Home Schooling and College Entrance ExamsOnce you near the end of home schooling and college planning time begins, your student will need to start thinking about and preparing for the not-so-fun... college entrance exams! The ACT is three hour achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. There are five areas that your student will be tested: English, math, reading and science and writing (additional 30 minute exam). The SAT is a three and a half hour aptitude test that measures reasoning abilities for critical reading, writing and math. Most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT (with or without the writing) test scores. Previously midwest schools used to favor the ACT exam and colleges on the east and west coasts preferred the SAT. But before taking any test, its wise to check with the school you want to go to, to see which test they recommend. Colleges, like Harvard, may also require you to take the three SAT subject tests in addition to the SAT or ACT exam. The PSAT is a preliminary SAT exam that your student can take before taking the SAT. The TOEFL exam is for those who are not native English speakers and want to study at US universities and colleges. Test fees range from $31-$45 for the basic test. You will pay extra fees for any additional test supplements and services or score reports you request. ACT/SAT Testing SitesHome schooling and college test taking teens can register to take the SAT or ACT exams easily through the official ACT and SAT websites, or by finding and calling a local testing center.For more information on the SAT, as well as finding a testing site for home schooling students, visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/testing/ For more information on the ACT test as well as test prep and registering information, for home schooling students, visit: http://www.actstudent.org/ Your home schooling and college bound student may also be eligible to take the exams through your local school district. Our state (MI) allows home schooling students to take the ACTs through our local school district; we registered our daughter with no problems. When my daughter registered for the ACTs, there was an option for home schooled students; test scores will be sent to your home, and not figured into the district's results. Home Schooling and College Exam PreparationPrepping for college entrance examinations can help your homeschooling student increase their scores and familiarize themselves with standardized testing, especially if they haven't had much testing experience.Your student can prepare for the ACT/SAT exams by taking a classes through a local community center, school or through a homeschool group. Another great money-saving way to prep for the tests is purchasing study materials that your student can go through at home. Kaplan offers some great books and software programs with full length practice tests, and test-taking tips. Other popular publishers include The Princeton Review and The College Board. Amazon carries lots of new and used SAT test prep resources If your student is preparing for the ACT test, Amazon also stocks lots of discounted ACT test prep materials Finally, College Test Taking Tips...Get a good night's sleep. You will want to be well rested and wide awake for your very long testing day!Set your alarm clock early. Who wants to take a test while still half asleep?! Getting up early will help you become fully awake and get to the test center on time. Eat a good breakfast. It's a proven fact that proper hydration and nutrition can help you think and learn better, so eat a healthy breakfast. Dress comfortably and layer your clothing; you don't want to be too hot or too cold which can distract you while taking your test.
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Not rated yet Home Schooling and College Financial AidNeed a little money for college? Yes, home schooling students can apply for financial aid. The website to apply for federal aid is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The form seems a little daunting – much like filing your tax return, but really is quite easy to complete. Make sure you register for a pin number and then apply online to save time.If you have questions or concerns about your specific financial situation or your student's eligibility, meeting with an advisor will help. We attended a financial aid fair earlier this year. There were many financial aid advisers available for home schooling and college financial aid questions, and to help with filling out the form. Although not necessary, the application process will go quicker and easier if you have filed your income taxes prior to filling out the form. College Planning Help for Homeschoolers...Homeschool transcripts, college entrance exams and application forms; it's the end of homeschooling and college planning time. Find help and tips to make this special time hassle-free and enjoyable.Benefit$ of College-$tyle HomeschoolingFind out why college style homeschooling is perfect for high school students looking to save money on college costs and/or who want to accelerate their education.Return from Home Schooling and College Exams to Home School College
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for test-taking teens and penny-pinching parents! 
