College Prep Exams

There are many types of tests available to high school students, some of which colleges require of freshman applicants and others whereby students may earn college credit.  A general list of tests can be found here: https://www.hslda.org/highschool/testing.asp

• In order to prepare for the SAT and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students should take the PSAT/NMSQT starting in the fall of a student's sophomore year and again during the fall of a student's junior year.  Homeschool students should contact their local high school the spring before the testing date in order to secure a space at their local public high school since the PSAT/NMSQT is administered at school sites.  As well, the College Board recently introduced the PSAT 10, which also prepares students for the SAT and is offered the spring. Information on the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 can be found here https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10 
  
  
• Required tests for freshman college applicants include the ACT and/or SAT.  Students should look at their desired schools' admission policies in order to determine which test(s) are required for a complete application.  In general, it is recommended students take both tests for comparative purposes.  Students may score higher on one or another test and taking both tests may help balance divergent scores on each respective test.  SAT examination and registration dates can be found here http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/register/test-dates.  The College Board recently redesigned the SAT so students taking the newly designed test, which will be administered starting March 2016, should familiarize themselves with the new format.  SAT redesign specifications can be found here https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/test-design/redesign-specifications ACT examination and registration dates can be found here http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html 
  
  
• High School students can earn college credit with passing scores on certain tests. Colleges and universities have different policies regarding the types of tests considered acceptable  for college credit; therefore, students should acquaint themselves with their choice schools' specific policies regarding the types of tests considered acceptable for college credit.  Available tests include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and SAT Subject Tests.

• AP courses are considered among the most rigorous classes a high school student can take.  The benefits of taking AP courses include demonstrating to colleges and universities a student's level of college preparation, a higher grade point average due to the greater weight AP courses retain (on a 4.0 scale an "A" grade is 5.0, thus allowing for a stronger GPA), and preparation for the AP exam.  Successful performance on an AP exam, depending on the school, may provide a student with college credit.  AP tests are available in a range of subjects.  Although there are many advantages to taking AP courses, a student may take an AP exam without having taken an AP course.  Since AP courses in a traditional school setting are not readily available for homeschool students, there is an option of taking AP courses online.  A list of companies that offer AP online course can be found here http://www.hslda.org/highschool/curriculum.asp and here http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_getinarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10029 (Note: This is not an endorsement or exhaustive list.  Please note that AP scores stay on the student's permanent record with the College Board.  You do not want your student taking an AP exam unless you are certain they will do well on it. Otherwise, it could look poorly on a college application). Information on AP courses and tests can be found here https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse

• Certain schools offer an IB program, which touts itself as offering a rigorous academic course for students that will function in a globalizing world.  The program offers classes and exams that are recognized by various colleges and universities around the world.  More information on the IB program can be found here http://www.ibo.org/

• CLEP exams allow students to receive college credit; however, students should take note of whether their choice schools accept the CLEP exam for college credit.  Information on CLEP exams can be found here https://clep.collegeboard.org/ 

• SAT subject tests highlight a students knowledge of a specific subject.  These tests are important for college bound homeschool students because some universities accept these tests in lieu of typical entrance requirements.  Information on SAT subject tests can be found here https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests