For students who are interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering or mathematics major, the SAT physics subject test is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate interest and ability in the field. Certain colleges may even strongly recommend it as an admissions condition.
The SAT physics subject test contains 75 multiple-choice questions that students must answer in an hour. Like all SAT subject tests, this exam is graded on a scale of 200-800, but test-takers don’t need to answer all the questions correctly to earn a perfect score.
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The physics test requires reasoning and problem-solving skills that students should have acquired from a preparatory-level physics class , as well as knowledge of algebra and trigonometry and hands-on lab experience. Students should also note that this subject test is offered six times a year, and they may not use a calculator during the exam.
For those looking to master this exam, here are three strategies to use as you prepare.
1. Study based on the topics and difficulty level: To excel on this SAT subject test, you will need to create a personalized review plan.
When designing the review plan, begin by determining which topics are on the exam and then allot time accordingly. Consider both the percentage of the test dedicated to each area and the level of difficulty that each area represents for you.
The most frequent topic on the exam is mechanics, which comprises 36-42 percent of the test questions. This topic includes circular motion, dynamics, energy and momentum, gravity, kinematics and simple harmonic motion.
The next largest topic, accounting for 18-24 percent of questions, is electricity and magnetism. This topic includes capacitance; circuit elements and DC circuits; electric fields, forces and potentials; and magnetism.
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Less assessed but still important topics are waves and optics, which account for 15-19 percent of questions; heat and thermodynamics at 6-11 percent; modern physics at 6-11 percent; and miscellaneous, including general physics history and astrophysics questions, at 4-9 percent of the exam.
To gain a sense of the physics subject test and the areas where you may struggle the most, take this 36-question quiz from the College Board. This practice test contains detailed answer explanations and states the difficulty level for each question.
You may soon realize, for instance, that your first priority should be reviewing electrical topics, both because of their importance on the exam and your limited understanding of them. Following that realization, you can map out the time you should devote to this and other topics prior to taking the exam.
2. Become comfortable with each skill tested: The SAT physics test will assess three skill sets: fundamental concepts and knowledge, which accounts for 12-20 percent of the exam; single-concept problems, which make up 48-64 percent; and multiple-concept problems at 20-35 percent.
Questions that test fundamental concepts and knowledge are also known as recall questions, because you must correctly remember core concepts in physics to answer them correctly. The extensive notes on SparkNotes can help you refresh your memory on the terms you should know to succeed on exam day. You can also use paper or digital flashcards.
Single-concept problems are more complicated, because they require both recall skills and the ability to apply your knowledge. More complex yet are the questions on multiple-concept problems, which necessitate recall skills, as well as the application of two or more concepts or relationships. Both single- and multiple-concept problems may assess your ability to work with math, such as an equation or formula, and graphs.
Questions on multiple-concept problems are the most involved in this exam. However, don’t fret — if you can correctly answer a question about a single-concept problem, you can succeed on the multiple-concept problems. The primary difference is that multiple-concept problems involve additional steps.
[Find out what questions to ask yourself before taking SAT subject tests.]
To develop your single- and multiple-concept skills, try working with a classmate, family member or friend. Can you detail any involved steps to this individual?
Be sure you can explain why each step is necessary — even if there is only one step. Why did you choose to employ any specific fact, formula or equation?
3. Use practice exams to pinpoint areas for further review: Practice tests are one surefire way to help ensure a strong score.
However, do not simply complete practice test after practice test. Instead, after you take one practice exam, ensure you review the questions you answered incorrectly and assess whether there are any patterns before moving on to another test.
For example, if you missed both question 8 and question 16 on the practice test noted earlier, revisit the analysis skills that aid you in recognizing when and how to apply mathematical formulas to physics scenarios.
After focusing on areas of weakness, take another full-length sample exam to chart your progress.
While the SAT physics subject test can feel overwhelming, take comfort in knowing that the exam is relatively predictable. If you familiarize yourself with the topics and question types and use practice tests wisely, you may soon begin to notice that the test is manageable.
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3 SAT Physics Subject Test Prep Strategies originally appeared on usnews.com
