SAT Myths for Homeschoolers

Myth 1: Homeschoolers score better than public school students
Fact 1: Homeschoolers may score a bit higher on the SAT, but this can be easily overstated.
Some of the research that really played up the idea that homeschoolers score higher was poorly constructed research. Homeschoolers who are not bound for college may not take the SAT or ACT. In some states all public school students are required to test. Comparing a selected group of homeschoolers to a broader group of public schoolers is an apples-and-oranges comparison. However, there is enough research on homeschoolers taking the SAT and ACT to suggest that they are not at a disadvantage as a group. But what matters to most of us is how our own individual kids will score. Just because your teen is homeschooled doesn’t mean they will score high or low on these tests.

Myth 2: Never guess on the SAT.
Fact 2:  There is no guessing penalty on the SAT.
There is no penalty for guessing on the SAT. Try to answer every question. If you run out of time, guess on the remaining questions.

Myth 3: SAT math is easier than ACT math.
Fact 3: ACT math goes more in-depth but is less tricky than SAT math.
The ACT math goes a bit further, requiring a bit of trigonometry. However, many students find the SAT math trickier and the ACT math more straightforward. The best way to decide which test is for you is to take a practice version of each test at home.

Myth 4: The PSAT will tell you your SAT score.
Fact 4: These predictions are often inaccurate.
While the PSAT is designed to give an early prediction of the SAT score, it doesn’t necessarily do a very good job. The PSAT is a different test than the SAT because it is shorter, doesn’t go as far in math.  Many homeschoolers have difficulty getting access to the PSAT too.

If your student scores really well on the PSAT, you may take that as a sign that they are a strong tester. If they score very poorly, it is a sign that they have more work to do before they take the SAT or ACT. Still, it is important not to read too much into the scores because the PSAT is a pretty short test. I’ve seen some PSAT scores that were wildly different from what students ultimately got on the SAT.  The best way to get a sense of how you will score in the SAT is to take practice tests at home.

Myth 5: The SAT is just a test of smarts; you can’t prepare.
Fact 5: Most students do some preparation for the ACT or SAT.
Scores typically improve with practice and familiarity with the test. There are many ways to prepare for testing, including self-study with books, use of free online materials, and paying for a prep course or tutor.