SAT Testing for Homeschoolers: A Comprehensive Guide

Homeschooling offers a unique educational path, allowing for personalized learning experiences. However, navigating standardized testing can be confusing for homeschooled high school students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SAT and other relevant tests for homeschoolers, addressing requirements, preparation, and resources.

Understanding Testing Requirements for Homeschoolers

Each state sets its own requirements for homeschooling, and some may require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT as part of their graduation requirements. Even if not mandated, taking these exams can be beneficial for college admissions. While many colleges now have test-optional policies, some prominent institutions are reinstating testing requirements based on recent academic research.

In Oklahoma, homeschoolers are not required to be tested unless they decide to return to public school. However, standardized tests can confirm a student's progress and identify areas needing more attention. A cumulative record of test scores can also provide credibility if authorities inquire about the homeschool.

Key Standardized Tests for Homeschoolers

Several standardized tests are relevant for homeschoolers, each serving a different purpose:

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses critical reading, math, and writing skills. The SAT is accepted at any university in the United States and is preferred by top colleges. Homeschoolers register for the SAT online or on paper, just like any other student.

Read also: Find the Best SAT Center

SAT I: Reasoning Test: This section includes critical reading, math, and writing sections and is a 3 hour and 45-minute test.
SAT II: Subject Tests: These are one-hour, multiple-choice tests in specific subjects, assuming a high school-level knowledge base. Homeschoolers should consider taking subject tests to demonstrate their academic strengths to colleges.

ACT (ACT Assessment)

The ACT is another national college admission examination consisting of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. It also offers an optional 30-minute writing test. The ACT is given at various locations, usually colleges and high schools, on five national test dates.

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities and is traditionally used as practice for the SAT, containing similar question types and estimating potential SAT scores. It's co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and given once a year in October to high school juniors. Sophomores may also take it for practice. Eligible juniors are automatically entered into the Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT includes math, reading, and writing sections.

CLT (Classic Learning Test)

The Official CLT is a college entrance exam. Online practice exams are available for CLT10 and CLT.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) allows students to take college-level classes and potentially earn college credit while still in high school. Homeschooled students can take AP courses at home or online and earn college credit by achieving a qualifying score on the AP Exams each May. The AP exam assumes a college-level class knowledge base, and test times range from 2 hours to 3 hours and 15 minutes, with many including an essay section.

CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)

CLEP offers credit by examination in a wide range of subjects commonly required for college undergraduates. Passing these tests can save time and money.

Read also: Standards for Educational Testing

Other Achievement Tests

California Achievement Test (CAT): Catforms Testing Service provides homeschool testing materials and scoring for the 1970 California Achievement Test. Benefits include online ordering, affordable prices, flexible testing dates, and personal service. Student test results include color charts, detailed analysis, and cumulative records. Christian Liberty Academy Achievement Testing Service also administers the California Achievement Test (1970 edition).
Iowa Assessments and Stanford Achievement Test Series: The Minnesota Statewide Testing Program (MSTP) offers the Iowa Assessments and the Stanford Achievement Test Series.
TerraNova and CAT tests: FLO’s TerraNova and CAT tests offer some accommodations for students with disabilities and/or IEPs.
Metropolitan Achievement Testing: TulsaOral Roberts University offers Metropolitan Achievement Testing for grades K-12.
Stanford Achievement Test: OKCChristian Heritage Academy offers Stanford Achievement Test for students completing grades 2-11.

Homeschool Codes for Standardized Tests

When registering for the SAT or ACT, homeschoolers need to use specific codes:

SAT: use homeschool code 970000.
ACT: use homeschool code 969-999 (this is specific to Colorado).
PSAT: use the homeschool code (990699).

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Effective preparation is crucial for success on standardized tests. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Plan Ahead: Most students dedicate 4 to 12 weeks to prepare for the SAT or ACT, depending on their starting scores, goal scores, and availability.
Take a Practice Test: Determine preparation needs by taking a practice test.
Set a Prep Plan:
- If the starting score is close to the goal score, use a prep book for brushing up on key points.
- For weaknesses in a few areas, consider a private tutor.
- For help with a wide variety of topics, sign up for a test prep course.
Register for and take the test: Homeschooled students and traditional students alike register for the SAT or ACT the same way-by creating an online account with ACT or with College Board for the SAT.

Homeschoolers can utilize various resources to prepare for these tests:

Prep Books: Comprehensive guides covering test content and strategies.
Practice Exams: Simulate the test environment and identify areas for improvement.
Test Prep Courses: Structured programs offering in-depth instruction and practice.
Private Tutors: Personalized guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
College Board Resources: The College Board provides resources such as "Taking the SAT I: Reasoning Test" or "Taking the SAT II: Subject Test."

College Admissions for Homeschoolers

Homeschoolers and traditionally schooled students research and apply to colleges the same way. Admission officers understand that most homeschooled students don’t have a school counselor, and they accept letters of recommendation from any adults who are influential in the students' lives.

Homeschoolers can create a free College Board account by providing all the same information that traditionally schooled students provide. When registering for the SAT, they'll be asked for their high school code.

Read also: UCF Student Wellness Resources

Homeschooled students from low-income families may be eligible for all the same fee waivers and reductions-including college application fee waivers-as traditionally schooled students.

Additional Considerations

Testing Accommodations: FLO’s TerraNova and CAT tests offer some accommodations for students with disabilities and/or IEPs. Contact them for more information.
Submitting Test Results: Results that are submitted must include all four pages for each student.
Spring Norms: For CHEC Independent School families: Spring norms are required. To ensure your test is scored using spring norms, administer the test to your students during the March-August time frame of an assessment year.

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