Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with the National Center for Education Statistics reporting that approximately 7 million children were enrolled in a homeschool in 201 With such a large number of homeschooled students in the US, it is essential to understand how home educated children should approach college entrance exams such as the SAT.
This article offers an overview of the SAT, its advantages and disadvantages, and offers advice on when homeschooled children should take the SAT.
What is the SAT?
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test that is widely used by colleges and universities in the United States to evaluate the academic skills of applicants. The college admissions process has become highly competitive in recent years, and the SAT is an important factor in many admissions decisions.
The SAT is administered by the College Board, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “expand access to higher education for all students”. The SAT consists of three sections: Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and an optional Essay. The Math section tests students’ knowledge of math concepts and problem-solving skills.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing tests students on their ability to interpret and understand informational texts, as well as to explain their findings in written form. The optional Essay tests a student’s writing skills and ability to support an argument. The SAT also features an optional Additional Topics in Math section which tests students on more advanced mathematical topics.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the SAT?
One of the primary advantages of taking the SAT is that it is widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States. The SAT has a long history of providing an important measure of college readiness, which can give students a leg up in the college admissions process.
Additionally, the SAT is incredibly scalable, meaning that a high score on the SAT can give students an advantage regardless of their academic history. One of the main disadvantages of the SAT is that it does require a certain level of academic preparation. As the SAT covers a wide range of topics, it is important for students to have a foundational understanding of all of the topics that are tested.
Additionally, the SAT can be stressful for students, as the results can have a significant impact on their futures.
When Should My Homeschooled Child Take the SAT?
Homeschooled students typically face unique challenges when it comes to college admissions. With no standardized curriculum or set academic environment, it can be difficult to ensure that homeschooled children are properly prepared for the SAT. Nonetheless, there are some general guidelines that can help homeschooled students to determine when they should take the SAT.
In general, it is best for homeschooled students to take the SAT during their Junior year of high school. By the end of their junior year, homeschooled students should have a solid foundation in the topics that are tested on the SAT, as well as a strong sense of academic maturity.
Additionally, taking the SAT during their Junior year will allow homeschooled students to obtain their scores before the early action and early decision deadlines for most colleges and universities. Homeschooled students should begin preparing for the SAT at least one year prior to their target test date.
Preparing for the SAT can be time-consuming and challenging, so it is best to provide sufficient time for students to adequately prepare. Homeschooled students can use a variety of resources to help them study for the SAT, including online practice tests, prep books, and tutoring services. Additionally, many schools and community centers offer SAT prep courses, which can be particularly helpful for homeschooled students.
Conclusion
Homeschooled students face unique challenges when it comes to college entrance exams such as the SAT. By understanding the basics of the exam, the advantages and disadvantages of taking the SAT, and when to take the exam, homeschooled students can put themselves in a position to succeed on the SAT.
With the right preparation and support, homeschooled students can obtain a strong score on the SAT and gain an advantage in the college admissions process.