Saturday, March 15

On Saturday you will take a Mathematics examination and one exam from a choice of Physics, Biology, or Chemistry.

Mathematics: The exam will consist of approximately 20 questions. These questions involve arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and logical reasoning. Questions from more advanced courses such as calculus will not be included. Calculators and other aids are not permitted.

Physics: The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions. Approximately two-thirds will cover mechanics (kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, circular motion, momentum, etc.) while the remaining one-third will come from wave physics, optics, electricity, and magnetism.  These questions may involve calculations using algebra and geometry, but not calculus.  Calculators are permitted, but any computations should be simple enough to be done without a calculator. A list of key formulas will be provided.

Biology: The exam is primarily made up of objective questions.  Exam topics will deal with the principles of ecology, physiology, evolution, and the genetics of plants and animals.  Some basic problem solving in genetics will be included.

Chemistry: The exam will test familiarity with chemical vocabulary and nomenclature, knowledge of chemical properties, periodic trends, electronic structure, and the ability to balance equations and solve problems involving stoichiometry, gas laws, and equilibrium. There will be fill-in-the-blank and multiple-choice questions plus problems requiring setup and numerical solutions. Exam topics are typical of a rigorous high school course. Calculators are permitted and a periodic table of elements is supplied.