Q: Don’t you only take the ACT & SAT tests in your Senior Year?
A: No, a student does not have to be a Senior to take the ACT/SAT. However, it is in his/her best interest to completely cover all the subjects that are tested (Algebra I, II, Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, Chemistry, etc.) before taking the real test. There are many opinions on the taking of standardized tests such as the ACT. Most colleges accept the student’s highest score. It is best to only have scores sent initially to the umbrella school and the home. Use HLA's school code (431423) to do so. Then, when student has scored his desired score, or a deadline is near, the highest score can then be placed on the official school transcript. Some scholarships do allow “Super Scores.” A Super Score is when you are allowed to send the highest score on each section of the ACT, thereby taking advantage of multiple test taking opportunities. With this in mind, a way to approach college entrance tests like the ACT would be to take it several times beginning in the end of 10th grade, and continuing through 11th grade. Practice does make perfect, and many times the student improves with each attempt.
That being said, we recommend taking a practice ACT/SAT several times before taking the real test. That's a win-win situation. Also, when you administer the practice test try to recreate, as closely as possible, what the real testing environment will be like. You might even organize a group of home educated students to take a practice test together. Time it just as you would the real test. Follow all the instructions in the testing booklet, reading them out loud as if you are the official test administrator for your school. This way the student(s) will be prepared for the context of the test and not just the content of the test.
After completing the practice test and grading it simply go through it question by question and cover what was missed. (I did this one year in a group setting and it was very successful. It should be even more successful one-on-one.)
Last year's test books, complete with bubble sheets and grading instructions, can often be picked up from a local public or private school.
Click here for more information and links to ACT/SAT resources
Talent Search Program:
To further answer the question, in some cases, very young students may be ready to attack the ACT/SAT test. I've done some research on this question to confirm what I was told several years ago. HomeLife Academy is considering the details of such a talent search program. The ACT website has the following:
"Young students identified by their schools as academically talented may be invited to participate in a talent search program that includes taking the ACT Assessment. Examples of these programs include: Talent Identification Program (TIP) at Duke University, Midwest Talent Search (MTS) at Northwestern University, Rocky Mountain Talent Search (RMTS) at University of Denver, Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS) at The University of Iowa, and Joseph Baldwin Academy at Truman State University.
Many of these programs offer an easy one-step registration option that combines registering for the talent search with registering for the ACT Assessment. Some additional test centers have been established especially for these students, and those centers are listed only in the talent search publications. Young students are therefore advised to follow the instructions they receive from the talent search to register for the ACT. This will normally require registering with the talent search rather than using ACT's online registration." (from http://www.act.org/aap/regist/special.html)
If you sense that you have an exceptional student (I know, they are all exceptional) please contact us so we can arrange to help your student meet his or her full potential.
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Q: How do the ACT & SAT tests compare?
A: Here is a detailed explanation of the difference in ACT and SAT tests from The Princeton Review.
A sample from their site:
“Don't know the difference between the ACT and the SAT? Not sure which one you should take? Let us help.
“First, look at the requirements of the schools you want to attend—some require one or the other. For those that allow scores from either test, you have a choice to make (or take both!). We've put together a comparison of the two tests below. Review this information and hopefully it will help you make a more educated decision as to the test that is right for you!”
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Q: What is HLA’s ACT/SAT tracking code?>
A: Our school code is: 431423
This is also recognized for the TSAC (Tennessee Student Assistance Corp) and other like organization in each state.
The ACT/SAT applications will ask for your high school's school code. HLA's school code is 431423 (This is the same tracking code number for other tests, like the PSAT, as well). This school code is used simply as a routing number to get the test results to the high school. Once we receive the results we will notify you by email. Please also indicate on the application that you would like to receive the results at your home address. It usually takes several weeks or more following the test date to receive the results.
At the same time you are asked to list the school's code you will also be given the opportunity to list the codes of several colleges/universities which you would also like to send the scores. (These codes are provided with the application.) We recommend listing college/university codes only if it is the senior year and you are confident that this time will likely be your best score. Otherwise, just have the scores sent to you and to HLA.
A letter from The College Board SAT
Dear Mr. Parkerson:
The name, address, and code number assigned to HomeLife Academy will be entered in the National Secondary School List.
The Level I code assigned to your institution allows you to receive your students' SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PLAN, or ACT scores, receive SAT or ACT publications, and administer PLAN.
Please advise your students to use this number when registering for either the SAT Program or the ACT Assessment. Let your students know that if they do not enter the correct code number, copies of their score report will not be sent to you.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Judith L. Dahms
Manager, Code Control
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Q: Must we take the ACT/SAT in order to graduate from HLA?
A:
The ACT is NOT currently required to graduate.
Putting in HLA's school code of 431423 will ensure that those scores are sent to
us and we will then enter the score in the online system.
ACT/SAT tests are usually required by colleges/universities. NOTE:
HomeLife Academy does not automatically graduate a senior upon
completion of our requirements. Parents must submit a request for
diploma through the Request Manager in our Member Login area.
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Q: Why should I have my student take the PSAT?
A: The PSAT is a "practice SAT" and, like most standardized tests, can be used for evaluation. What sets the PSAT apart from other standardized tests is that there is independent scholarship money tied to exceptional performance. There are several levels of achievement regarding the PSAT: Commended Scholar, Semi-Finalist and Finalist. There is scholarship money tied to the Semi-Finalist and Finalist levels, and the commended level is a great bonus for your student when applying to colleges. It is not required but can be a great asset to your student's portfolio. The PSAT can be given to any student as practice but only 11th graders will be considered in the commendations and levels of achievement. PSAT details are posted on our Events Page.
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Q: My student is planning to attend (insert university here) next year. Have we waited too long to get a scholarship?
A: No. Between now and the next ACT have him work through a prep book and focus on the areas he was lowest on in his last test. Practice does make perfect! One idea my daughter tried that raised her score 2 points was she started at the BACK of the Math section and worked forward. The easier problems are at the front. Therefore, while her mind was not quite so tired, she worked the harder problems. Then as she began to burn out, she only had the easier ones to do. Just a thought!
Next, go ahead and explore deadlines and scholarships for the university(s) you’re looking at attending. You may need to go ahead and apply then have the updated ACT score sent. Try to get an admissions counselor that will help you through the process.
Make sure his transcript in Home School Reporting Online is current and correct. Also, make sure his Portfolio highlights his achievements and activities as well.
As soon as you can you need to go ahead and start the FAFSA process so he is in line to receive the HOPE scholarship as well. Once you do his FAFSA, the HOPE is automatic.
http://www.tnscholardollars.com/, http://www.tnscholardollars.com/stud_par/stu_par.htm, and http://www.tnscholardollars.com/mon_college/lottery_scholars.htm are a few web pages that should answer many of your questions.
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