If you are homeschooling a high school student, you are probably thinking about college. You have to be asking: What do colleges look for in homeschoolers?
What do you need to do to prepare your homeschooler for the college application process?
Colleges are recruiting homeschoolers at very high rates. Many colleges consider homeschoolers to be academically successful. Why? Homeschoolers tend to score higher on standardized college admissions tests. The homeschool average for the ACT was 22.5 in 2003, compared with the national average of 20.8. SAT scores were similar with a homeschool average of 1092 in 2002, and a national average of 1020. Homeschoolers tend to earn higher GPAs in college than those who are not homeschooled. Homeschoolers are also typically used to working independently rather than in a group setting. So, how can you prepare your homeschooler for the college admission process?
Have a balanced curriculum. What does this mean? Simply put, make sure all subjects are covered. Look at the colleges your child may be interested in. Do they require credits in a foreign language? Chemistry? Look and see what is needed, and make sure you are covering it.
Keep impeccable records. Include grades, high school credits, AP courses, standardized test scores, etc. Ensure that you have proof your child has completed their high school education. You can do this by having a portfolio, and transcripts. For more information on these areas check out HSLDA’s website.
Does your child participate in extracurricular activities? If so, what kind? Colleges will look at this information because they want to make sure your child is well-rounded and will fit into their university. Extracurricular activities do not have to be just sports but can include 4-H, homeschool groups, church activities, volunteering, music classes, and much more.
So, what do colleges look for in homeschoolers? Colleges want to make sure that the students attending have developed their talents in whatever environment they are in. Whether or not they are homeschooled is of little interest as long as they have good academic records, are well-rounded, and are ready for higher academic learning.
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