Important SAT Update: Transition to Digital SAT
Effective December 3, 2023, the traditional paper-and-pencil format of the SAT has been discontinued. Starting in 2024, all students are required to take the Digital SAT, ushering in substantial changes in duration, format, material coverage, and question types. This shift to the Digital SAT represents a departure from traditional testing methods. It is crucial for students, educators, and test-takers to acquaint themselves with the new examination structure. Read more about the Digital SAT here.
The answer to this question depends on whether you wish to attend college. Most four-year colleges require the SAT® or the ACT® to determine college admissions. Although a few colleges have labeled themselves as ‘test-flexible’ or ‘test-optional’, taking a standardized test as the SAT opens up both career and funding options for you.
Why Taking the SAT Is Important for Homeschooled Students
Most homeschool programs require parents to assess their child’s grade year GPA’s. As a result, colleges find it difficult to consider a homeschool graduation diploma on par with standard school and college transcripts. Taking a standardized test like the SAT provides these institutions with a common benchmark of college readiness that equates a homeschooled student to a traditionally schooled student.
Here are few benefits of taking the SAT for homeschooled students:
SAT levels the playing field for homeschoolers
Since the SAT is a widely accepted standardized test, it can help homeschoolers compete equally with their traditionally-schooled peers for college admissions.
Taking the SAT demonstrates your college readiness
The SAT can showcase to colleges that homeschoolers are equipped with college-ready skills.
Gives opportunity for scholarships
Taking the SAT increases your chances of getting merit-based scholarships to cover college tuition.
Shows initiative and motivation
Taking the initiative to study for and take the SAT can demonstrate to colleges that homeschooled students are motivated and serious about their education.
Improves test-taking skills
Preparing for and taking the SAT can improve the test-taking skills of homeschooled students, which can benefit them in future academic and professional pursuits.
Provides feedback on academic strengths and weaknesses
Taking the SAT lets a student evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in various subject areas, which can help homeschooling parents tailor their instruction to meet their child's needs.
Demonstrates academic rigor
Taking the SAT can demonstrate to colleges that homeschooling is a rigorous and challenging academic path, which can be seen as a positive for college admissions.
Even if you do not intend to attend college and are looking for work, a good SAT score will show potential employers that you have taken a standardized test to demonstrate your academic abilities and merit. Remember, the validity of a homeschool diploma can be challenged, but not that of a standardized test score.
Did you know?
The SAT is required if you’re planning to enter the military. Many institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy require an SAT or an ACT score to qualify applicants.
Further, you should know that many states require homeschooled students to take the SAT or the ACT to graduate. Check with your state’s requirements to learn whether you need to take the SAT in order to graduate. Opting to take the SAT is always a good choice, irrespective of whether it is a college admission or high school graduation requirement and you can start by understanding how homeschoolers can prepare for the SAT.
How to Register for the SAT as a Homeschooler?
Homeschooled students can register to take the SAT online or by mail. In order to do so, you will need to select a test date that allows enough time to prepare for the test, take the test, receive your results, and send your score report to prospective colleges and universities with your applications.
- Once you have decided on a test date, the fastest way to sign up for the SAT is online. To register online, make a College Board® account and fill out the registration form. After, when sending your SAT score report to prospective colleges, you will use this same account.
- Once you have registered, you will be given the option to opt-in for the Student Search Service. The College Board offers this service to help connect students to colleges and universities that match their academic goals. Opting for this service is an added advantage.
- When registering online, you will also have to upload a photo of yourself that fits specific requirements. When your registration is complete, you need to print your Admission Ticket.
- If you plan to register using an SAT fee waiver, you can go to your local high school and speak to a counselor about your eligibility.
If you prefer to register by mail, you will need to go to your local high school to pick up a Student Registration Booklet. This booklet will include your registration form and a return envelope.
- To complete your registration by mail, you will also need to include a photo of yourself, payment, and fee waiver card.
- You should know that not every test date is eligible for mail-in registration. Check online to ensure you do not miss the postmark deadline when registering by mail.
- The registration form will require a school code. Homeschooled students will need to use the code 970000.
If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you can download a student ID form and print it. Check out our page on SAT testing dates and registration to know more.
Where do homeschoolers take the SAT?
Homeschoolers can take an SAT test at a local high school or a test center authorized by the College Board. To find your nearest test center, use the SAT Test Center Search option.
