Testing Dates for SAT, PSAT, SAT II, and AP Exams

Generally, people are familiar with the SAT or ACT college entrance exams which are a standard part for most college applications. These tests can be especially important for homeschoolers as a way of validating course work. There is a growing trend among colleges to not require SAT or ACT scores. However, virtually all public universities still require students to submit scores. Since the tests differ, it's in the best interest of students to take both tests since they may score significantly higher on one test than on the other.

SAT I

The SAT Reasoning test costs $45.00 and takes over four hours. It is considered a "reasoning" test with verbal and math sections. It also now includes an essay although many schools do not use the essay scores. This test is traditionally taken twice: first, in the spring of the junior year for practice. Students take it a second time in the fall of the senior year for actual submission. A significant number of students take the test even earlier and more often for practice purposes.

ACT

The ACT costs $31.00 without the essay, and $46.00 with the essay. The ACT is considered more of a "content mastery" test. It covers four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Without the essay, the test takes about three hours. Like the SAT, the test is traditionally taken in the spring of the junior year for practice and in the fall of the senior year for actual submissions.

SAT II (Subject Tests)

Fewer people are familiar with the SAT II tests, often referred as the subject exams. More selective colleges or technical programs use them for placement purposes. Some colleges require homeschoolers to submit SAT IIs as part of their application. The cost of a SAT II test starts at $29.00 and the test takes an hour. A student can take up to three subjects in one sitting. The best time to take a SAT II is immediately after you have completed the course. Unfortunately, many students aren't aware of the need for SAT II's until their junior year and end up having to study for subject they had completed two years earlier.

Advanced Placement

CLEP

* for homeschoolers