Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences is a general education science exam covering both biological and physical science at an introductory level. It often satisfies a science distribution requirement without a laboratory component.
Start practice testAbout this exam
The exam splits roughly evenly between biological science and physical science, where the physical half includes chemistry, physics, astronomy and earth science.
Questions test scientific literacy rather than technical skill. You are asked to interpret findings, recognise processes and apply basic principles rather than to calculate.
It is popular with students in humanities and business programmes who need science credit but not a science background.
Topic breakdown
Topic weights published by College Board.
How to study for this exam
- Treat it as two exams and check which half is weaker before allocating time.
- For the biological half, focus on cells, genetics, evolution and ecology at a conceptual level.
- For the physical half, review energy, motion, matter, the solar system and earth processes.
- Practise interpreting simple experimental descriptions, which appear throughout.
How the practice test works
- Choose all units or a single unit to focus on.
- Set the number of questions and a time limit, or practise untimed.
- Filter by difficulty to warm up or push yourself.
- Retake as many times as you like — every attempt is free.
- Your recent sessions stay on this device so you can review them.
Common questions
Is there a laboratory component?
No. If your college requires a lab science specifically, this exam may not satisfy that part of the requirement.
How does this compare with Biology?
Biology is deeper and technical; Natural Sciences is broader and mostly conceptual.
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