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3 Study Techniques for the Chemistry SAT Subject Test

By U.S. News & World Report

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.

[Find out what questions to ask yourself before taking SAT subject tests.]

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?

[Learn five tips for SAT and ACT test prep procrastinators.]

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.

[Check out how knowing your learning style can up your test scores.]

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

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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