Biology League Members Work Hard for the Monthly Tests

New Jersey Science League director, William Spears

At Pequannock Township High School, Biology League members must take monthly tests to demonstrate their knowledge of biology and to determine which members qualify for state competitions. As the April test approaches, students work hard in school and after school to get good scores. 

Biology league is an extracurricular activity for students at PTHS. The members of this league meet at lunch every Monday. Once a month, these students must take a test to find out if they qualify to be in state competitions. Freshman and Biology League member Sabrina Cristea offers more insight about what happens in these meetings. “We have meetings every Monday at lunch in which we try practice tests and problems and work together or ask Mr. Rescigno for clarification on more difficult problems,” she stated in an interview. 

While students sacrifice part of their lunch block to prepare for these tests, the tests are also very lengthy, with the official exam lasting almost forty-five minutes. Students in the league give up not only their lunch break but also free time to prepare. When asked about what the scores are used for, Cristea said, “The test scores are sent to the state bio league board that would then review them in comparison to other students and decide placement for any future competitions.” These competitions can help students with bolstering their college applications and obtain jobs later in life which is why members work so hard to pass these tests. 

Through taking these tests, students not only learn if they qualify for competitions but also uncover great study habits that will benefit them in their future careers. These students' dedication is evident in the amount of time set aside to take practice tests. The League members are optimistic that they will get high scores on this next test and that their dedication will pay off in the end.