Did you know that chemistry is one of the most popular SAT subject tests? Tens of thousands of students sit for this exam on one of its six test dates.
Did you also know that the last testing session for this school year is June 3? If you plan to sit for this exam, which consists entirely of 85 multiple-choice questions and is an hour long, now is the time to begin preparing. Although the test may sound simple, a strong score requires you to quickly apply precise knowledge.
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Follow these three approaches to study for the SAT chemistry subject test.
1. Strengthen your recall and synthesis skills: Your ability to remember and synthesize information is especially critical for the SAT chemistry exam. To fully understand why, review this sample relationship analysis question.
Relationship analysis questions, a special section of questions at the end of the exam, consist of two statements , formatted as “Statement I BECAUSE Statement II, that require you to determine their accuracy and relationship to each other. Although these are multiple-choice questions, you will need more than simple knowledge to answer them correctly.
Are both statements in the sample question true? If they are, is the causal relationship also valid? This is a perfect demonstration of knowledge synthesis.
Consider this sample question on page 3. In this instance, both statements are correct, but statement II does not explain statement I.
As the explanatory text for the question notes, transition elements have full s and p orbitals, but other elements do too. Understanding the connections between facts is one of the most difficult parts of science.
Strengthening simple recall is fairly straightforward — you can employ flashcards, memorization and timed practice tests. For synthesis, turn to your textbook and course notes.
Always ask why as you review. For the second sample question, understand why the electron configuration indicates a transition element. How does orbital filling relate to the shape of the periodic table?
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2. Abandon your calculator: Calculators are not allowed for the SAT chemistry subject test. As you complete chemistry homework assignments, if applicable, and practice tests, attempt to tackle the math without using your calculator.
The math on the SAT exam involves basic calculations and simple algebra. Although such math is conceptually simple, many students form a habit of using calculators to ensure they are not making obvious mistakes.
In the weeks leading up to your testing session, complete all the math problems that you encounter without a calculator. It may take longer, but practice will help to ensure that on test day, math flows more easily for you. Waiting until your test date to go calculator-free can lead to disaster.
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3. Capitalize on provided supports: The SAT chemistry exam provides students with a periodic table of elements. Use it.
However, be aware that it is fairly minimal, with just the element abbreviation, molecular weight and atomic number listed. Be sure to revisit groups, series and the full names of elements.
Know, too, why molecular weights are almost never round numbers. Finally, ensure you can identify which elements are metals, transition elements and so on.
This periodic table is great for its compact nature and usefulness. As part of your exam prep, print out a basic chart and practice reproducing the classifications from the full periodic table.
You should also prepare to use the graphic aids and answer sheets that are on the exam. You can browse the SAT Subject Tests Student Guide for clues — the chemistry prep begins on page 25.
Note the simple diagram for a manometer in question 13. Work with another chemistry student, or a parent or willing teacher, and explain the diagram aloud. If you can explain it to someone else in detail, you will know that you understand it.
Similarly, review the relationship analysis questions 101-105. Do you understand how to enter your answers? Ensure you are familiar with this non traditional type of multiple-choice question.
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3 Study Techniques for the Chemistry SAT Subject Test originally appeared on usnews.com
