Regarding registration for the tests listed below: Frequently, these test registrations will require a code. The College Board states that all Arkansas homeschool students are assigned the same code for taking the PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc. The codes have been PSAT (Arkansas homeschoolers - only) - 940499, SAT - 970000, ACT - 969-999. It should be listed on the registration as an option. The results of these tests will be sent to your home and to the schools you designate.
Note: Although the PSAT is not a college entrance exam, it is very beneficial for the reasons listed under the explanation. This test comes EARLY in the fall semester of the junior year, so many homeschoolers miss it.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – This test measures verbal, math, and writing skills. It is beneficial in that it helps the student prepare for the SAT; it gives a comparison with other college-bound students; and it is the test used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Unlike the ACT and SAT, it can only be taken once. It is recommended that students take it in their junior year in order to qualify for the scholarship. (10th grade students can take it as a practice test – it doesn't count until they're in 11th grade. This is great practice, plus the test score gives extensive feedback on problem areas and how to improve the score. The student CANNOT take the PSAT as a practice test in the 11th grade.). The cost for this test is around $10. This test is given early in the fall semester, so you will need to contact local private or public schools to find out if they administer the test to homeschool students. Information can be found at www.collegeboard.com.
For the following College Entrance Exams, practice tests or classes are available and are highly recommended. Since colleges and scholarships rely so heavily on these tests, it is in the student’s best interest to enhance their skills at taking standardized exams. There are many free practice sites on the web. The student can also take classes, buy study guides, or buy computerized software that gives helpful tips and strategies, as well as giving practice in taking each type of test. Most students will take college entrance exams at least twice. Many colleges "superscore" - meaning that if a student takes an entrance exam multiple times, the college will take the highest score from each tested area and will add these together to get the final overall score. Because of this practice, it is often to a student's advantage to take the test multiple times.
SAT (Stanford Achievement Test) – This is the most widely taken college entrance exam and is usually taken by high school juniors and seniors (although it can be taken at any grade level). The SAT is a measure of the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills needed for academic success in college. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with the average score at 500 for each test. A perfect score on the SAT is 1600. However, in recent years, fewer than 20% of all test takers achieve a math score of 600 or better. Fewer than 10% receive a score higher than 600 on the verbal section. The test is designed so that students who answer about half of the questions correctly will get an average score. You can obtain information on SAT testing dates, locations, cost, and registration online at www.collegeboard.com.
ACT (American College Testing Assessment) – The ACT tests skill level in English, math, reading, and science reasoning. The tester has 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete the test. There are actually 12 separate scores on the SAT, but the composite (or scaled) score is the most important. It ranges from 1-36. Nearly half of all test takers fall in the 17-23 range. (At this time, 30 is considered to be the “magical score” for scholarships!!) You can obtain information on ACT testing dates, locations, cost, and registration online at www.act.org.
Most schools accept both tests, which gives the student strategic advantage. The ACT is content-based, and the SAT tests critical-thinking and problem solving skills. Some student’s may perform significantly better on one test or another. You should check with the college of your choice before taking either exam.
The cost for taking each test is around $29.00. The test can be taken multiple times. These tests are administered at public and private schools. (We have found the local private schools to be very open to homeschoolers taking the tests there. There is no additional fee).