How to Prepare Homeschool Students for Standardized Tests

Testing is a necessity, including in the homeschooling world. Your child should feel comfortable with the standardized testing format. Preparation will help homeschooling children relax and do their best on these tests.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Test Prep materials, dependent upon the type of test
• Knowledge of the testing location
• Calendar to plan test in advance
• Time to prepare and time to find testing location
• Good night's sleep the night before the test
• Nutritious Breakfast the day of the test

1. Decide on the type of test. The ACT and SAT are the two most common exams used for college entrance purposes. Taking the PSAT will be a good jumping off point for middle school aged children and provides feedback for areas that need a bit more focus before taking college entrance exams.

2. Take steps to prepare to take the test. There are numerous exam preparation materials at the library, local bookstores, and available online. These materials are available for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT. Some of the college prep exams even offer free prep materials at their websites. You may also want to consider hiring a tutor to help prepare your child for the exam. There are many individuals and companies who specialize in this.

3. Devote time to preparing for the test. Review the test materials. Take practice exams. Test in conditions as close to the formal, proctored exam as possible. Follow the time guidelines.

4. Register to take the exam. Spend time familiarizing yourself and your child in the materials that will be required to take the exam, such as identification, pencils, calculator. Also, know what time your child needs to arrive. Decide, depending on age, if you will drive your child to the location or if your child will be driving.Find out what will happen to your child's scores. Discuss the options for sending the scores to various colleges, or if you will have them sent only to you.

5. Find the testing location before the day of the test. Decide on the best route to travel. See if you can find the testing room. This will also give your child an opportunity to become familiar with the location so that the day of the test is a little more comfortable.

6. Gather the materials your child will need for the test the night before. Make sure your child gets a good night's rest.

7. Prepare a healthy, nutritious breakfast the day of the test. Try to make the morning as relaxed as possible. If you are driving your child, discuss where you will be when the child finishes the exam or has a break in the test.

8. Leave early enough to arrive at the testing location with enough time to get your child to the testing room and settled in before the exam starts. Wish your child luck!