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

Written ByRituparna 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

Table of Contents

SAT Science Section Topics
1.1 SAT Biology Test Format
1.2 Biology-M/ Biology-E
1.3 Question Analysis
SAT Chemistry Test
Physics SAT
SAT Science Reading Passages
SAT Subject for Computer Science
SAT Science Strategies

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:

SAT Science Sample Questions for Biology

SAT Biology Practice Test 1	SAT Biology Practice Test 2
SAT Biology Practice Test 3	SAT Biology Practice Test 4
SAT Biology Practice Test 5	SAT Biology Practice Test 6

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

SAT Chemistry Practice Test 1	SAT Chemistry Practice Test 2
SAT Chemistry Practice Test 3	SAT Chemistry Practice Test 4
SAT Chemistry Practice Test 5	SAT Chemistry Practice Test 6
SAT Chemistry Practice Test 7	SAT Chemistry Practice Test 8

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 Physics Practice Test 1	SAT Physics Practice Test 2
SAT Physics Practice Test 3	SAT Physics Practice Test 4
SAT Physics Practice Test 5	SAT Physics Practice Test 6
SAT Physics Practice Test 7	SAT Physics Practice Test 8

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.