of the major concepts of biology typically learned in high school and is an excellent way to showcase your achievements.
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Biology Ecological (Biology-E)
Leans more toward biological communities, populations, and energy flow
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Biology Molecular (Biology-M)
Geared toward biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis
Test Basics
| Points | Minutes | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 200-800 | 60 | 80 (Multiple Choice) |
60 of the 80 questions are common to both Biology E and M, followed by 20 specialized questions for each section.
Important Notes
- Offered in Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., May, and June
- Calculator use not permitted
- Problem solving requires simple numerical calculations
- Measurements are expressed in the metric system
Getting Ready for the Test
Anticipated Skills
Recommended Preparation
Topics on the Test
Practice Resources
Additional Things to Know
How to Choose between Biology-E (Ecological) and Biology-M (Molecular)
- Take Biology E if you feel more comfortable answering questions about biological communities, populations, and energy flow.
- Take Biology M if you feel more comfortable answering questions about biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis.
- Indicate choice of Biology E or Biology M by filling in the appropriate circle on your answer sheet for the test you have chosen to take on test day. You must indicate Biology E or Biology M on your answer sheet on test day for the test to be scored correctly
- You cannot take both tests on the same test date, but you can take them on two different test dates.
Please note that this test reflects what is commonly taught in high school. Due to differences in high school classes, it’s likely that most students will find questions on topics they’re not familiar with. This is nothing to worry about. You do not have to get every question correct to receive the highest score (800) for the test. Many students do well despite not having studied every topic covered.
