Testing for the High School Student
Students ages 7-16 that are registered with the state are required to take a standardized test each year. Students ages 16 and over who wish to drive must continue to take standardized tests until graduation. Acceptable tests include the CAT/5, Iowa, Woodcock-Johnson, and the ACT college entrance exam (but NOT the SAT). SAT subject tests in math and English are also acceptable.
Tests for College-bound Students
These are the most common testing options for high school students. The College Board and Educational Testing Service are responsible for the following tests:
PSAT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program with the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corp. The PSAT can only be taken in October of the student’s junior year to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship, though some students do take it as sophomores for practice. The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem solving and writing skills. Contact your local high school guidance office at the beginning of the school year to arrange to take the test with their 11th grade students. Some private schools also offer this test to homeschoolers. This test is not required and the only benefit is if the student qualifies for a National Merit Scholarship and as real preparation for the SAT I.
National Merit Scholarship Information
United Faith Academy Providence Road, Charlotte, invites homeschoolers to take the PSAT with their students. Registration is open May 1 - September 15. For more information email the school or call 704.541.1742.
Central Academy of Lake Park, Indian Trail, offers the PSAT and the PLAN (pre-ACT) to homeschoolers. For more information email Mildred Similton, or call 704.882.6267 ext. 25.
SAT I: The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures Verbal and Mathematical aptitude. Math concepts covered in the test are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, logical reasoning, symbols, operations, probability and counting. There is also an essay-writing section. This test is one tool used by college admissions offices to help determine admission status to high school graduates. It is offered 6-8 times a year. There is a fee and the test is offered at various regional locations. You can find locations and dates and register online at the College Board web site. The College Board has made a major change to the way scores are reported to colleges, effective February 2009. Previously all scores for all test sittings were always reported. Now you will be able to choose which date's scores to send to colleges. Check with prospective colleges for their policy -- some use the highest score on each section regardless of the test dates, so it can be an advantage to send all scores.
NOTE: The homeschool high school code is 970000 -- don't worry that it says "New York."
College Board Reports various statistical and comparative reports
SAT II: SAT II subject tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests on specific subjects at a high school level. These tests measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and the ability to apply that knowledge. Many college admissions offices require some of these subject tests for all students seeking enrollment. Some colleges only require these tests for homeschooled students. If your child plans to attend college, call the admissions offices of each school they are considering and ask about their requirements. A number of specific subject tests are offered under such general topics as English, History, Mathematics, Science, and Foreign Languages. It is much easier to take subject tests immediately after completion of the course work than to try and cram 3-5 tests in your student’s senior year to meet admissions requirements. The ones most often required by colleges are Writing, Mathematics Level I or II and either science or history.
NOTE: The homeschool high school code is 970000 -- don't worry that it says "New York."
ACT: National College admissions exam is designed to assess a high school student’s general educational development and their ability to do college level work. It measures student’s ability in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. The ACT is also an admissions test, but measures general knowledge including science. There is also a fee and the test is offered regionally 6-8 times a year. This exam can satisfy DNPE testing requirements and can be taken multiple times by any student. You may choose which test date's scores to send to prospective colleges.
NOTE: The homeschool code is 969-999.
AP: Advanced Placement exams are geared toward students who have completed college level work on specific courses in high school. Qualifying grades on AP exams can be used to obtain college credit. AP exams are only offered in May. These are very difficult exams give in two parts, consisting of multiple choice questions and a number of very challenging essay questions; both sections are timed. Currently North Carolina Public schools are not required to administer AP tests to homeschoolers. Policies vary from school to school. Your best bet for finding a public school to administer AP tests is the one in whose attendance zone you reside. You will likely be limited to the tests that they are already planning to offer (i.e. for which they offer AP classes.) Weddington High and Charlotte Christian have been accommodating in the past. Check for availability of testing site well in advance so you are not disappointed after extensive preparation. Check with the colleges of interest for their credit policies, as they vary in the score required for placement and/or credit.
CLEP: The College-Level Examination Program provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Most exams are completely multiple choice and are administered via computer, allowing you to see your score right away. You must wait six months before retaking the test to improve your score. As always, confirm with the colleges of interest the tests accepted and scores required for placement and/or credit. These tests are much easier for homeschoolers to arrange than AP tests -- CPCC offers them daily by appointment about a month in advance.
CLEP Lesson Plans written by a homeschool mom while teaching her kids
Free University Project offers free study guidance for many popular CLEP tests.
TECEP: Thomas Edison State College offers more than 50 examinations that allow students to earn college credit without taking formal courses. These examinations, known as TECEP® tests, are specifically designed to permit students to demonstrate the college-level knowledge they have gained through work, personal interests, or independent study by taking a single examination. Each test has its own test description that includes an outline of test topics, textbooks, and sample questions. Using the test description, students can study at their own pace and register to take the exam when they feel they are ready. Originally, the tests were only available to Thomas Edison State College students. Now TECEP® examinations are available to anyone who is interested in earning college credit-by-examination. Students at many other colleges and universities have found wide acceptability for TECEP® credit at their home institutions. Check with the colleges you are interested in for their policies.
DSST: The DSST program provides the opportunity for people to earn college credit for what they have learned outside of the traditional classroom. Accepted or administered at over 1,900 colleges and universities nationwide and approved by ACE (American Council on Education), the DSST program enables people to use their knowledge acquired outside the classroom to accomplish their educational and professional goals. Made available by Thomson Prometric, the DSST is used by adult education programs, the US Department of Defense, 2- and 4-year colleges as well as corporations and municipalities nationwide.
Test Preparation
The College Board Web site offers testing hints and sample questions for all their tests. See the links above for more information.
In addition, there are many test preparation books available through any bookstore by Kaplan, Peterson, REA, and Princeton Review.
Web sites that offer test preparation services:
Test Prep Review offers free practice tests for many standardized tests as well as a few helpful tools
Number2.com's online test preparation courses are totally free! By creating an account you can access a customized course that includes user-friendly tutorials, practice sessions that dynamically adapt to each student's ability level, a vocabulary builder, and more.
SAT Vocabulary Builders allows you to create customized lists and display words as flashcards or print
Win With Words vocabulary learning hints
