How to Prepare Homeschoolers for College

More than 2 percent of school-age children in the United States are taught at home, according to Department of Education statistics. In the past, many colleges had restrictions that made it difficult for these students to gain admission. However, more and more schools are not only accepting homeschooled students, but actively recruiting them. Parents can help homeschoolers prepare for college during their teen years.

Instructions

Preparing for College

1. Explore college options. More than 45 percent of colleges, including renowned postsecondary institutions like MIT, now post admission application procedures specific to homeschoolers. Institutions that have such policies in place are more likely to admit homeschooled students. Knowing the specific requirements of the colleges that interest you can help in planning for the admissions process.

2. Take entrance exams. Doing well on an entrance exam such as the SAT or ACT will give colleges information about your ability to learn and synthesize information, and it is a requirement for most institutions. Invest in either self-study materials or a short preparation course, so that your student knows the content of the exam and feels well prepared. Preparation courses for standardized entrance exams are typically offered through tutoring centers such as Sylvan or test preparation centers, as well as by community colleges.

3. Practice interviewing skills. Students must be prepared for interviews with representatives from prospective schools. Homeschooled students should be able to answer not only the "typical" college interview questions, but also those that are specific to them. For example, a college is likely to want to know why the family chose homeschooling.

4. Develop study skills. Helping your child to develop study skills is absolutely vital to his or her college success. Although a homeschool environment may (or may not) be heavily structured, it is essential that students learn how to manage time, take notes and study for exams. These skills can be practiced during everyday activities, such as keeping a calendar for school and personal information. Tutoring and test preparation centers generally offer study skills and college preparation courses, and self-study materials are available through libraries.

5. Prepare a portfolio of work to show to colleges. Keep samples of exceptional work, projects or writing from your student. These can include examples from many different disciplines, and do not have to be "bookwork" based. For example, a letter that the student wrote to the editor of a local newspaper could be included, as well as samples of artwork and photos of the process of developing an invention.

Tips & Warnings

• If your student is interested in attending a school that does not typically accept many homeschoolers, consider completing some college courses on-line or through a community college first and then transferring to the college of choice.

References

• Homeschool Legal Defense Association
• AP Article on Homeschoolers and College Admissions
• College for Homeschoolers

Resources

• SAT Preparation Courses
• College Admissions for Homeschoolers