Test taking strats

high yield topics

Topic	Approximate %
Human Anatomy & Physiology	50%
Biology	25%
Chemistry	15%
Scientific Reasoning	10%

High-Yield Topics (Study These First):

1. Body systems — Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive

2. Cell structure and function — Organelles, membrane transport

3. Genetics — DNA, inheritance, Punnett squares

4. Chemistry basics — Atoms, bonds, pH

top 10 methods

1. Master the Body Systems

50% of the section is anatomy/physiology. For each system, know:

• Main organs/structures

• Main functions

• How it connects to other systems

2. Use Process of Elimination

Can't remember the answer? Eliminate what you KNOW is wrong:

• Option mentions an organ doing something it doesn't do? Eliminate

• Answer doesn't make physiological sense? Eliminate

3. Look for Keyword Connections

Match question keywords to answer keywords:

• Question about "oxygen transport" → Answer mentions "hemoglobin" or "red blood cells"

• Question about "nerve impulses" → Answer mentions "neurons" or "synapses"

4. Don't Overthink Scientific Reasoning

These questions test your ability to read and interpret, not memorize. Read carefully and answer based on the information given.

5. Know Your "-ologies" and "-ectomies"

Medical terms follow patterns:

• -itis = inflammation (arthritis, bronchitis)

• -ectomy = removal (appendectomy)

• -ology = study of (cardiology)

• -pathy = disease (neuropathy)

6. Remember: Structure = Function

Body structures are designed for their function:

• Alveoli are thin → for gas exchange

• Small intestine has villi → for absorption

• Left ventricle is thick → pumps to whole body

7. Use Common Sense for Chemistry

• Acids = low pH, sour, give up H⁺

• Bases = high pH, bitter, accept H⁺

• Blood is slightly basic (7.35-7.45)

8. For Genetics: Set Up the Cross

Even if you're nervous, draw the Punnett square. It works every time and prevents careless errors.

9. Scientific Method Questions

Know the steps and vocabulary:

• Independent variable = what you CHANGE

• Dependent variable = what you MEASURE

• Control group = no treatment

10. Flag and Move On

Stuck? Flag it and keep moving. Science has many topics—don't let one hard question steal time from easier ones.

common traps in Q’s

Trap 1: Looks Right But Wrong System

Question asks about digestion, answer mentions respiratory terms. Read carefully!

Trap 2: Partially Correct

Answer is true but doesn't answer the specific question asked.

Trap 3: Extreme Language

"Always," "never," "only" — these are usually wrong in biology (there are always exceptions).

Trap 4: Too Specific or Too General

Answer might be true but not at the right level of detail for the question.

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