|
The SAT and ACT tests are primarily used for college admission purposes or financial aid. If your child is college bound, these tests are important. Even if your home school child is not currently thinking about attending college, you may still want to consider having your child take either the SAT or ACT (primarily used for east coast schools). Your child's post high school plans may change one day, and having an SAT or ACT score on file will facilitate the college entrance process.
SAT
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is supervised by the College Board. Everything you could possibly want to know about the SAT can be found on the College Board website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html
The SAT test is an aptitude and reasoning test used by most colleges for admission purposes. This test has math and verbal sections, as well as a writing section that includes an essay. Recently revised in 2005, the SAT will be given on the following test dates: October 8, 2005, November 5, 2005, December 3, 2005, January 28, 2006, April 4, 2006, May 6, 2006, and June 3, 2006. Registration for these tests can be done online, and each test date has strict registration deadlines. Keep in mind that since most colleges are making admissions decisions in the spring of the school year, scores from the December test date are most likely the last scores that can be considered for students desiring to enter college as freshmen the following fall. The fee for the SAT is $41.50. Numerous testing locations are provided and include public and private high schools, as well as community college locations.
There are no age limits to taking the SAT (although children younger than 13 may not register online; they would need to register through the mail). A student may take the SAT as many times as he desires. Most colleges continue to take the highest score from each section of the test (Math, Verbal and Writing) and add them together for a total test score even if the highest test score on a section was taken on different test dates. However, you should check with individual colleges to find out their policy for reviewing test scores. It is a good idea to take the test at least twice because a student is usually more comfortable and knows what to expect the second time around. Your student may request that their SAT scores be sent to four colleges for free. Score reports for additional colleges may be requested for an additional fee. When applying to colleges and requesting SAT tests to be sent to a particular college, it's important to note that all SAT scores taken on different test dates are sent to the college.
SAT preparation is essential in order to score well on the test. Numerous test books, CDs, and videos as well as SAT prep classes and individual SAT tutors are available. Check out your local bookstore or phone book for helpful books or resources for preparing to take the SAT, PSAT or ACT tests. Also, you should pick up from either a public school or library a SAT test preparation booklet that provides test-taking tips and practice problems.
The SAT I general test, as explained above, is different from the SAT II Subject Tests. The SAT II Subject Tests are tests given in particular subjects that some colleges use for placement purposes. Check with an individual college regarding any requirements it may have regarding the need to take SAT II Subject Tests. See the College Board website for details regarding the SAT II Subject tests.
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calensubj.html
ACT
The ACT is a test that colleges may use in the admissions process. In most cases, colleges will accept either SAT or ACT scores--however some Midwestern colleges prefer the ACT. Again, it would be wise to check with individual colleges to determine if they have a test preference. The ACT test measures knowledge in four subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The cost of the basic test is $29.50. The basic ACT does not include a writing section, but for an additional $14 you may register to take the ACT Writing test. The ACT website provides a listing of colleges that either recommend or require the writing section of the ACT. Test dates for the ACT are October 22, 2005, December 10, 2005, February 11, 2006, April 8, 2006 and June 10, 2006. (Again, register early, as there are strict registration deadlines.)
Check out the ACT website for detailed registration and test information--www.act.org. A student may register to take the ACT beginning in the 6th grade, and may take it as many times as he chooses. A top score on the ACT is 36, with the average score around 22. When applying to colleges, you may direct that only specific ACT test scores be sent to the colleges that you designate. Although ACT test scores are never erased, you may request that only your highest scores be reported to colleges.
Once your student takes the PSAT, SAT or ACT, be prepared for your mailbox to be stuffed with brochures, postcards, and information from various colleges. Data on students taking the tests are supplied to colleges, and colleges are interested in having their materials in the hands of your students. Take advantage of this free information from the colleges in investigating various college options.
Both the College Board and ACT websites are excellent sources of information regarding colleges, recommended high school courses, majors, career choices, and other information useful for both parents and students. If your student is interested in a particular college, check that college's website to find out the average SAT or ACT score of admitted students. It will give your student an idea of the test scores that a college is looking for. (Realize though that much more than a test score goes into college admission decisions. Other important considerations are high school courses taken, application essays, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, etc.)
PSAT
For those interested in pursuing college, let's talk first about the PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
The PSAT can be taken by 8th – 11th grade students. The PSAT test is the qualifier for National Merit Scholarship consideration, and only 11th graders are considered for these scholarships. You may register your 10th grader to take the PSAT, but realize that taking
the PSAT in the 10th grade year is basically for practice only. No consideration will be given to a 10th grader for qualifying for a National Merit Scholarship no matter how well the student does on the test. The PSAT test has three sections--Math, Verbal/Critical Reasoning, and Writing.
The PSAT is given once each year--this year's test dates are October 12, 2005, or October 15, 2005, depending on the test date chosen by the school administering the test.
The test maker is the College Board and its website provides all the necessary information regarding this test and how to register. Students in Sunland Christian School register to take the PSAT directly through SCS.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
home schoolers taking the PSAT outside of a school program, such as SCS, can read special instructions at the following site:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/reg/home school.html
Unlike the SAT, you cannot register for the PSAT online. Be aware that some local high schools order their PSAT tests very early so we strongly advise contacting the high school guidance office during the summer to ask whether your child can register to take the test. Some public schools may be hesitant to allow a home schooler to sit for the test, but don't let that deter you. Keep calling schools in your area (both public and private) until you find a school that will accommodate your child. The PSAT test fee for SCS is $17. Note that the PSAT College Board website (link above) states that the test administrator will provide the state home school number for your student to enter as his "school code" on the test.
Once you've registered for the PSAT, be sure to ask office for a free PSAT Student Guide. The Student Guide provides test taking tips, practice problems with explanatory answers, and even a full length practice test that will enable your child to feel comfortable with the format and types of problems that he will encounter on the PSAT.
.
|
|
