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Order the Official SAT Subject Test Study Guide in Biology and get two full-length practice tests, detailed answer explanations, tips, and more.
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
Video Lessons from Khan Academy
Use the free Khan Academy® lessons in this playlist to study for both the Biology Ecological and Biology Molecular Subject Tests.
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 August, October, November, December, 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
| Skills (for both E and M) | Approximate % of Test |
|---|---|
| Fundamental concepts and knowledge | 30% |
| Application | 35% |
| Interpretation | 35% |
- Ability to recall and understand the major concepts of biology and to apply the principles learned to solve specific problems in biology
- Understanding of simple algebraic concepts, including ratios and direct and inverse proportions, and the ability to apply such concepts to solving word problems
- Ability to organize and interpret results obtained by observation and experimentation and to draw conclusions or make inferences from experimental data, including data presented in graphic or tabular form or both
- Familiarity with the metric system of units
- One-year introductory college preparatory course in biology
- One-year course in algebra
- Experience in the laboratory
| Content | Approximate % of Test | |
|---|---|---|
| E | M | |
|
Cellular and molecular biology Cell structure and organization, mitosis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, enzymes, biosynthesis, biological chemistry |
15% | 27% |
|
Ecology Energy flow, nutrient cycles, populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, conservation biology, biodiversity, effects of human intervention |
23% | 13% |
|
Genetics Meiosis, Mendelian genetics, inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, population genetics |
15% | 20% |
|
Organismal biology Structure, function, and development of organisms (with emphasis on plants and animals), animal behavior |
25% | 25% |
|
Evolution and diversity Origin of life, evidence of evolution, patterns of evolution, natural selection, speciation, classification and diversity of organisms |
22% | 15% |
Download the SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3 MB) for more information on the topics.
Practice for Free
- Answer biology ecological sample questions or biology molecular sample questions online.
- Watch video lessons from Khan Academy.
- Download the SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3 MB) for test-taking tips and more sample questions. Then check your answers with the Answer Explanations to the Biology E/M Practice Questions (.pdf/561 KB).
Order Official Study Guides
- The new Official SAT Subject Test Study Guide in Biology includes two full practice tests.
- The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests: Second Edition is the only study guide that covers all 20 tests.
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.