Standardized Testing for Delaware Homeschoolers: SAT, ACT & Beyond

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Homeschooling in Delaware, Laws & Requirements

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Standardized Testing for Delaware Homeschoolers: SAT, ACT & Beyond

Standardized testing in Delaware is essential for college-bound homeschoolers. The SAT and ACT are the two main college entrance exams; most colleges require at least one. This guide covers test options, preparation strategies, timing, costs, and how to interpret scores.

Key Takeaways

  • SAT and ACT are equally accepted by Delaware colleges
  • Most homeschoolers take SAT; choose based on student’s strengths
  • First attempt: Grade 11 (spring) or early senior year (fall)
  • Retakes available; most students improve second time
  • Score choice: submit only your best attempt
  • Test prep: Khan Academy (free) or paid courses ($500–$1,500)
  • Colleges care about scores but they’re just ONE component

SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take?

Both tests are valid for college admissions. Neither is “harder” or “better”—it depends on the student.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Structure:

  • Reading & Writing: 96 minutes (52 questions)
  • Math: 70 minutes (58 questions)
  • Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Adaptive (easier/harder questions based on performance)
  • Score range: 400–1600

Format:

  • Question types: passage-based reading, writing mechanics, math in context
  • Less emphasis on rote memorization; more on reasoning
  • Calculator allowed for part of math

Strengths:

  • Widely used by homeschoolers
  • Strong reasoning-based; rewards critical thinking
  • Online prep abundant (Khan Academy, free partnership)
  • More testing dates (7+ per year)

Best For Students Who:

  • Prefer reasoning over fact recall
  • Do well with passage-based reading
  • Want more frequent testing opportunities

ACT (American College Testing)

Structure:

  • English: 45 minutes (75 questions)
  • Math: 60 minutes (60 questions)
  • Reading: 35 minutes (40 questions)
  • Science: 35 minutes (40 questions)
  • Writing: 40 minutes (1 essay, optional)
  • Total: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Not adaptive (same difficulty for all students)
  • Score range: 1–36 (composite)

Format:

  • Question types: grammar, algebra/geometry, passage comprehension, data interpretation
  • More emphasis on subject knowledge
  • Science test is data interpretation, not science knowledge
  • No calculator for one section; allowed for another

Strengths:

  • Straightforward format (less reasoning-heavy)
  • Good for students strong in traditional subjects
  • Strong in Midwest/South (more regional test)
  • Science section (even though it’s data-based, appeals to STEM students)

Best For Students Who:

  • Prefer direct knowledge questions
  • Strong in grammar, algebra, geometry, and reading
  • Do well with linear problem-solving

How to Decide

Take the SAT if your student:

  • Prefers reasoning-based questions
  • Struggles with memorization
  • Is stronger in reading/writing than math
  • Is in the Northeast (SAT is more regional here)

Take the ACT if your student:

  • Prefers straightforward, knowledge-based questions
  • Strong in grammar, algebra, geometry
  • STEM-focused (enjoys the science section)
  • Midwest/South region

Honest Approach:

  • Take a practice test of each (free versions available online)
  • See which score is higher
  • Take that test officially
  • Most homeschoolers end up with similar scores on both

Test Timing & Strategy

Grade 9–10: Preparation

Begin Test Prep:

  • Take Khan Academy diagnostic (free; 30 minutes)
  • Start SAT/ACT prep in grade 10 (not too early, not too late)
  • Take 1–2 full practice tests to understand format
  • Identify weak areas (reading, grammar, math sections)

Timeline:

  • Grade 10: Light prep, 2–3 practice tests
  • Goal: Familiarity with format, identify weak areas

Grade 11: First Official Attempt

Test Dates:

  • SAT: Offered 7 times/year (August, October, November, December, March, May, June)
  • ACT: Offered 7 times/year (September, October, December, February, April, June, July)

Recommended Timing for Grade 11:

  • Start intensive prep in January
  • Take first attempt March–May
  • This allows retake in June–July if needed
  • Scores ready before senior year applications

Prep Timeline (4 months):

  • Weeks 1–2: Take diagnostic, identify weak areas
  • Weeks 3–8: Practice weak sections (30 min/day)
  • Weeks 9–12: Full practice tests every 1–2 weeks
  • Week 13: Light review, relax before test
  • Week 14: Test day

Grade 12: Retakes & Final Submissions

If Score Met Goal (75% of students):

  • Submit score by November 1 (early decision) or January 15 (regular decision)
  • No need to retake

If Score Below Goal:

  • Retake in summer (June/July of grade 11) OR fall (September/October of grade 12)
  • Average improvement: 50–100 points on second attempt
  • Colleges accept score choice; submit only best attempt

Score Reporting Timeline:

  • Scores released 1–2 weeks after test
  • You can submit scores immediately to colleges
  • Most colleges’ deadlines: January 15 (regular decision)

SAT & ACT Prep: Free & Paid Options

Free Prep (Highly Recommended)

Khan Academy + College Board Partnership (Free)

  • Official SAT prep (updated 2024)
  • Videos, practice problems, full-length tests
  • Diagnostic test identifies weak areas
  • 200+ hours of prep available
  • Cost: FREE
  • Best for: Budget-conscious, self-motivated students

Websites & Resources:

  • Freesat.org: Free SAT practice
  • CrackACT.com: Free ACT practice tests
  • r/ACT and r/SAT: Reddit communities (practice tips, testing updates)
  • YouTube: PatrickJMT (SAT math), Erica Meltzer (grammar/writing)

Library Resources:

  • Delaware libraries often have SAT/ACT prep books
  • Some offer free practice test sessions
  • Test prep courses sometimes offered free through library

Cost: Free–$50 (for used books)

Moderate Investment ($100–$500)

Prep Books:

  • Barron’s, Princeton Review, Kaplan books: $20–$40
  • Khan Academy (free) + one good book = excellent combo
  • Books useful for practice tests and focused drills

Paid Online Courses:

  • Udemy SAT/ACT courses: $10–$50 (often on sale)
  • Outschool group classes: $20–$50/hour
  • Local tutors group classes: $30–$75/month

Cost: $100–$300 total

Intensive Prep ($500–$2,000)

Prep Courses:

  • Kaplan, Princeton Review, 1-on-1 tutoring: $500–$2,000
  • 10–20 hours of instruction + unlimited practice
  • Personalized feedback and weak area targeting
  • Worth it if student needs structure or has learning challenges

Private Tutoring:

  • Local Delaware tutors: $40–$75/hour
  • 10–20 hours typically recommended: $400–$1,500
  • Highly personalized; best for significant score improvement

Cost: $500–$2,000

Recommended Homeschool Prep Plan (Budget-Conscious)

  1. Summer before Grade 11: Khan Academy + Barron’s book ($50 total)
  • 1 hour/day for 8 weeks = strong foundation
  1. Fall Grade 11: Continue Khan, take 2 practice tests
  • 30 min/day practice, 1 full test per month
  1. Spring Grade 11: Intensive practice on weak areas
  • 45 min/day focused drills
  • Full practice test every week
  1. May Grade 11: First official test attempt
  2. If needed, June: Retake

Total Time Investment: 60–80 hours Total Cost: $50–$100 Expected Improvement: 200–300 points (if starting from scratch)

Understanding Scores & What They Mean

SAT Scoring (400–1600)

Typical Scores:

  • 1000–1100: Average public school graduate
  • 1100–1200: Solid college-ready (community college, regional universities)
  • 1200–1300: Strong college applicant (University of Delaware, state universities)
  • 1300–1400: Competitive (selective universities)
  • 1400–1550: Highly competitive (top 50 universities, Ivy League)

Delaware-Specific Benchmarks:

  • Delaware Tech: SAT 900–1100 (or test-optional)
  • University of Delaware: SAT 1150–1350 (middle 50% of admitted students)
  • Delaware State University: SAT 900–1100

ACT Scoring (1–36)

Typical Scores:

  • 20–22: Average public school graduate
  • 23–25: Solid college-ready (community college, regional universities)
  • 26–28: Strong college applicant (University of Delaware, state universities)
  • 29–31: Competitive (selective universities)
  • 32–36: Highly competitive (top 50 universities, Ivy League)

Delaware Benchmarks:

  • Delaware Tech: ACT 17–23 (or test-optional)
  • University of Delaware: ACT 24–30
  • Delaware State University: ACT 18–23

Score Improvement Strategies

If Your Score Is Lower Than Goal:

  1. Identify Weak Areas:
  • Review detailed score report
  • Break down by section (reading, grammar, math)
  • Identify specific question types that missed
  1. Targeted Practice (8–12 weeks):
  • Focus only on weak sections (don’t waste time on strengths)
  • 30–45 min/day specific drills
  • Do 20–30 problems per weak area per week
  • Review mistakes carefully; understand why you missed each
  1. Full Practice Tests (4 weeks before retake):
  • Take full 3-hour practice test every 1–2 weeks
  • Time yourself (time management is crucial)
  • Review mistakes
  1. Tutoring for Stuck Areas (Optional):
  • If specific section stalled after 4 weeks prep, consider 2–3 tutoring hours
  • Sometimes 1 tutor session clarifies confusing concept
  • Cost-benefit: $100–$150 for 2–3 hours can yield 100+ point improvement

Average Score Improvement on Retake:

  • No additional prep: +20–50 points (test-taking familiarity)
  • Light prep (2 hours/week × 8 weeks): +50–100 points
  • Moderate prep (5 hours/week × 8 weeks): +100–200 points
  • Intensive prep (10 hours/week × 8 weeks): +150–300 points

Common Testing Mistakes for Homeschoolers

| Mistake | Solution | |———|———-| | Starting prep too late (grade 12) | Begin in grade 11; allows time and retake | | Taking test unprepared to “see what happens” | Prepare 2–3 months first; every attempt counts | | Giving up after first attempt | 2–3 retakes are normal; average student improves | | Overpreparing (100+ hours) | Diminishing returns after 60–80 hours | | Not practicing under timed conditions | Timing is crucial; always take practice tests timed | | Not reviewing mistakes | This is where learning happens; spend 20 min per test reviewing errors | | Taking too many tests | 1–2 attempts is typical; 3+ suggests test-prep obsession |

After You Receive Scores

Score Release Timeline:

  • SAT: 1–2 weeks after test date
  • ACT: 2–3 weeks after test date

Score Reporting:

  • You choose which scores to send to colleges
  • Most colleges accept “score choice” (not all SAT attempts, only your best)
  • Send to colleges by January 15 for regular decision deadline

If Score Misses Goal:

  • Retake if time allows (June, July, or fall)
  • Submit in late November (many colleges still accept)
  • Some colleges are test-optional; apply without score if below minimum

The Bottom Line

Delaware homeschoolers should take either SAT or ACT in spring of grade 11. Prepare for 2–3 months using free Khan Academy + one prep book; plan to achieve target score first attempt or retake in summer. Most universities expect SAT 1100–1300 or ACT 24–28. Treat testing as one component of your application, not the whole story. Strong transcript, essays, and extracurriculars matter more than perfect test scores.

Next Steps:

  1. Have student take diagnostic SAT/ACT (free online) to see preference
  2. Begin light prep in grade 10 (30 min/day with Khan Academy)
  3. Intensive prep starting January of grade 11
  4. Register for May or June test (grade 11)
  5. Plan retake by July if first attempt below goal

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SAT info at College Board website; ACT info at ACT.org. Khan Academy free SAT prep at khanacademy.org/sat. Delaware homeschoolers testing in May can register at most public high schools or private testing centers.