Foreign Language and SAT Scores

We've all heard how the study of foreign language increases SAT and ACT scores. Are high test scores our end all goal in homeschooling? Of course not, but they sure are helpful when it comes time to apply for college and scholarships. Also, higher scores tell us that our children are learning which is the end all goal.

The chart linked here shows the difference foreign language makes in the verbal portion of the SAT. It's pretty significant -- up to 25% higher.

Studies conducted by the Educational Testing Service show that Latin students consistently outperform all other students on the verbal portion of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
Year: 2004
All students 508
Latin 674
French 642
German 627
Spanish 575
Hebrew 630

This summer and next school year Homeschool Connections will be offering Latin and German for middle to high school students. As you can see from the chart above, Latin students average 166 points higher on their SAT and German students 119. That's a nice plus in addition to all the other benefits to learning languages.