Thursday, October 30, 2003

So, how do you decide which test to take? The best advice is to check with the colleges you are thinking about attending. Many schools will actually accept either the SAT or the ACT, but some prefer one over the other. If all your possible schools accept the same test, you can spend your time preparing for only that exam. The tests are similar, so studying for one will help in your prep for the other. There are some differences in the tests, so prior to taking the actual exam, be sure to spend some time with test prep materials for the test you will be taking. Also, the scoring for the SAT is a little different than for the ACT and you may want to consider those types of factors when planning for the test. To get more information on these tests, come by the website at www.homeschool2college.com. Our section on Testing has the necessary information about each test.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

SAT, ACT, PSAT, SAT II, CLEP, PLAN----all this alphabet soup! How do you decide which test to take?
Let's start with the SAT group. The SAT is a college entrance exam that is typically taken during the spring of the Junior year and again in the fall of the Senior year. The PSAT is sort of a practice exam for the SAT and is taken by Juniors each October (Freshmen and Sophomores can also take the test for practice purposes only). The PSAT is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, and students scoring high enough on the exam go on for further competition for scholarships. The SAT II are actually subject tests taken after a student has completed a subject. These tests are often required by colleges as a way to determine if the student has gained the necessary knowledge from a course of study. It is one way colleges have of determining the level of course work done at the high school level. Some colleges require 3-5 SAT II scores for homeschoolers, so be sure to see if you will need to take some of these exams.
The ACT is also a college entrance exam and is offered several times a year around the country. The PLAN test is the pre-ACT exam and also has some info to help students decide what they should major in. This is generally taken by 10th and 11th grade students.
CLEP tests are college level tests--if a student passes the exam for the subject, the college will issue course credit for that subject. This can be a great way to get some college credits economically.
Tomorrow I'll discuss how to decide which test to take.
Come by the website for information on all our materials.
www.homeschool2college.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

For those of you that are homeschooling a senior this fall, it is time to think about taking those SAT and/or ACT exams. If your student has not taken one yet, now is the time to get registered for them. Remember that these can be taken more than once, and scores tend to improve with each testing (up to about 3 or 4 tests). You still have time to register to take it now this fall and repeat it again after Christmas if you wish to try to improve your scores. Go to www.collegeboard.com to register for the SAT and to www.act.org to register for the ACT. Tomorrow I'll talk a little on how you decide which exam you need to take.
For full information on getting your homeschooler into college and finding some financial aid to help with the expenses, see my website at www.homeschool2college.com.

Friday, October 24, 2003

I just read the article on the New SAT in the most recent TIME magazine. The article was written by a man who has been allowed to watch the process of getting this new test up and running. It is a very informative story and should be of interest to homeschoolers planning on heading to college.
The New SAT will replace the current SAT in the spring of 2005 so we still have some time to learn more about the exam and how to prepare for it. My main concern at this time is the essay portion of the exam. I am not sure how they plan to make this equitable for all students since the grading of an essay is somewhat subjective. Also, I know in TX they have had a writing portion on the state mandated public school assessment tests for many years. From what I hear, this has not served to improve writing ability within the state. The children are taught a formula for writing and all their writing is very formulaic--they have lost any original style. Now this may prove a boon to homeschoolers who could still retain their own style; however, if evaluators are looking for a certain set of items on an essay, it could be more problematic.
We need to continue to learn what we can about the new test and then be ready to help prepare our students when the time comes.
I will keep you posted as I learn more.
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, October 23, 2003

Well, the PSAT is a done deal for this year! This test is a pre SAT exam that is traditionally taken by high school Juniors in October every year. For this group of students, it is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Those students scoring in the top 1-2% of for their state will go on for competition in the National Merit Scholarship program. This could mean some really great money for college--even recognition in the program is helpful for scholarship money. Many freshman and sophomore students take the test each year as a means of practice for when they take it their junior year. If you plan on having your student take the test next fall, you need to find a school that will allow your student to test with theirs. The test is offered at public high schools and some large private schools. Call the school to see if they allow others to test with them. You will need to register your student early next fall---usually registration takes place in September. Keep this in mind as you prepare for next year.
Come visit our website for more information on preparing your homeschooler for college! www.homeschool2college.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

If you are homeschooling a Sophomore this year, you might want to remember to save a few samples of his work in each subject during the year. Some colleges require a portfolio of work from homeschoolers. Most colleges do not require this, but it is easier to save some things as you go---at least you will have them if you ever need them!

This is from the HomeSchooler's College Guide Calendar Planner. This is a 4 year calendar to be used by homeschoolers during their high school years. Each month I list a few things that need to be done during the month in order to have the student ready for college admission and scholarship application. The calendar space also gives the parent a place to record extra-curricular activities. This becomes a great resource when applying for scholarships!
Come visit us at www.homeschool2college.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Let's talk about college prep for your homeschooled teen. If you are homeschooling a freshman this year, during the month of October, you might consider looking for some great places for your child to get involved. Community service work done consistently over the high school years could produce some great scholarship opportunities as your student approaches college age. There are many scholarships available for kids that have contributed to their communities---look for some opportunities in your area. If you don't find anything, consider starting your own---volunteer to help some elderly or tutor some elementary kids. You might even allow your teen to organize a group of homeschoolers to do these things! A great leadership opportunity!
These are the types of suggestions made on the Calendar Planner provided through the HomeSchooler's College Guide. Come see us at: www.homeschool2college.com

Monday, October 20, 2003

College costs continue to rise---how will your family find the financial aid you need for secondary education?
We homeschooled our two daughters from K-12. Both girls are now in the colleges of their choice on some really great scholarships. In fact, betweeen the two, they have used $79,000 in scholarships up to this point with more coming over the next 2-3 years. We learned so much as we worked our way through the financial aid jungle. Let us guide you through the steps we've learned.
I have put together a notebook full of information on choosing a college, getting admitted to a college, keeping track of records and transcripts, testing and especially the money. One section is devoted to scholarships, grants and loans for homeschooling students. The best thing I have to offer is a 4 year calendar that takes you month by month through high school. Each month I give recommendations of things that need to be done that month in order to have your child ready for college admission and scholarship application.
Come by our website at www.homeschool2college.com