SAT is one of the standardized tests that is undertaken globally. A student from high school Or the one who is willing to do a bachelor’s degree from abroad. The main aim of SAT Subject Tests is to assess the quality of knowledge a person has in particular areas or subjects. A number of different kinds of tests are held in a wide range of subjects. It includes Biology, Maths, Physics and history, and many others. On different scales, the scores are calculated separately. In this article, we will see about all information about SAT physics subject test.
What is the SAT Physics Subject Test?
The SAT physics subject test is known all over by SAT II or is known by another name, simply known as Physics SAT. It is one hour-long test. It is multiple-choice based test on Physics and is conducted by the College Board. The main motto of the SAT physics subject test is to evaluate and examine the extent of the candidate’s catch and knowledge of the basic fundamental principles related with Physics. The test checks the candidate’s ability in the field of application of the principles in order to solve various problems.
Importance of studying for SAT Physics Subject Test:
Students get the opportunity to comprehend the basic concepts of physics at the college level.
It helps in enhancing the student’s problem solving, analytical and reasoning skill.
It helps the students in showing their interest in the subject, which is useful while applying to various colleges.
SAT Physics Subject Test Exam Pattern
Now we will discuss and get to know about the exam pattern of SAT physics subject test below:
- • The SAT physics subject test is for a period of one hour or 60 minutes long. The test comprises of 75 multiple-choice questions.
- • A question has various options, each have five possible answers from which you can choose from. It is important to note that questions are often asked in different forms. • Some questions are independent while some other questions are bunched in a group type.
- • A person who is giving the SAT Physics subject test is not given permission to use a calculator during the commencement of the test under any condition. A very short time duration is available to the examinee. The time given for each question is less than a minute or only a few seconds.
- • As time is the most valued asset in this test, the test need not come with a number of difficult questions. A person need not undergo a long and boring process of solving complicated calculative questions.
There are three type of questions that are asked mainly in the SAT II test. It is very important for you to have knowledge and understand them rightly in order to prepare in the right direction for the test. This guides you towards the right path by focusing and practising upon them. See in detail and correctly all the points told below :-
- 1. The first type of question among them is the recall questions. There the main motive is assessing the candidate’s knowledge about the concepts of physics. These make up for one-third part of the paper.
- 2. Another kind of question is problems related to conceptual thinking. In this you will be judged on the basis of your ability in the application of equations and formulas related with the concepts of trigonometric, ratios and algebraic relationships. These questions make up the major part of the test.
- 3. The last but not the least type of questions to be asked are those that deal with multiple problems. You’ll be tested in the application of more than one equation, formula or a relationship. How well you perform in this section will tell about your understanding and ability to solve problems. It accounts for less than one third of the test.
What is Physics SAT Syllabus?
After getting information about the format of the test, let us now move towards the next section which will tell us about the syllabus of SAT II.
Major areas covered in the Test
Mechanics: 36% to 42%
Electricity and
Magnetism: 18% to 24%
Subject-1 under the area
Kinematics and Dynamics
Electric fields, Forces and
Potentials
Subject-2 under the area
Energy and
Momentum
Capacitance,
Circular Elements, and DC Circuits
Subject-3 under the area
Circular motion, Simple harmonic motion, and Gravity
Magnetism
Waves and Optics: 15% to 19%
Heat and
Thermodynamics: 6% to 11%
Modern Physics: 6% to 11%
Miscellaneous: 4% to 9%
General Wave Properties
Thermal
Properties
Quantum
Phenomena
History of Physics and General
Questions
Reflection and Refraction
Thermal Expansion and Heat Transfer
Atomic Energy levels
Analytical Skills
Ray Optics and Physical Optics
Laws of
thermodynamics
Nuclear and particle physics Relativity
SAT II Marking Scheme
Let us brief ourselves and take a look at the marking scheme of the SAT physics test. As specified in pointers, it will help you understand the scheme more comprehensively.
- 1. For each correct answer you will be awarded one point.
- 2. For each wrong answer a fraction of a point is subtracted as follows: 1/4 point is subtracted for five-choice questions.
- 1/3 point is subtracted for four-choice questions.
- 1/2 point is subtracted for three-choice questions.
- 3. There is no deduction of points are deducted for questions which are not answered. 4. If the total score is a fraction, it is rounded off to the nearest whole number — 1/2 or more is rounded up; less than 1/2 is rounded down.
We hope this article on the SAT Physics subject test has made you know about all the details which is required to appear in the test. Take full advantage of the details provided and show your skills in the subject which deals with almost all the basic fundamental theories and concepts undergoing all around in your immediate surroundings.
It has to be noted that this test includes what is commonly taught in high school. Due to differences in high school classes, it would be seen that some students will find questions on topics they’re not familiar with. There is nothing to worry about. You do not need to get every question correct to receive the highest score which is 800 for the test. Many students do well inspite of not having studied every topic covered.
