How to Ace Your Biology Exams with These Tips


Many students struggle with biology exams because there’s just so much to remember. Between memorizing scientific terms, understanding processes like photosynthesis, and recalling all the different body systems, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a structured approach to studying is important.

Biology isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s about understanding how things work, recognizing patterns, and making connections between concepts. If you rely only on last-minute cramming, you’ll probably struggle to retain information. But with the right strategies, you can learn biology in a way that sticks and makes sense.

This article will give you practical tips that will help you study more efficiently.

Stick to a Study Routine Instead of Last-Minute Cramming

Cramming the night before an exam rarely leads to good results. Biology requires time to understand and absorb concepts, so spacing out study sessions is more effective.

A good approach is to study in shorter, focused sessions over a longer period. Instead of trying to go through an entire textbook in one night, break it up into sections and review them consistently.

One method that works well is the Pomodoro technique—study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. This helps you stay focused while avoiding burnout.

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated for Better Focus

A balanced diet with whole foods supports brain function, helping you stay focused.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins play a role in supporting cognitive health and overall well-being. Whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins provide steady energy, while excessive sugar and caffeine can cause energy crashes.

Incorporating high-quality sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish, can be a great addition to a balanced diet. USANA BiOmega is a convenient option for getting a concentrated amount of EPA and DHA omega-3s in your daily routine.

Hydration is just as important. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. If you’re studying for long hours, keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips frequently.

Avoid heavy meals right before studying, as they can make you feel sluggish. Instead, opt for light snacks like fruit, yogurt, or nuts to keep your energy levels stable.

Get Enough Sleep Before the Exam for Better Performance

Many students make the mistake of sacrificing sleep to squeeze in more study time. But staying up late to study can do more harm than good. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and overall brain function.

Studies show that students who get at least 7–8 hours of sleep perform better on exams than those who don’t. Lack of sleep can make it harder to focus, recall information, and solve problems efficiently.

If possible, do a light review of important concepts before going to bed. This helps reinforce what you’ve learned, as the brain processes information during sleep.

On the night before your exam, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light from devices can interfere with sleep quality. Instead, relax by reading or listening to calming music to ensure a restful night.

Master the Core Concepts Before Diving Into Details

Many students make the mistake of jumping straight into memorization without understanding the big picture. In biology, everything is connected. If you don’t understand the core concepts, it will be much harder to remember the details.

Start by focusing on foundational topics like cell structure, genetics, and human body systems. These concepts form the basis for more advanced material. If you don’t understand how DNA works, it will be tough to grasp how genetic mutations happen.

Instead of cramming long lists of terms, try to understand how concepts relate to each other. Ask yourself why certain processes occur and what their purpose is. Once you have a strong foundation, the details will be much easier to remember.

Use Active Recall to Improve Memory Retention


One of the biggest mistakes students make is rereading their notes over and over again, thinking that will help them remember. The problem is that passive reading doesn’t force your brain to engage with the information.

Active recall is a better way to study. Instead of just looking at your notes, challenge yourself to remember key information without looking. For example, read a question about photosynthesis, then try to explain the process out loud before checking your notes. This method strengthens memory because it forces your brain to retrieve information instead of just recognizing it.

Flashcards are a great way to practice active recall. Write a question on one side and the answer on the other, then test yourself. You can also create your own quiz or have a friend quiz you. The more you practice recalling information, the easier it will be to remember during the exam.

Use Mnemonics and Memory Tricks to Make Studying Easier

Biology involves a lot of terminology, processes, and classifications, which can be hard to memorize. Mnemonics and memory tricks can help make studying easier. These tools use patterns, associations, or short phrases to help recall complex information.

For example, if you need to remember the order of classification in biology—Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species—you can use the phrase: “King Philip Came Over For Good Soup” This technique helps turn difficult lists into something more memorable.

Another way to remember information is by using rhymes, acronyms, or simple associations. If you need to recall the four bases of DNA (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine), you might use the acronym “ATCG” and create a phrase like: “Apples Turn Colors Green” Making up your own mnemonics that relate to things you’re familiar with can make studying more fun and effective.

Practice with Past Exam Papers and Sample Questions

One of the best ways to prepare for a biology exam is by practicing with past papers and sample questions. This helps you get familiar with the types of questions that might appear on the test. It also allows you to see where you need improvement.

When practicing, time yourself to simulate real exam conditions. This will help you manage your time better during the actual test. If you struggle with certain types of questions, go back and review the related topics.

Another effective strategy is to explain your answers out loud. Instead of just writing responses, talk through your reasoning. This reinforces what you’ve learned and helps you identify any weak areas.  Biology exams don’t have to feel overwhelming if you approach them with the right strategies.

Understanding the exam format, focusing on core concepts, and using active recall can make studying more effective. Breaking down difficult topics, practicing with past papers, and following a study routine will help reinforce learning.

Supporting your studies with habits—like proper nutrition, hydration, and enough sleep—can also support focus and memory. Instead of last-minute cramming, spread your study sessions over time and use visual aids to make information easier to remember.

How Much of the MCAT Is Biochemistry?

MCAT Biochemistry

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How much of the MCAT is biochemistry?” We will introduce you to each of the MCAT sections, the main concepts you will need to learn, and some tips for studying biochemistry.

How Much of the MCAT is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry comprises approximately 25% of the MCAT, with 25 to 35 questions covering biochemistry in two of the four sections of the exam.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test administered to individuals who wish to attend medical school in the United States. Almost all American medical schools require MCAT scores from applicants interested in pursuing careers as physicians.

Therefore, the MCAT is an extremely important exam, and both schools and applicants take it seriously. Members of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine require MCAT scores from their applicants.

The history of the MCAT is quite long. MCAT Test preparation administrations began in the 1920s when standardized intelligence tests became immensely popular in the United States. Medical school administrators were concerned about the high dropout rate among medical students and decided to design a standardized test to assess readiness for medical school.

Dropout rates dropped dramatically after the implementation of this standardized test, and most medical schools adopted it as part of their admissions process.

The MCAT content assesses several areas. The first, of course, is the basic knowledge of the physical sciences and biology. The test also evaluates the applicant’s analytical and critical thinking skills, presenting various passages and arguments that the examinee must analyze during the test.

The MCAT also assesses reading comprehension and communication skills, which are vital for clinicians.

The modern MCAT is a computerized test, although it is not adaptive like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This means that examinees can return to a section once they have completed it, as the questions are set and static.

The MCAT takes around five hours to complete, including breaks, and is administered in secure testing centers so applicants have quiet, distraction-free spaces to work.

MCAT Sections

There are four sections on the MCAT. The first tests the applicant’s knowledge of the physical sciences and also challenges the applicant to use their problem-solving skills.

The Verbal Reasoning section, Part Two, provides passages for test-takers to read and analyze, followed by a series of multiple-choice questions that test the applicant’s ability to comprehend and synthesize information. For those looking for additional support, a college paper writing service can help improve writing and analytical skills. 

The third section is a writing sample, in which the applicant responds to two short prompts that assess their communication skills and logical thinking. Finally, the life sciences section covers basic topics in biology.

Chemical + Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

The first section of the MCAT focuses on the physical sciences, specifically general chemistry and physics. It covers content in the following proportions:

30% General Chemistry

25% Biochemistry

25% Physics

15% Organic Chemistry

5% Biology

This section lasts 95 minutes and includes 15 standalone questions and 10 passages, each followed by 4 to 7 questions. To prepare for the chemistry portion, examinees need a strong grasp of the periodic table, chemical processes, and molecular bonding. The physics portion requires understanding fundamental physical laws and concepts such as motion, energy, light, and atomic structure.

Critical Analysis + Reasoning Skills

The CARS section is significantly more challenging than SAT-style reading comprehension and the verbal section of the old exams. This section covers:

50% humanities

50% social science

You are not required to have any outside knowledge; everything you need to know to answer the questions will be provided in the passages. You will have a total of 90 minutes to work through nine passages with a total of 53 questions.  If you’re struggling with essay writing as part of your test preparation, a paper writing service can help you improve your skills. 

In this section, no specific factual knowledge is required. Rather, the questions are designed to test reading comprehension, critical and logical thinking, and analytical skills. In general, test takers prepare for this section of the MCAT primarily by taking practice exams.

Biological + Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

This section covers:

65% Biology

25% Biochemistry

5% General Chemistry

5% Organic Chemistry

As with the first science section, you’ll have 95 minutes to answer 15 discrete questions and 10 passages with 4 to 7 questions each. The topics in this section vary widely, from enzyme structure to evolution. Test-takers require a thorough understanding of molecular biology, including the structure and function of DNA, as well as microbiology, including the characteristics of viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic cells.

In addition, examinees should be familiar with all major biological systems of larger animals. Finally, organic chemistry topics range from covalent bonds to the characteristics of biological molecules.

MCAT Scores

Each section of the MCAT allows a student to score between a minimum of 118 points and a maximum of 132 points. For the total sum of the four sections, a student can achieve a score ranging from a minimum of 472 to a maximum of 528.

You may have heard scores like 23 or 31 mentioned in the past. However, it’s important to clarify that these scores were used before the MCAT underwent its most recent change in 2015. Currently, all students applying to medical school are doing so with the new scoring system.

What is considered a good GMAT score?

The average for the total MCAT score is 510-511.

The average total MCAT score is 510-511. However, for the most accurate estimate, you should check directly with the programs. Especially for those who must juggle the MCAT alongside other jobs, it helps to know how much effort and time to put into preparing for the exam.

Here are some important questions to consider before beginning your research.

What MCAT Scores Do You Need for Acceptance?

To determine the MCAT score you need, it’s essential to have a target score in mind. Start by contacting the admissions office of the medical schools you’re interested in to request their preferred cutoff score. If the school doesn’t provide a specific cutoff, you can find the average GPA and MCAT scores for accepted students here.

Keep in mind that some schools may use your MCAT scores for course placement or scholarship decisions. In such cases, aiming for a score higher than the minimum requirement may increase your chances of receiving additional benefits.

How can I prepare for the MCAT?

To excel on the MCAT® Biology exam, start by gathering detailed information about the test. This knowledge will help you craft an effective study plan. The MCAT is a standardized exam with primarily multiple-choice questions. Besides biology concepts, it also assesses your understanding of physical sciences, verbal reasoning skills, and writing abilities. There are many MCAT preparation courses available online and in person.

Exploring the Biochemistry Section

For specific details about the MCAT biochemistry section, visit the Association of American Medical Colleges website. The site provides a comprehensive overview of the content covered in the biology and chemistry sections of the MCAT.

Importance of Early Preparation

A high score on the MCAT can significantly enhance your chances of getting accepted into your desired medical school. Therefore, it is beneficial to begin your study preparation early. Many experts recommend starting at least three months before the exam date.

Additionally, if you find yourself struggling with other academic tasks, you might consider using an online paper writing service to help manage your workload. Dedicating substantial study time each day can ensure thorough preparation, allowing you to cover all necessary concepts and avoid last-minute cramming, which is generally ineffective for achieving a high score.

Utilizing Study Guides and Practice Tests

Consider obtaining a copy of the Official MCAT Exam Guide, available on the Association of American Medical Colleges website. This guide contains content and questions similar to those on the actual MCAT, along with answers and detailed explanations. It also offers tips for answering questions correctly and insights into how a strong MCAT score can impact medical school acceptance.

Practice tests are an essential tool for preparing for the MCAT® Biology section. The Association of American Medical Colleges website offers practice tests, and additional tests can be found on other preparatory websites and in study guides. If you opt for an MCAT® Biochemistry Prep course, practice tests, and expert commentary are often included in the package.

Echinoderm Study Guide B1

Echinoderm Study Guide

 

Know the answers to the following:

 

A water vascular system is a trait of?
Clams are the basic food for what echinoderm?
A sea star feeds by extending what?
A sea star’s endoskeleton is made of what type of plates?
What around the mouth of a starfish helps coordinate its movements?
Tube feet  are part of what echinoderm system?
The blastopore becomes the anus in what type of organism?
Are chordates & echinoderms protostomes or deuterostomes?
Echinoderms like the sea urchin have what type of symmetry?
Are echinoderms fast or slow moving organisms?
How do echinoderms move?
Echinoderm larva have what type of symmetry?
What are the muscular sacs that force water through the water vascular system called?
In what phylum are sea squirts or tunicates?
Tunicates have a leathery what?
What animals are in the class Ophiuroidea?
How do basket stars & brittle stars differ?
What is the purpose of spines on a brittle stars arms?
Name an adult echinoderm with bilateral symmetry.
Do humans have a tail at any point during their development?
What was the function of gill slits in early chordates?
What is the flexible tube below the nerve cord in chordates called?
Where are lancelets usually found?

Be able to label the parts of the water vascular system of a starfish.

Chemistry Study Guide BI

 

 

Chemistry Study Guide

 

Give the name & charge for the 3 subatomic particles in an atom.
What is the smallest particle of matter that keeps all the same properties of oxygen?
What is an element?
All matter in the universe is made of what?
Where are electrons found in atoms?
Electrons will move to a higher energy level whenever they absorb what?
If atoms are packed tightly together is the substance a solid, liquid, or gas?
If the outer energy level of an atom is filled with electrons, will it react?
If an atom only has 6 outer electrons, will it gain or lose electrons to form an ionic bond?
If an atom has 2 outer electrons, will it gain or lose electrons to form an ionic bond?
Why is carbon able to form four covalent bonds with other atoms?
Are covalent bonds formed from sharing or transferring electrons between atoms?
Where are the electrons found that are involved in ionic & covalent bonding?
What is an atom called that has lost or gained electrons?
Are ionic bonds formed from sharing or transferring electrons between atoms?
If the products have less energy than the reactants in a chemical reaction, is the reaction endergonic or exergonic? 
Has energy been released or absorbed if the products of a reaction have less energy than the reactants?
Chemical reactions drive all of the activities within __________.
Sketch a graph showing an exergonic reaction. 
What helps reduce the amount of activation energy required in chemical reactions?
Biological catalysts are called __________.
Cells contain thousands of different enzymes. True or False
Has a molecule been oxidized or reduced when it gains an electron & hydrogen ion?
Oxidation-reduction reactions in organisms allow the passage of _________ from molecule to molecule.
__________ is determined by the number of particles of a substance in a solution.
If a solution is neutral, what is true about its number of hydrogen & hydroxide ions?
If a solution is alkaline or a base, does it have more hydroxide or hydrogen ions?
If a solution has a pH of 11, is it an acid or base?
Solutions with a pH less than 7, would be acids or bases?
_________ in organisms help prevent great changes in pH.