PSAT, SAT, and ACT college tests, and what homeschoolers need to study and practice to achieve high scores on these college entrance exams. Results of homeschoolers’ scores on past ACT tests.
Dates
ACT Assessment Test Dates
Information on the ACT Assessment, which includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices.
SAT: Calendar and Fees
These come up fast! Prepare to take these through a local high school, public or private. Contact them in early September.
The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.
| U.S. and Canada Registration Deadlines | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 Test Dates |
Test | Regular Registration Deadline (postmark/submit by) |
| August 24, 2019 | SAT & Subject Tests | July 26, 2019 |
| October 5, 2019 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 6, 2019 |
| November 2, 2019 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 3, 2019 |
| December 7, 2019 | SAT & Subject Tests | November 8, 2019 |
| March 14, 2020 | SAT only | February 14, 2020 |
| May 2, 2020 | SAT & Subject Tests | April 3, 2020 |
| June 6, 2020 | SAT & Subject Tests | May 8, 2020 |
SAT II: Subject Tests Calendar
Not every subject is given on every test date, so check this site way ahead of time.
Books about College Entrance Tests
A Guide to APs and SAT Subject Tests with Tips for Homeschoolers and Accelerated Learners
(Paperback) (Affiliate link)
by Sharon Lee
Are you a high school student trying to decide on college prep courses? Are you a parent wondering about APs and how they affect your student’s high school and college plans? Do you find the lists of SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams confusing and don’t know where to start? Are you homeschooling through high school and need resources for tackling college prep work and the details about how to register for testing? This reference will guide you through the ins and outs of AP exams and SAT Subject Tests. How do I choose which tests to take? When should the tests be taken? What resources can I use to prepare for tests? What is the difference between an AP and SAT Subject Test, and should I take one or both? Are there special rules for homeschoolers or pre-high school students? Are there online AP course providers? You will also find overviews of the SAT, ACT, PSAT and CLEP tests.
Information
ACT vs SAT: Key differences between the ACT and SAT
ACT vs SAT: which test is a better fit for your student? Students may take whichever test they prefer (assuming there are available testing locations for both tests). If you’re not sure which test your child would prefer, consider the key differences between the ACT and SAT. Some students find that the ACT caters to their strengths more so than the SAT, and vice versa.
NCAA Homes School Information
For NCAA purposes, ask yourself these questions, which may help you determine whether your schooling would be considered homeschool or through “nontraditional” means. The NCAA definition for nontraditional courses includes courses taken online with online teachers, assessments, and grading.
Practice
Free SAT & ACT Prep Course
Everyone should have the tools and opportunity to earn their very best score. Give your students that chance with our free SAT and ACT live online classes. They’ll get deep insights and learn key techniques for understanding and mastering each section.
The Best ACT/SAT Test Prep Courses
The SAT and ACT really only measure how well you can do on the test. Sure, you need to brush up on your subject matter knowledge, but you also need to acclimate yourself to the test itself. Luckily, science has shown that taking practice tests is the best way to do both. Our top picks have plenty of authentic practice tests and customized refresher modules to help you bump your score even higher.
Reports
ACT Test Results For Homeschoolers vs All Test Takers
ACT test results are consistently higher for homeschoolers than the composite for the average college entrance test taker.
Test – The ACT
ACT Assessment
This test is designed to assess high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.
Taking the ACT Outside the 50 United States
Students must register directly with the supervisor of the test center where they wish to test, not with the ACT and not via the Web. The deadline date for contacting the test center is the Friday two weeks before the scheduled test date.
Test – Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement Tests
Whether you’re studying an AP subject at school or doing it on your own, the College Board has a wide variety of resources to help you.
Test – PSAT/NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT
The test provides homeschooled students a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship programs. The page includes all the states’ school codes for Section 6a, and a sample of how to fill out the “School” form when you homeschool.
PSAT/NMSQT Codes for Home-Schooled Students
The College Board has state codes for homeschoolers taking their tests. Codes also for those in Puerto Rico and US Territories, as well as outside the USA. Homeschoolers will need these codes when they take the PSAT. Find and copy yours, and take with you to the test.
Test – SAT I and II
- Where do I call for sites near me? 1-609-771-7600 between 8 a.m. and 8:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, eastern time.
- What code do I put for my homeschool high school? 970000
(Scores will be sent to your home address. It will say “Schooled at Home, New York, NY.” [That is the college board’s address.] When it appears on the registration is just says Schooled At Home, with no geographic location.) - When are the next SATs? Check here.
About the SAT and Subject Tests
The College Board answers all your questions and even has online registration for the SATs.
Educational Testing Service
Help in planning for, practicing, and even registering online for such tests as the S.A.T.
FreeSAT1Prep
Our site is packed with lots of helpful information to help you best maximize your SAT 1 score. We have book and study aid reviews, test prep tips and advice and hundreds of practice SAT questions with (hopefully) easy-to-understand answer explanations.
Princeton Review Online
Practice SAT test, college admissions, college matching to your goals.
SAT Question of the Day
Just try one question every day and improve your chances of doing well on the SAT.
Standardized Tests
College Board page on how to prepare yourself for the SAT tests.
More Testing Resources on A2ZHomeschooling.com
Comparing Testing Requirements
College Test Preparation Resources
Holding Children Accountable
Should We Test?
Testing Homeschoolers
Testing Services
Test Results – ACT
To Test Gifted Kids or Not?
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Being home schooled for the whole 12 years, and wanting to go to school from the age of 15 but not being allowed to by my parents. I tend to have a negative view on homeschooling for the later part of school, so how do I bring out the best view on something that I feel is/was a negative influence on myself due to the level of home schooling not being near that level of actual schools?
I am sorry you had to deal with that. Education, homeschool, or otherwise, is a very personal experience. Many feel they are not on the level they should be from all different educational backgrounds. It is important to acknowledge that the success of education (from all avenues) depends on the teachers, parents, and students’ dedication. The best way for you to bring out the best in homeschooling is by sharing what you feel was lacking in your experience to encourage other homeschoolers to not follow in those problem areas. I would also suggest reaching out and talking to homeschooling families (maybe thought a homeschool group) to see how others homeschool and why they might be doing differently.