HELP! My homeschool student wants to go to college!!! What do I do??!?
This lens is all about preparing your homeschooler for college. We'll discuss lots of issues surrounding this topic, including how to choose a college, how to visit colleges, and how to prepare for and take the standard high school tests. I know a lot of parents stress about college issues when they are considering homeschooling high school. My goal is to allay your fears and to help you through.
Blessings,
Lee, The HomeScholar
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New Table of Contents
- 10 No-Fail Strategies for Choosing High School Curriculum
- Follow The HomeScholar on Twitter
- Reading Lists for the College Bound
- What If? Homeschooling High School Without Fear
- Don't Miss Manners
- What about the PSAT?
- Finding the Perfect College
- Affordable and Elite Private Colleges?
- Nine Easy Steps: A High School Graduation Checklist
- A College with 50% Homeschoolers!
- What is a Homeschool Friendly College?
- Planning High School Courses
- Choosing a College:
- Why You SHOULDN'T Teach Your Homeschoolers!
- One Great Way to Evaluate a College
- Top Ten Reasons Homeschoolers have the Advantage in College Admissions
- The HomeScholar Consulting Services
- The HomeScholar Blog
- The HomeScholar "Preparing for College"
- Homeschoolers in College!
- What is your experience?
- The HomeScholar Favorite Books on Choosing a College
- Is the SAT or ACT Better for Homeschoolers?
- Check out these additional lenses from The HomeScholar!
- Other Homeschool Blogs
- Distance Education in Wikipedia
- Online High School Courses - FREE!!
- Things To Do Before Leaving!
- Reader Feedback
- More from The HomeScholar
- Did you like this lens?
10 No-Fail Strategies for Choosing High School Curriculum
Tovi was explaining to me her anxieties about high school. After seven successful years of homeschooling, high school was making her nervous. She sought help from a company with certified teachers and an accredited program. Instead of supporting her successful homeschool, they told her not to use the curriculum she had chosen.Why?
Personal preference. Even though the curriculum was popular and successful among homeschool families, the teacher just didn't prefer it. It simply wasn't her cup of tea. Tovi left that meeting feeling more insecure and incapable. Fortunately, because she was a veteran homeschooler, she didn't stop there but continued to look for help that was a better fit for her family. That's how she found me.
"That one phrase on your website got me," she said. "I will not judge your homeschool or evaluate your children." That was how she ended up with me, talking about curriculum.
When you are starting high school and feeling a bit insecure, how do you go about choosing curriculum? Here are ten proven strategies to help you make successful curriculum decisions. Finally, if you're still stuck after all that, I'll share my personal "starting points" for choosing curriculum so you can see the things that I used.
Read the entire article here
Reading Lists for the College Bound
Do you want to help your college bound student find great reading? Help your student weed through the lists because there are so many choices! Remember to include all reading on your student's official "Reading List." Save library and book store receipts if you have to.
- 101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers
- It's a good idea to talk to your parents, librarians, teachers, and counselor about your reading list. They can help you choose the best books for you from among your many options.
- Christine Miller's 1,000 Good Books list
- This 1000 Good Books List is by no means exhaustive. It is a listing of the books that 25 homeschooling mothers have come up with over the course of a year's time through discussions of criteria to use in choosing a good book, and many other discussions about individual titles to include or exclude.
- TheGreatBooks.com
- No man is an island...
and no Christian educator should feel marooned when approaching the Great Books. This online community provides Christians with a detailed, chronological recommended reading list for students in the Rhetoric stage (Grades 9-12). - The Great Books Foundation
- The Great Books Foundation promotes reading, thinking, and the sharing of ideas for people of all ages.
- Great Books of the Western World
- Source: Great Books of the Western World. Ed. by Mortimer J. Adler, Clifton Fadiman, Philip W. Goetz. 2nd ed. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1990. © 1990
- Great Books Program
- This is four year reading list for a Great Books Program for the current academic year, beginning with the Greek year of the program.
- The Harvard Classics: The Shelf of Fiction
- The most comprehensive and well-researched anthology of all time comprises both the 50-volume "5-foot shelf of books" and the the 20-volume Shelf of Fiction. Together they cover every major literary figure, philosopher, religion, folklore and historical subject through the twentieth century.
What If? Homeschooling High School Without Fear
What would happen if your family situation changes and you feel the need to put your child into public schoolin the middle of high school? In some states it's easy to take kids out of public high school, but much more difficult to put them back in. This combination of concerns leads some parents to consider abandoning homeschooling during the later grades and put their kids into public or private high school in 9th grade. For others, the fear leads
them to consider accredited programs. It's not because they don't like homeschooling, or because homeschooling isn't working for their family. They do these things because they're afraid of the "what if" situation:
- "What if" there is a family trauma and we have to put our kids back into school?
- "What if" the high school doesn't accept credits earned at home.
- "What if" my child is put back into the 9th grade, and made to start high school over?
Read Complete Article
Don't Miss Manners
This "missing ingredient" can make a BIG difference!
By Matt Binz (Mr. HomeScholar)Do you ever find yourself observing children at a supermarket, library, or a shopping mall? I do. My wife and I will sometimes play a game called, "Spot the Homeschoolers." For some reason, it is not all that difficult to identify homeschooled kids in public, whether or not they are with their family or in a crowd of other teens.
Why is that?
One of the distinctives is manners. I've noticed that homeschool kids tend to conduct themselves more civilly than their formally schooled counterparts. This is likely because homeschool families may be a bit more attentive to the rules of conduct in civil society than other families. Gross generalization - yes - but true enough to make "Spot the Homeschoolers" a possibility.
(Read complete article here)
What about the PSAT?
The PSAT is only offered once a year in October, and you have to plan ahead to participate. It can help with finding the perfect college, and it does have some scholarship money attached. Here is what The College Board says about homeschoolers and PSAT registration."If you are a home-schooled student, contact a principal or counselor at a local public or independent high school to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT at their school. Be sure to do so well in advance of the mid-October test dates, preferably during the previous June. If you're a home-schooled student, your PSAT/NMSQT score report is sent directly to your home address. On the test day, when completing the basic information on the answer sheet, be sure to enter your state's home school code in the "school code" section. The test supervisor will provide this for you."
The College Board administers the PSAT, and SAT exams. Homeschool students can take the test at a public OR private school in their area. Although schools aren't always homeschool friendly, the College Board usually is. They have a web page titled "Home-Schooled Students and PSAT/NMSQT® Why, When, and How" that is very helpful. Check it out!
There are good reasons to take the PSAT "for fun" as a Sophomore, but it only counts toward the National Merit Scholarship when the student takes the test as a Junior. You can learn more about high school tests in my audio course, if you are interested. Read more about my "High School Testing" audio course here.
Finding the Perfect College
How important is the perfect college? And how do you find it? Nothing can replace just LOOKING for colleges.
I'm constantly amazed at the diversity among colleges, and it really will help you to look around before deciding. If you have a budding doctor, then you want to find a college like Seattle Pacific University, which has an unusual 100% medical school acceptance rate. Read about their perfect score on their website, spu.edu. If you have a math or science whiz, consider Ohio Wesleyan University. According to a representative from a science fair, they needed more applicants in science and math. She told me that 12 of their $60,000 scholarships were not given out because there were not enough qualified applicants. When I was at the college fair, I found colleges that specialize in remedial help, a college that wanted Lacrosse players, and a college that provide a full scholarship for every engineering student. Looking around at different colleges can provide a perfect fit for your student - or earn fabulous scholarships.
If you want to learn more about the steps to finding a college, I have a video presentation that can help you. Read more about "Finding a College" here.
I'm constantly amazed at the diversity among colleges, and it really will help you to look around before deciding. If you have a budding doctor, then you want to find a college like Seattle Pacific University, which has an unusual 100% medical school acceptance rate. Read about their perfect score on their website, spu.edu. If you have a math or science whiz, consider Ohio Wesleyan University. According to a representative from a science fair, they needed more applicants in science and math. She told me that 12 of their $60,000 scholarships were not given out because there were not enough qualified applicants. When I was at the college fair, I found colleges that specialize in remedial help, a college that wanted Lacrosse players, and a college that provide a full scholarship for every engineering student. Looking around at different colleges can provide a perfect fit for your student - or earn fabulous scholarships.
If you want to learn more about the steps to finding a college, I have a video presentation that can help you. Read more about "Finding a College" here.
Affordable and Elite Private Colleges?
Are you CRAZY!?
Many colleges are changing the way they distribute financial aid, making it much more affordable for ordinary students to afford extraordinary colleges. Read about these examples!
Brown "Brown University is eliminating tuition for students whose parents earn less than $60,000, after decisions by fellow Ivy League universities to bolster financial aid as their endowments grow." The New York Times.
MIT"Given our commitment to meeting our students' full need, when tuition goes up, we make sure that the aid we offer rises even faster."
Other colleges are joining the bandwagon as well. In previous newsletters I've told you that Harvard and Yale are the same way. Why are colleges making these changes? The New York Times explains "Senate is Looking at Endowments as Tuition Rises."
So is there a downside? Perhaps. This Newsweek article says "enrollment specialists ... have long warned that elite schools may soon have a two-tier student body: full-paying students from the top echelons of wealth and lower-income kids supported by generous financial aid packages."
Others are noticing a different consequence. As more students hear about the affordability of these colleges, the number of applicants is increasing. That makes is less likely for any one person to get in, and it makes them appear to be an even more selective and prestigious college. But if you get in, the price is right!
Let others argue about whether this is good news or not. I just know that that some colleges are more affordable than before. Everyone can reach for a college education! Don't give up! Look here to discover what a successful Comprehensive Record looks like. Call me if you need help. You can do this!
Brown "Brown University is eliminating tuition for students whose parents earn less than $60,000, after decisions by fellow Ivy League universities to bolster financial aid as their endowments grow." The New York Times.
MIT"Given our commitment to meeting our students' full need, when tuition goes up, we make sure that the aid we offer rises even faster."
Other colleges are joining the bandwagon as well. In previous newsletters I've told you that Harvard and Yale are the same way. Why are colleges making these changes? The New York Times explains "Senate is Looking at Endowments as Tuition Rises."
So is there a downside? Perhaps. This Newsweek article says "enrollment specialists ... have long warned that elite schools may soon have a two-tier student body: full-paying students from the top echelons of wealth and lower-income kids supported by generous financial aid packages."
Others are noticing a different consequence. As more students hear about the affordability of these colleges, the number of applicants is increasing. That makes is less likely for any one person to get in, and it makes them appear to be an even more selective and prestigious college. But if you get in, the price is right!
Let others argue about whether this is good news or not. I just know that that some colleges are more affordable than before. Everyone can reach for a college education! Don't give up! Look here to discover what a successful Comprehensive Record looks like. Call me if you need help. You can do this!
Nine Easy Steps: A High School Graduation Checklist
Aim for CollegeParents can provide a college preparation during high school for every student, which can benefit every child. If they ultimately don't go to college, then your homeschool education will be the only education they get. Make it great! They'll be well prepared for life and their civic responsibilities. Plus, if they ever change their mind and decide to go to college, they will have a much easier time getting in. On the other hand, some parents know early on that their children are college bound. For them, a college prep education can influence the quality of the colleges they get admitted to. College preparation can benefit everyone!
(Read Complete Article)
A College with 50% Homeschoolers!
Getting to know colleges is very important, because you are trying to find that perfect fit for your student. I was reading an article about Christendom College in Virginia. A strongly conservative and devoutly Catholic college, 50% of the student body has been homeschooled. That college is the perfect match for someone.
Read the article in US News.
Learn more about Finding a College
Read the article in US News.
Learn more about Finding a College
What is a Homeschool Friendly College?
Home School Legal Defense (HSLDA) does a wonderful job of explaining what it means to be a homeschool friendly college. Read their policy here: HSLDA.orgIn general, a homeschool friendly college is one that treats a homeschool applicant the same as a public school applicant. Your child would be requested to take the exact same tests as any other student - more tests are not required of a homeschool applicant. Some colleges say they are homeschool friendly, when in reality they have "hoops" that we have to jump through. HSLDA has a rating scale for college admission policies here:
Tier 1: The college accepts the parent's transcript, along with general standardized achievement testing, and/or the review of a portfolio.
Tier 2: The college requires a GED in place of, or in addition to, any of the Tier I requirements.
Tier 3: This type of college requires test scores (like the SAT II) from home school students that are not required of traditional high school students, which is inequitable.
Let's compare three colleges that claim to be homeschool friendly: Trinity Western University, The University of Washington, and Evergreen State College.
(Read complete article)
Planning High School Courses
What are colleges looking for?
Homeschooling parents know how to best educate their children. Use what you know about your students and their learning styles and consider the subjects that colleges want to see. Homeschooling in high school is very efficient and there is plenty time in the day to give your children an education that has breadth and depth in a way that is meaningful to the student. Here is a list of the courses that colleges look for in their applicants. As you read it, think about how you can incorporate these subjects into your homeschool.(Read complete article)
Choosing a College:
Step one - Go to a college fair!
"C'mon kids! We're going to the fair!!" I let them pile in the minivan with images of scones, roller coasters and disturbingly large cows dancing through their heads. I didn't tell them it was the College Fair. Thank goodness we homeschool! They'd had so many experiences going to homeschool conventions, that their first College Fair seemed very comfortable. That's because college fairs are just like homeschool conventions, but instead of trying to sell curriculum, it's trying to sell a college. A college fair can be a good starting point in choosing a college, and right now is college fair season.(Read Complete Article)
Why You SHOULDN'T Teach Your Homeschoolers!
As homeschool parents, our goal is NOT to teach something. Our goal is for the kids to LEARN. I could have taught my kids "at grade level" and they would have not learned a thing. Instead, I gave them curriculum at their ability level, and then they had to learn something that they didn't already know.Read more
One Great Way to Evaluate a College
This mother was asking how to find a good college for her daughter that wants a PhD in Biology. She was asking for a school in New Jersey, and I don't know the schools in that area. I was able to give her some general advice, though.(Read my response here)
Top Ten Reasons Homeschoolers have the Advantage in College Admissions
Colleges across the nation are scrambling to attract homeschoolers. As the public education system continues to deteriorate, the advantages of homeschooling through high school become even more evident. Here are my top 10 reasons why homeschoolers have the advantage in college admissions.
- 10. They will look you in the eye when they shake your hand
9. They have a better sense of purpose (they know what they want)
8. They know how to write an essay
7. They are used to volunteering
6. Their transcript can include every educational experience, even the ones during the summer
5. They are unique and represent "diversity" to the college
6. They have time to study for the SAT or ACT
4. They get along with everyone, students, teachers and administrators
3. They can have an area of intense specialization that is rare among public schoolers
2. They are better educated
1. One word: Socialization!!!
The HomeScholar Consulting Services
Strap on your auxiliary brain!
"Strap on Your Auxiliary Brain!"My son Kevin is a chess genius. When he was in high school, he was ranked second in state even though he never had a chess coach like the other kids. Instead of a coach, my husband purchased a high-powered chess program for his Palm Pilot, and he would play Kevin while using the chess program. We used to tease my husband that he was "strapping on his auxiliary brain" when he played with the chess computer in his hand.
Sometimes Moms feel sick with worry about transcripts or course descriptions. If you want to do it yourself, but you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you can use The HomeScholar as your "auxiliary brain!" We can talk over the phone, and discuss class titles, credit value, course descriptions, grading criteria, and anything else that is wearing you down. I'll give you the brain-power boost, and you can make your own transcript with the information you glean from our discussion. Remember that I don't judge your homeschool or evaluate your children, I'm just here to help if you need me!
The HomeScholar Blog
Question and Answer with The HomeScholar
Make sure you subscribe to my blog to always get the latest information: 
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe HomeScholar "Preparing for College"
The HomeScholar presents at Labyrinth Co-op
Here is a five minute excerpt of a one hour presentation I gave to Labyrinth Co-op in Issaquah, Washington. For information on my public speaking topics, please visit my website.
"College Preparation" Presentation
Excerpt of The HomeScholar speaking to Labyrinth Homeschool co-op on College Preparation in May 2008.
Runtime: 4:25
411 views
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Homeschoolers in College!
Interesting links on how homeschoolers
Online College Education
There are many reasons to take a college courses o more...1 point
The Search for Authenticity - Newsweek
A leading admissions dean explains what colleges r more...0 points
Admittedly Unequal - US News and World Report
Many colleges are rejecting women at rates drastic more...0 points
Empty Nest Mom goes to College
A homeschool mom gives us the pros and cons of a c more...0 points
UK Colleges
West End College London is one of the leading coll more...0 points
What is your experience?
Rate your favorite types of college fairs
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The HomeScholar Favorite Books on Choosing a College
These are some of my personal favorites ofor choosing colleges. Please rate these and add your own favorites!
U.S. News Ultimate College Guide 2007
(US News Ultimate College Guide) by Inc. U. S. New more...0 points
Undergraduate Guide: Four-Year Colleges
2007 (PETERSON'S GUIDE TO FOUR YEAR COLLEGES) by P more...0 points
Profiles of American Colleges with CD-ROM
(Barron's Profiles of American Colleges)0 points
Complete Book of Colleges, 2007 Edition
(College Admissions Guides) by Princeton Review0 points
Is the SAT or ACT Better for Homeschoolers?
>>>>One mother asked if it was better homeschoolers to take the SAT or the ACT.<<<<I have read that the SAT is more commmonly given on the coasts, and the ACT is more commonly given in the center of the country. For that reason, both tests are accepted at colleges (every college I've ever spoken to HAVE accepted both.) One of the great benefits of homeschooling is that we can choose which test is right for OUR student, and they don't have to take the same test as their age-mates in school. I always recommend that students take a sample test in both and see which one they score best at, and then study for THAT test. They can raise their score more that way - and it can mean saving many thousands of dollars every year on tuition. I read a statistic that said 30% of kids score better on the SAT, 30% score better on the ACT, and 30% score the same on both tests. I found a link from Kaplan, that compares both tests for you. It also mentions that both tests are accepted by colleges:
http://www.kaptest.com/Kaplan/Article/College/SAT/Learn-About-the-SAT/CO_satact.html
I have heard that some colleges require the "optional essay" from the ACT. I would encourage her to use the test she scores better on - the SAT - but also make sure she does the essay on the exam. Some homeschoolers do have "just mommy grades" and do well. For those people, colleges use their SAT and ACT scores as external documentation of learning. If you have distance learning classes AND test scores AND homeschool grades, then you're doing more than enough. In my opinion, she will not be at a disadvantage at all. In fact, she will have the advantage! Way to go, Mom!
Blessings,
Lee
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Distance Education in Wikipedia
Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy and andragogy, technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site". Rather than attending courses in person, teachers and students may communicate at times of their own choosing by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time and through other chatting ways. Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybrid or blended course or program.
Online High School Courses - FREE!!
High School on a Budget
Kathi Kearney of Homeschoolers of Maine has a wonderful resource page you can check out for yourself. There are links for online courses in all high school subject areas that are available free of charge. The course information is toward the bottom of this page.
Find out more!
A comprehensive list of free online high school courses also available on the Hoagies Gifted Education Page.
Find out more!
Find out more!
A comprehensive list of free online high school courses also available on the Hoagies Gifted Education Page.
Find out more!
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casamonika
Awesome and very helpful lens, Lee - 5 stars for sure :) Posted July 28, 2008 |
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