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How the Homeschooler Should Prepare for College
As homeschooling becomes more prevalent in the U.S., colleges and universities are reporting an increase in the number of applications from
homeschool students. Gone are the days when these students were viewed with skepticism. Most colleges are developing policies to evaluate homeschooler's records. There are things a homeschooler can do to prepare for college. The key is to start early!
College Admissions
A number of Admissions Departments have set specific standards to judge homeschooled students. Things that are considered include:
Student Portfolio -- Students should keep a formal record of their work. The portfolio serves as a representation of the student's high school career. It should include research papers, final examinations, a complete reading log, awards, etc. -- anything that would provide a solid representation of their work.
Letters of Recommendation -- Students should include letters from adults that know them well or works with him or her in the community. If they've worked at a summer camp, tutored people or participated on a sports team, they can have the experience and contributions highlighted in a letter.
SAT or ACT Test Scores -- These standardized tests can show the students' range of knowledge and demonstrate their ability to grasp concepts. The tests lend more weight to the application and show that the students are well rounded in their education.
Colleges Courses -- Many community colleges and universities allow high school students to enroll in a course and receive credit. Students can show admissions representatives that they have the initiative and can succeed in college.
Application Essay -- Some schools require an essay to be included with the application. This is a good opportunity to highlight accomplishments and how they have prepared the student to succeed in a college setting.
It is important to focus on areas other than transcript information. Many colleges weigh test scores, letters of recommendation, and the application essay more than transcripts when considering homeschoolers for admission to their schools. It is the perfect opportunity for students to impress admissions representatives with an application that sets them apart from the rest.
The KeyIt is never too early to start preparing for college when a student is being homeschooled. If a homeschool student plans to attend college, he or she should start contacting schools and determining admission requirements as early as age 14. By starting early, he or she can make sure they have the right academic requirements, extra-curricular activities, etc. and get on the right path to their future.
Labels: Homeschooling
