U of T National Biology Competition

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses preparation strategies for the U of T National Biology Competition, focusing on resources, study methods, and the nature of the competition itself. Participants share personal experiences and suggest materials that may aid in studying for the contest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using personal biology notes and textbooks as primary resources for studying.
  • There is a discussion about the balance between knowledge of definitions and concepts versus application and calculations in the competition.
  • One participant recalls that previous contests may not accurately reflect the current focus of the competition, advising against relying solely on past questions for preparation.
  • Several participants express interest in using SAT/AP books and specific biology textbooks, such as Campbell/Reece Biology, for additional study material.
  • Some participants share their personal experiences, including feelings of competition and performance, but do not provide specific outcomes or study methods that led to success.
  • One participant notes that their strengths were in physics, chemistry, and math, suggesting that a solid understanding of high school material may be sufficient for the competition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of using personal notes and textbooks for preparation, but there is uncertainty regarding the balance of knowledge versus application required for the competition. No consensus is reached on specific study methods or resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention that the focus of the competition may change from year to year, which could affect the relevance of certain study materials. Additionally, there are references to personal experiences that may not be universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the U of T National Biology Competition, educators looking for insights on student preparation, and individuals interested in competitive biology assessments.

Roxy
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Does anyone have any websites or books that will help me do good on the U of T National Biology Competition. Please post ANYTHING that you feel with help me. Here is the webiste if you want info about it : http://www.biocomp.utoronto.ca/index.htm

Thank you
 
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I remember writing that, it was fun. Your own biology notes are probably your best source for information. And I would definitely consult your textbook on topics that you either haven't gotten to, if you are semestered and taking it in the second term, or if your notes are really thin. The contest isn't designed to go significantly above what would normally be taught in HS, mind you it does have some tough questions.

And don't get caught on the previous contests that they have online. The focues of the tests seem to change each year and trying to learn through the questions isn't the best method.
 
Is it more knowlede or application? Like do we have to know definitions and concepts or calculation?

And, if you don't mind me asking, How did you do on it?, How did you study?
 
I'm sorry about bumping this really old thread, but I did a search and this popped up and I didn't feel like starting a totally new thread because this is exactly what I was wanting to ask... (trails off; la di la) , but I'm interested in some information. I thought about maybe going through some SAT/AP books as well as the Campbell/Reece Biology 6th Edition book, but would like some first-hand information from people who actually did it. (And hopefully, did well :P)

How did you prepare? How did you study for it? What kind of things did you study?
 
look for any university undegrad...i remember taking that test and when the teacher said jack was in the top 99%(i think top 10) tile my heart was jumping erratically but i forgot there was another jack who took the test...our school placed pretty high...i got the most answers right from my school unfortunately i got the most questions wrong.
 
neurocomp2003 said:
look for any university undegrad...i remember taking that test and when the teacher said jack was in the top 99%(i think top 10) tile my heart was jumping erratically but i forgot there was another jack who took the test...our school placed pretty high...i got the most answers right from my school unfortunately i got the most questions wrong.
did you prepare much? if so, what did you do?
 
mmm i didn't prepare for it all too much, my fortes were phys/chem/math. reading your hs text/notes should suffice, but if your aiming high i'd consider grabbing an undergraduate textbook. Its more definitions then application. but they contest may have change i wrote it 6-7 years ago.
 

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