>>Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are a not a general admission requirement of Ontario universities. Traditionally-schooled students will simply present a high school diploma and the grades of their “Top Six” Gr. 12 courses for consideration. Entry to more competitive programs may require a larger application including a personal statement and/or resume. Even still, marks from an SAT or ACT exam are not required for admission to any Ontario university.
Homeschoolers choosing to apply to university without a high school diploma, however, will generally have to present alternative credentials for university admission. These could be official “Top Six” marks from accredited Ontario high school courses, a portfolio, a year of undergraduate university courses from an open university or standardized test scores.
If you’re using standardized test scores to apply to a university that offers this admissions option, then you will have to write one of two General Reasoning Tests: the SAT or the ACT. Either test is acceptable for this purpose, and it is a good idea to look into both of them, then pick the one that you feel is right for your situation.
These tests can be used to demonstrate a general academic readiness for university-level study, but do not cover any subject in-depthly enough to satisfy a subject-specific prerequisite. For that, you may be required to take an SAT Subject Test or an AP examination.
SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT IIs) are multiple choice exams that test senior high school knowledge in one particular subject area. If Ontario still had high school “exit exams” or “departmental exams” this is the material that would likely be covered.
AP examinations, however, test knowledge at the first-year-university level. They cover material beyond many Ontario Gr. 12 (and even beyond the old OAC/Gr. 13) courses but as a result, they can sometimes be used for advanced university credit or placement.
One other standardized test offering appropriate to university admissions is CLEP. These subject-specific tests can also be used for university credit as they are the equivalent of first year university final exams. CLEP is not as well-known in the Ontario university circles, so not every school will have a CLEP policy, although most will have an AP policy.
For more information on these standardized tests:
Sarah Rainsberger’s blog entries about standardized testing
Ontario University Admissions Message Board for Homeschoolers and other non-traditional Applicants
Sarah Rainsberger’s Handout for Standardized Testing Seminar (pdf)