Questions...

<p>Hey guys, I have a few questions I thought you may be able to answer. Right now I am in my last year of an online high school. My parents want me to wait untill after I graduate, then study really hard for the SAt's. Do you know if you can do this? Where can you find a class to study for them? I heard you may have to be in school to take them, but I don't think that is true.</p>

<p>By the way do any of you go to an online school? If so I have created a forum where we can unite and talk. You don't have to even be homeschooled to join. It's a great place to talk and debate stuff, and we have almost 40 members. Sign up and post if you have the time:</p>

<p><a href="http://frozendice.com/forums%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://frozendice.com/forums&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>IQUEST makes an SAT/ACT book that teaches you how to study for these tests, and tells you what subjects you will most likley be tested in. The book comes with an IQUEST and the software for the IQUEST. If your not sure about the SAT you could always take the PSATS then the SATs.
Hey, I've been to that website its really cool :)</p>

<p>You do realize that this plan means you will have to wait a year before going to college, right?</p>

<p>I don't know that a course is any more useful than getting prep books and practice tests. But if it is a course you want, try googling something like "SAT preparation (name of your city)" -- I just tried this and found lots of links.</p>

<p>Also, take practice tests for both the SAT and the ACT. You may find you prefer one test over the other, or at least score significantly higher. Most schools accept either test.</p>

<p>My daughter used test books to prepare and did fine. If you're uneasy about testing, a class might give you a practice environment that's closer to the real test situation, but otherwise your time may be better spent on your own. </p>

<p>You didn't mention how old you are. If you're graduating ahead of your age group, an extra year of prep might be well spent, but you probably don't want to limit yourself to SAT prep if you don't have any AP tests under your belt yet. </p>

<p>Keep in mind though, you're really talking about an extra two years when you consider that applications are sent out by November for ED and the end of December for RD for the following fall for most colleges. Tests need to be taken soon enough for your results to be ready for your applications. </p>

<p>If you want more than one shot at the SAT, as many students do, you'll want even more lead time on the testing.</p>

<p>I don't know for sure, but I think waiting to long to apply, without compelling reasons, could diminish your chances at some schools.</p>

<p>We used Marcy Denmark Manning's "Bootcamp for Your Brain" and her website...she has classes in the northern VA area. Take practice tests to get over the test fear. My son never took the PSATs...didn't matter. Don't over-test and burn out. Unless your'e aiming at the top schools...and to us, it wasn't all that important, be happy with what you get. Bloom where you land.</p>

<p>Also, can't emphasize this enough, start early...apply early. Get your safety school in your pocket early so the pressure is off. Apply EA. If you need money, aim so your stats are at the higher end of the scale. Pay attention to which schools are FM or IM and how much need they guarantee to meet. The devil is in the details gang! Start early!!!! </p>

<p>Homeschoolers really do get a fair shake. Don't be self-conscious. Be matter-of-fact. Be honest, if asked. But, be proud that you got to do a lot of things that your more traditional cousins could only put on a "to-do" list.</p>

<p>"Pay attention to which schools are FM or IM..." </p>

<p>Forgive me. What is "FM or IM"?</p>

<p>I was wondering that too. It's not even in the Parents Forum abbreviations thread. </p>

<p>You might find that thread handy for other things though. Here's the link if you haven't already come across it: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=52585&highlight=abbreviations%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=52585&highlight=abbreviations&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Federal or Institutional Methodology.</p>

<p>I think that is Fed=FAFSA vs </p>

<p>CSS Profile= Institutional</p>

<p>Thanks. Goodness, how quickly I blocked that all out. And it's already time to sort it out for next year.</p>

<p>This year I have until May to do the sorting:)</p>