Below are some helpful tools as you help your students prepare to enter college. It is highly recommended that you review the high school information from the HSLDA website at http://hslda.org/highschool.
Testing
Many colleges require a SAT or ACT score with their application. Visit these websites for information and for tools in preparing for these tests.
For SAT information, visit http://sat.collegeboard.com/home. 8th Graders can take Readistep for test prep. PSAT can be taken both 10th & 11th grades, but 11th grade score is the only one that counts toward National Merit Scholarship. The SAT is recommended for 11th & 12th grade students.
For ACT information, visit http://www.actstudent.org/. They also offer a test for 8th & 9th graders called EXPLORE, and 10th graders are encouraged to take the PLAN test. The ACT is recommended for 11th & 12th grade students.
At this time our school does not have a school code for these tests. The SAT home school high school code (CEEB) is 970000, and the home school high school code for the ACT is 969999. If you send a copy of your test results to the school, they will be included on your official high school transcript.
For Readistep, EXPLORE, and PLAN tests, please contact the school office for notification of test dates. For other tests, you should register on the test websites independently and take the tests at their listed locations.
Please scroll down to see any local test prep offerings.
Dual Enrollment
Some colleges offer dual enrollment which is a wonderful way to earn college credits as well as fulfill high school requirements. We will begin listing those college/universities here. Always make sure you check with the college/university your student plans to attend after high school for acceptance of these credits.
- Auburn First
- Faulkner University
- Jefferson State Community College (accelerated or dual enrollment)
- Snead State Community College
- Troy’s ACCELERATE (online)
- UA Early College (on campus and online)
- UAB Start
- Wallace State Community College
Click here to read an article about benefits and what to expect from dual enrollment programs.
Follow Essential Church School’s board High School – Dual Enrollment on Pinterest.
Other Resources
Faye Nichols Test Prep – local tutor/workshops – http://www.fayenicholsact.com
Homeschool College Prep offers support in preparing for college. http://www.homeschoolcollegeprep.com/
When filing for Federal Student Aid on the FAFSA, check high school diploma, not homeschooled IF your student receives an Essential diploma. https://studentaid.gov/
Homeschool Buyers Co-op offers a large database of contest and scholarship opportunities for homeschool students at http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/contests-amp-scholarships/#
Off to College gives a step-by-step high school planning guide: http://www.offtocollege.com/first_time/index.html
College Plus! offers FREE online practice CLEP tests as well as college studies: http://www.collegeplus.org/clep
N2College offers assistance securing financial support for college: http://www.n2college.com/