GHC Banner

Homeschooling and College Prep: How to Prepare Your Student

February 6, 2024

The very best

Homeschooling

Resources Resources
Curriculum Curriculum
Workshop Sessions Workshop Sessions
All in one convenient place!
Equipping
Encouraging
FUN!

Five (5) Regional Conventions
Attendees from all over the U.S.
(HOTEL Discounts, too!)

Get More Details
Presented by Medi-Share
Also sponsored by The Tuttle Twins
Equipping
Encouraging
FUN!

Homeschooling and College Prep:
How to Prepare Your Student

Homeschooling. The word conjures images of cozy living rooms transformed into classrooms, parents as teachers, and children learning at their own pace. But what about college prep? Can homeschooled students compete with their traditionally educated peers when it comes to higher education? The answer is a resounding yes! Homeschool graduates often bring unique strengths and perspectives to the college table, thanks to their individualized learning experiences and close-knit family support systems.

With years of experience supporting homeschooled families, GHC offers a wealth of resources and guidance to help your homeschooled student not just get into college/ but thrive there. So, buckle up, homeschooling parents! This is your roadmap to a successful college prep journey, paved with the wisdom and support of the Great Homeschool Conventions community.

KEY TAKEAWAY

  • Unique perspectives and strong foundations prepare homeschooled students for college success.
  • Homeschooled students can compete with peers, offering diverse skills and a love for learning.
  • Tailored education plans foster deep understanding and passion, paving the way for success in college.
  • Beyond admission, parents ensure continuous support for homeschooled students to thrive in higher education.

Understanding College Readiness for Homeschooled Students

College readiness for homeschooled students involves understanding the expectations and requirements for admission. Ensuring that older kids are academically, socially, and emotionally well-prepared is essential. Joining a supportive Facebook group or podcast can provide valuable insights. High school students should focus on building a solid transcript by taking challenging courses. Exploring colleges and understanding their preferences can help in planning for the future.

Blog-104-Image-1-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Measuring Success: Do homeschoolers get into good colleges?

Homeschooled students can succeed in gaining admission to Tertiary academia by utilizing resources such as homeschool curriculum, advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment. They can show their homeschooling and college prep through community college credit and AP tests, while the involvement of homeschool families and participation in extracurricular activities also play a role in their success.

Crafting a College-Prep Coursework at Home

Building a strong foundation in language arts is vital for homeschooling and college prep. Independent learning skills, time management, and effective study habits are crucial in crafting college-prep coursework at home. Equipping high school students with essential life skills like self-reliance, managing deadlines, and passwords is equally important. Additionally, understanding the relevance of homeschool diplomas in admissions and preparing for different types of colleges ensures a well-rounded preparation for the transition to higher education. Encouraging exploration beyond academics, including extracurricular activities and community involvement, contributes to a holistic application.

Importance of independent learning skills

Developing independent learning skills is crucial for homeschooled students' preparation for Tertiary Education. It equips them to handle the rigorous demands of college-level work and fosters self-reliance. These skills can be honed through online classes and tailored homeschool curricula, preparing students for the autonomy of higher education. Engaging with a homeschoolers' community offers valuable homeschooling and college prep insights, creating a supportive network. Additionally, independent learning skills play a pivotal role in enhancing homeschooled students' applications, highlighting their adaptability and readiness for higher education.

Blog-104-Image-2-Great-Home-School-Convensions
Dates and Locations

Great Homeschool Conventions 2023-2024

Dozens of Speakers, Discounted Hotels, 100s of Exhibitors, Special Events, Optional Children’s Conference.

REGISTER TODAY
SOUTH CAROLINA
Learn more

March 14-16
2024

Learn More
MISSOURI
Learn more

March 21-23
2024

Learn More
OHIO
Learn more

April 4-6
2024

Learn More
CALIFORNIA
Learn more

June 13-15
2024

Learn More
TEXAS
Learn more

July 11-13
2024

Learn More

Time management skills essential for homeschooling and college prep

  • number

    During the junior and senior years, older kids who are homeschooled develop crucial time management skills.

  • number

    Focusing on essential time management skills is imperative for high school students, benefitting their applications.

  • number

    These honed skills play a crucial role in supporting successful admissions for homeschooling applicants.

  • number

    The ability to manage time effectively is particularly important for public school students transitioning from a structured environment to self-directed learning during their freshman year.

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Regular practice of standardized tests like SAT and ACT is essential for homeschooled students. Understanding the role of GED in admissions is crucial for their success. NLP terms such as "junior year," "freshman year," and "law school" are vital as homeschooled students prepare for standardized tests and applications. Joining a supportive community through a Facebook group can provide valuable insights. Additionally, public school students often undertake test prep courses during their high school years, making it essential for homeschoolers to be equally prepared.

Blog-104-Image-4-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Regular practice of SAT and ACT

Honing skills in the SAT and ACT is crucial for homeschooled students seeking admissions. Regular practice is essential, offering advantages and aiding applications. Additional support for effective homeschooling and college prep may be needed to ensure a strong foundation for success. Emphasizing SAT and ACT readiness creates opportunities, supporting the Tertiary Education journey for homeschoolers.

Understanding the role of GED in admissions

Homeschooled students must understand the importance of GED in admissions. GED can fulfill admissions requirements if it suits their plans. Homeschooled students must comprehend how GED supports their applications. By embracing the role of GED, they can navigate the process effectively. Understanding the relevance of GED can help students leverage this option strategically in their Tertiary application journey.

Beyond Academics: Essential Life Skills for Colleg

Encouraging independence in older kids is vital, preparing them for life beyond homeschooling. Life skills like managing laundry, tracking deadlines, and understanding budgeting are crucial. Joining a community or Facebook group for homeschoolers navigating Tertiary Education can provide invaluable support and guidance. Teaching high school students about self-reliance and time management prepares them for the challenges of Tertiary Education life. Additionally, discussing prejudices and biases and encouraging engagement with global perspectives will help foster open-mindedness.

Encouraging self-reliance: Traveling and living independently

Encouraging independence through travel cultivates a sense of self-reliance and an understanding of diverse cultures. Living independently equips individuals with essential life skills and self-sufficiency, nurturing their ability to adapt to new environments. Navigating public transportation fosters problem-solving skills and self-sufficiency, enhancing their confidence in handling unfamiliar situations. Managing finances during travel develops budgeting and financial responsibility, preparing them for real-world financial challenges. Exploring new places broadens their perspectives, promoting adaptability and open-mindedness.

Blog-104-Image-2-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Exploring the College Admission Process for Homeschoolers

Typical routes for homeschoolers' admission may include taking standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Alternatively, homeschool diplomas can be relevant in admissions. For example, Ohio homeschooling regulations require annual notification and record-keeping, which can be used to demonstrate academic progress and fulfillment of subject requirements for college admissions. Colleges often look for diverse skills and achievements, including independent learning abilities and extracurricular activities. Homeschoolers need to understand the specific requirements of each college and tailor their application accordingly. The admission process for homeschoolers is unique and requires careful planning to transition from homeschool to Tertiary Education successfully.

Blog-104-Image-6-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Common routes for homeschoolers' college admission

  • number

    Earning college credit through dual enrollment can accelerate admissions for homeschoolers.

  • number

    Participation in community college courses fulfills admissions requirements, while completing advanced placement (AP) courses showcases college-level readiness.

  • number

    Attaining prerequisites via online classes also facilitates homeschoolers' admissions.

  • number

    Success in admissions exams like the SAT and ACT strengthens their applications, opening doors to various universities.

The relevance of homeschool diplomas in college admissions

Crafting a well-rounded homeschool transcript substantiates academic accomplishments for admissions. Demonstrating a rigorous homeschool curriculum elevates prospects for admissions. Highlighting academic achievements within applications fortifies homeschoolers' admissions. Emphasizing homeschooling and college prep initiatives in homeschooling showcases preparedness for admissions. Displaying college-level proficiencies in homeschooling enhances credentials for college admissions.

Register for the Next

Great Homeschool
Convention in South Carolina

March 14 - March 16, 2024

A fun, friendly experience packed full of resources, workshops and exciting speakers. Attendees from dozens of states, hotel discounts and more.

REGISTER TODAY

Balancing Homeschooling with College Expectations

Adapting to college-level work and expectations is crucial for older kids transitioning from homeschooling to higher education. Time management, vital for public school students, becomes even more critical during the first year in Tertiary Education. Additionally, prejudice against homeschoolers can impact the applicant's confidence. Understanding and addressing these challenges before junior year can significantly aid in a successful transition. Encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities such as laundry, podcast creation, or joining a Facebook group for homeschooling and college prep can also help prepare high school students for the demands of Tertiary life.

Blog-104-Image-4-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Adapting to college-level work and expectations

Strengthening homeschoolers' readiness involves developing advanced writing skills, refining presentation abilities, and enhancing research proficiencies. Acquiring analytical skills and mastering academic discussions reinforces their preparedness for Tertiary Education expectations. Embracing college-level work equips them with the academic demands of higher education, promoting a seamless transition. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions and honing critical thinking will enrich their readiness for the challenges of Tertiary Education life, ensuring a smooth adaptation to its rigors and academia.

Preparing for different types of colleges

  • number

    To prepare for varied college environments, homeschoolers should research diverse programs to meet different expectations.

  • number

    Exploring majors and specializations broadens their awareness of expectations.

  • number

    Understanding campus cultures enriches their readiness while embracing community engagement aligns with expectations.

  • number

    Navigating support services strengthens their readiness.

  • number

    Embracing college is crucial in preparing older kids to transition from homeschooling to Tertiary Education.

  • number

    Researching and understanding cultures is essential for homeschoolers to feel integrated when transitioning to college.

How can homeschoolers prepare for college?

Homeschoolers can prepare for college by creating a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum, participating in extracurricular activities and volunteering, taking homeschooling and college prep courses and exams, seeking counseling and guidance, and building a solid portfolio of their work and achievements.

Starting homeschooling offers unique advantages in preparing for an institution but also requires proactive planning and documentation. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel:

Blog-104-Image-6-Great-Home-School-Convensions

Academics:

  • number

    Build a solid foundation: Ensure you complete coursework equivalent to a traditional high school curriculum, covering core subjects like math, science, English, history, and foreign languages. Consider standardized tests like the SAT or ACT for objective assessment.

  • number

    Challenge yourself: Take advanced courses online or through dual enrollment programs. Explore AP classes, honors courses, or independent study projects to showcase intellectual depth.

  • number

    Develop diverse skills: Supplement academics with artistic pursuits, technical training, research projects, or volunteer work. Hone critical thinking, communication, and time management skills.

  • number

    Maintain detailed records: Document your curriculum, learning goals, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities. Prepare a thorough transcript with course descriptions and grading systems.

College Admissions:

  • number

    Research options:Narrow down colleges based on your academic interests, learning preferences, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities. Attend fairs and virtual tours.

  • number

    Understand application requirements: Each college has different prerequisites. Pay close attention to deadlines, testing needs, essay prompts, and homeschool-specific documentation requirements.

  • number

    Highlight your unique experiences: Frame your homeschooling as an advantage, showcasing independence, self-directed learning, and personalized education. Use your application essays to tell your story and demonstrate intellectual curiosity.

  • number

    Seek strong recommendations: Request letters from mentors, coaches, tutors, or community leaders who can attest to your skills and potential. Avoid recommendations from family members.

Social and Emotional Preparation:

  • number

    Build social connections: Engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, or volunteering opportunities outside your homeschool environment. Participate in online communities or homeschool gatherings.

  • number

    Develop time management skills: Juggling academics, extracurriculars, and applications requires organization and self-discipline. Practice setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing deadlines effectively.

  • number

    Prepare for independence: Transitioning to life involves managing finances, navigating a new environment, and taking responsibility for your learning. Discuss these aspects with your family and build your confidence.

  • number

    Seek support: Talk to admissions counselors, homeschooling mentors, and alums from your chosen colleges. Feel free to ask for help or guidance when needed.

Conclusion

Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity for students to develop essential skills and gain a well-rounded education in preparation for college. Homeschooled students have repeatedly proven that they can excel in college and beyond. By focusing on independent learning, building a solid foundation in language arts, and developing time management skills, homeschoolers can create homeschooling and college prep coursework that sets them up for success. Additionally, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT and understanding the role of the GED is crucial for college admissions. Beyond academics, homeschoolers should also focus on developing essential life skills such as self-reliance and organization. Homeschoolers need to understand the college admission process and explore different routes. Lastly, balancing homeschooling with college expectations and eligibility for NCAA sports should also be considered. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Register for the Next

Great Homeschool
Convention in Ohio

April 04 - April 06, 2024

A fun, friendly experience packed full of resources, workshops and exciting speakers. Attendees from dozens of states, hotel discounts and more.

REGISTER TODAY