Preparing for the SAT and ACT for Homeschoolers

For children that homeschool through high school with the intention of going to college, the SAT and ACT Exams are very important. Most homeschoolers are admitted into colleges on the basis of little more than a SAT or ACT score and a book list. For this reason, it is important to do very well on these exams.

Excelling on the SAT and ACT will not only get a homeschooler into the college of their choice, but a high score can also help students obtain scholarship money that will ensure they finish college without a mountain of debt. To ensure high scores on these exams, the student must dedicate a good amount of time and energy in test preparation.

Here are some things you can do to maximize your child's SAT and ACT scores:

Decide which test is best. The SAT focuses on critical thinking and how one thinks rather than what they know. The ACT is more knowledge based. It is a good idea to take practice tests to see which one your student does better in and then focus on taking that test as most colleges will accept either score.

Review math skills. Many people do poorly in the math sections of the ACT and SAT in spite of being able to do advanced math. This is because they have forgotten how to do basic math, algebra and geometry. It is important to refresh these skills by thoroughly reviewing before taking the SAT or ACT. Workbooks or DVD's are both good resources.

Read a lot. The most important thing one can do to improve their vocabulary is to read. Constant reading also improves speed and comprehension. It will also help with recognizing proper grammar and punctuation which is tested on the SAT and ACT.

Take a writing workshop. Many homeschooling parents are uncomfortable grading writing assignments as the rules are often vague. Writing for the SAT and ACT can be different from everyday essays and papers. For this reason, a writing workshop will help fill in the gaps and inform the student on what points they must be sure to include in their SAT and ACT essays.

Time4writing provides eight week long writing courses via the Internet. Students work with actual instructors who provide feedback and help them improve their writing skills. Courses are available for students in high school, middle school and elementary.