CLT, PSAT, AP, and SAT
Testing for College-Bound High School Students
National tests—the CLT, ACT, SAT, or PSAT—are commonly taken in the junior or senior years by students who are considering attending a college or university.
A student who takes the CLT, ACT, SAT, or PSAT test may use the test score in lieu of a standardized achievement test score if it is equal to the fourth stanine or 23 percentile. A parent may submit the results of a test administered at any time during the school year.
Although the test reports may not provide stanine scores, percentile scores are usually reported.
After HEAV’s communication with the Virginia Department of Education, the VDOE clarified that students with a composite score at or above the 23rd percentile on the ACT, SAT, or PSAT will meet the requirement for academic achievement under the homeschool statute §-254.1.
CLT
The Classic Learning Test is an online college entrance exam that assesses reading, language arts, and mathematical skills with an emphasis on logic and critical thinking. It is not Common Core aligned but instead looks at foundational educational skills, making it suitable for all educational backgrounds. Students are presented with reading content drawn from classic literature and historical texts throughout the exam. CLT is accepted at over 250 colleges and universities.
CLT is two hours long, taken online from home, and proctored remotely. Students receive their scores within two weeks and can share scores with an unlimited number of colleges and universities for free. CLT is accepted primarily at private or liberal arts colleges, but scores may be shared with any university. Many CLT Partner Colleges provide scholarships based on CLT scores, some up to $30,000 per year.
Registration for the CLT is open until approximately one week before the exam, and the cost is $69.
HEAV members receive a 25% discount; financial assistance is available for those with demonstrated need. Accommodation requests for students with documented disabilities should be submitted four weeks prior to the test date.
CLT provides three free practice exams for students who create a free account through the CLT website. Additionally, a CLT Student Guide is available for purchase ($45) for those seeking additional practice exams and information about the test.
CLT10
The CLT10 is an online college preparatory exam that serves as an excellent precursor to the CLT. It assesses reading, language arts, and mathematical skills with an emphasis on logic and critical thinking. It also features reading content drawn from classic literature and historical texts throughout the exam.
The CLT10 is administered at home by a parent or other responsible adult on published test dates offered four times per year. The exam takes two hours to administer (2.5 hours with the optional essay) and results with comprehensive analytics are available within one week. Students may share their scores with an unlimited number of colleges and universities for free to indicate early interest.
Awards and recognition are available to 10th-graders who perform well on the CLT10, including the $2,500 National Award scholarship. The test may be taken every time it is offered, and the single highest score is used in consideration of those awards.
Registration for the CLT10 is open until approximately five days before the exam, and the cost is $69.
HEAV members receive a 25% discount; financial aid is available for those with demonstrated need.
Accommodation requests for students with documented disabilities should be submitted four weeks prior to the test date.
PSAT/NMSQT
Public schools must notify homeschoolers about the availability of the PSAT/NMSQT exam. They are also required to administer the test to homeschool students who desire to take it. §22.1-254.1(F)
The PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 are the same tests but are offered at different times of the year. They share similar benefits:
- Both are good practice tests for the SAT because they test the same skills and knowledge as the SAT.
- Each score report suggests AP courses you may want to consider.
- Only the PSAT/NMSQT is a qualifier for the National Merit®Scholarship Program.
Most students take the PSAT/NMSQT exam during their junior year in high school, but it is available for 10th-grade students as well. The PSAT/NMSQTexam is a standardized test that provides first-hand practice for the SAT exam. It also gives students an opportunity to participate in the National Merit® Scholarship Program.
The PSAT/NMSQT exam is administered each October. If your student would like to take the test this fall, contact your local high school well in advance to register for the test (four months prior to the test is suggested). Registration deadlines may vary from district to district. Online registration is NOT available. The test may also be available at some private schools.
The PSAT/NMSQT exam number for Virginia homeschoolers is 994799.
Some school districts have questioned administering the PSAT/NMSQT exam to students homeschooling under religious exemption. The Department of Education has indicated that there is nothing to prevent a school from administering the test to religiously exempt students.
The SAT/NMSQT exam covers critical reading skills, math reasoning skills, and writing skills.
It does not require students to recall specific facts from classes. The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT exam are:
- to receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses of skills necessary for college study;
- to see how the student’s performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college;
- to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit® Scholarship Program (grade 11);
- to become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions the student will see on the SAT;
- to receive information from colleges when you check “yes” to Student Search Services.
The College Board has provided homeschool information here.
SAT
Most students take the SAT during their junior and senior years, although students can take it earlier. It can be taken multiple times during the same year. The SAT measures the critical thinking skills students will need for academic success at the college level. It assesses analytical and problem-solving skills. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for the multiple-choice section and the essay.
The SAT is scheduled six or more times each year beginning in August. Registration is required approximately 30 days prior to each scheduled testing date. Late fees are assessed for late registration.
Only because of special circumstances can a student register by mail. The fee is $49.50 for the regular test and $64.50 for the SAT plus essay, with an additional fee for late orders, though a fee waiver can be requested.
The homeschool number for the SAT exam for all homeschoolers is 970000.
The College Board has provided homeschool information here.
Homeschooling High School? Relax!
The world of high school is not uncharted territory–many have done this before and are happy to walk the journey with you!
Join with other parents in the same boat, learn from an experienced homeschool speaker, and get solid guidance on the things that matter most—whether your child is college-bound, career-bound, or undecided.
Sign up for HEAV’s High School Mentoring Program. A new session begins on January 9.
AP® Exam Registration*
AP (Advanced Placement) tests are administered in May of each year at public high schools and some private schools. College credit may be awarded based on AP test results. AP courses will help students develop study habits necessary for college-level work and to study subjects in greater depth and detail.
There are 38 courses and exams covering many subject areas. With a strong interest in the subject of study and a willingness to work hard, a student can get a head start on college-level work.
Homeschoolers have access to the new AP Classroom Suite. These resources include unit guides, personal progress reports, and a progress dashboard. These are designed to help more students earn college credit and placement.
AP Information for Homeschoolers Registration Dates
Every high school in Virginia is required to offer the test to homeschoolers.**
Click here for information about taking AP exams as a homeschooler.
There is an additional $40 fee for late orders, unused exams, and canceled exams.
*Free reviews and practice tests for the SAT® and PSAT® exams, as well as many other tests, are available at testprepreview.com.
**22.1-254.1(F) requires ALL Virginia high schools to make the AP and PSAT examinations available to home instructed students.
*PSAT/NMSQT® is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which were not involved in the production of—and do not endorse—the services of HEAV.
SAT® and AP® trademark registered and/or owned by the College Board, which was not involved in the production of—and does not endorse—the services of HEAV.
