SAT Chemistry is a SAT II Subject
exam that can be taken to show a college a student�s
abilities in a specific subject. The test covers
content typically covered in a first year, college-prep
chemistry course. The test is written to cover every
topic�they do not expect any one student to know
everything on the exam. You can get the best score (5)
without knowing every topic!
Multiple Choice section:
- 60 minutes
- No calculators�only a periodic table
- 85 questions
- Tips:
- Move on when you get stuck�you�re in a time
crunch�move on if there�s something that you
never learned or studied. Remember, the test is
written so that a every student will not know
everything!
- Only guess if you can eliminate 2 or more
choices. You�re deducted � point for every
wrong answer (to prevent random guessing). It�s
better to leave it blank (no points awarded but
no points deducted) than to guess from 5 choices
randomly.
- Get used to working without a calculator.
The calculations on the MC section are simple,
but you need to practice them.
- Scan all the choices before choosing your
answer.
Avoid word traps�try to rephrase things into
terms you�re more comfortable with.
- Beware of absolutes�there are very few
things in chemistry that are absolute!
Problem-solving can be a very difficult task.
But when a specific �attack� is used, the problems can be solved
much more easily.
General Problem-Solving Technique
A technique for solving any type of problem involves:
- Identify what�s being given
- Clarify what�s being asked
- Select a strategy (trial and error, search, recall,
deductive reasoning, working backwards, etc)
- Solve using the selected strategy
- Review your answer
Problem-Solving Technique for Word Problems
A problem-solving strategy that turns
the above �general� strategy into a strategy
specifically for solving word problems is the KUDOS
method:
- K = Known (identify the known)
- U = Unknown (identify the unknown)
- D = Definition (identify definitions, equations,
equalities, constants needed)
- O = Output (use your definitions to output an answer)
- S = Substantiation (check appropriateness, units and
significant figures of your answer).
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