| I frequently get asked whether it is better for | | | | the SAT, 30% score better on the ACT, and 30% |
| homeschoolers to take the SAT or the ACT in high | | | | score the same on both tests. I would encourage |
| school. In general, the SAT is more commonly given | | | | your student to study and take the test where they |
| on the coasts, and the ACT is more commonly given | | | | have the best chance at a high score. If they do |
| in the center of the country. Regardless of the | | | | take the ACT, I would encourage them to complete |
| geographical biases, both tests tend to be accepted | | | | the "optional essay," since some colleges require this |
| at all colleges. In fact, every college I've spoken to | | | | from their applicants. |
| has accepted both of these tests. | | | | Many homeschoolers with only "mommy grades" on |
| One of the great benefits of homeschooling is that | | | | their high school transcripts do just fine during the |
| we can choose the test that is right for OUR | | | | college admission process. For those students, |
| student, and they don't have to take the same test | | | | colleges use their SAT or ACT score as external |
| as their age-mates in public school! I always | | | | documentation of learning. If you have distance |
| recommend that students take a sample of both | | | | learning classes AND test scores AND homeschool |
| tests and then study for the one in which they score | | | | grades, then you will have more than enough |
| best. Students can raise their score more effectively | | | | documentation. With this sort of preparation, your |
| that way - which can mean saving thousands of | | | | student will not be at a disadvantage at all. In fact, |
| dollars every year on tuition! | | | | they will compare very favorably with their public and |
| I read a statistic that 30% of kids score better on | | | | private school counterparts during college admissions! |