How to study for phsics SAT sbject test?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies and resources for preparing for the Physics SAT Subject Test, particularly from the perspective of a high school senior. Participants share their experiences and recommendations regarding study materials and approaches to effective preparation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests acquiring a syllabus list from the exam board to ensure coverage of all topics that may be tested, emphasizing the importance of memorization.
  • Another participant recommends using the BARRONS prep book for practice questions, noting that familiarity with the types of questions can be beneficial.
  • A different contributor mentions that Sparknotes also offers a book on the subject, sharing their personal success with minimal preparation time.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of understanding basic mathematical concepts, such as trigonometry, as part of the preparation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of specific study materials like BARRONS and Sparknotes, but there is no consensus on the best approach to studying or the amount of preparation needed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference their own experiences with different educational systems, which may not directly apply to all readers. There is also mention of varying levels of mathematics involved in the test, which could depend on individual interpretations of the syllabus.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students preparing for the Physics SAT Subject Test, educators looking for insights into student preparation strategies, and anyone interested in standardized test preparation in physics.

jjuugg
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Hello, I have taken honors physics, and this coming november...

I'm taking physics SAT subject test. (I'm a high school senior right now

and that would be my last shot) I'm just wondering if anybody could give me

a tip to be good at physics, or how to do good on physics subject test.

I bought the BARRONS prep book, But I'm not sure if I could finish it before I take the test.

TT

Pleas help me!><

Thank you for reading my question!><
 
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In England we have various exam boards administering the tests...

When I was your age, i'd check the exam board's website and print out the syllabus: that is, everything they could conceivably test us on.

My advice, if your system is at all similar, would be to try to acquire some syllabus list or something and make sure you remember all those facts that they expect you to! Yes, it's important to do some practice questions since that's the only real way to learn and so I'm sure there Barrons will be useful. But, that said, a good deal of school testing amounts to being able to remember things (unfortunately) and so, if that's the way to pass exams, find out what they want you to have covered and remember it.

An example of what I mean can be found here:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as_alevelgce/physics_a/
I doubt it'll be relevant to you but serves to illustrate the sort of resource I found useful.

As far as I'm aware, there's little mathematics involved, just simple trigonometry and what-not so make sure you know your SOH-CAH-TOAs and stuff.
 
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p.s. Do as much of Barrons as you can!

(If Barrons is similar to the actual paper you'll get a good idea of what things they'll test you on (which if you have forgotten/don't know you can look up) and get some good practice of the types of questions you'll likely encounter)
 
Sparknotes put out a book covering it. I got a 770 my first try from around 2 days of cramming. I had taken honors physics 3 years prior, so I was pretty familiar with a lot of the non-E/M stuff though.
 

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