Homeschool And College Acceptance What Works And Doesn't Work In Homeschooling

How Homeschooling Parents Can Assure theirscreening process, I encourage you to pursue at least
Homeschooled Students Gain Acceptance intoone AP course in your student's high school career.
America's Well-Known Colleges and Universities.Extra-curricular Activities add to your marketability!
Homeschool and College Acceptance What WorksAnother critical element to your home school program
and Doesn't Work in Homeschoolingis your student's extracurricular and volunteer activities.
How Homeschooling Parents Can Assure theirTo a college counselor, these are an absolute must!
Homeschooled Students Gain Acceptance intoAnd to your student, they are an incredibly valuable
America's Well-Known Colleges and Universitiesaddition to his or her development as an individual.
You've all heard the mixed reports about collegeNot only will these extras strengthen your home school
acceptance of homeschooled children. Some saystudent's college applications, the skills learned from
colleges will not accept homeschooled students; othersvolunteer work, sports and other extracurricular
say they desperately want them. But what is theactivities are essential for enhancing social skills, building
truth? Can homeschooled students have their choiceconfidence and enriching your student's life. Therefore,
of colleges and universities or is it a struggle to findno matter what your student's aspirations, I strongly
one that will accept them? You will find most collegesrecommend you engage him or her in extracurricular
and universities "homeschool friendly" if you preparepursuits and volunteerism.
your homeschool student in advance.In that case of building your college applications;
The following report will outline for you severalhowever, students should choose activities they enjoy
strategies that homeschooling families must use inand stick with them. College admission counselors
order to assure that their homeschooled students arearen't interested in seeing students 'do it all.' Instead,
sought out by the best colleges and universities inthey are looking for a commitment and passion for an
America. And it's not just about taking tests andactivity outside of the classroom.
completing applications for college enrollment. It involvesKeep track of all activities and awards and include
the home school courses you choose, yourthem on your student résumés. Look for
extra-curricular activities, your community involvementleadership opportunities and activities that will impact
and much more to meet today's college requirements!your community for the good. Find a contribution that
Bottom line is, colleges want the best students outwill set you apart and allow your student to stand out.
there. As screening processes become more andCollege admission counselors like to see students who
more intense, homeschooled students must learn toare leaders. . .in and out of the classroom.
begin the college enrollment preparation process asApplying early puts your name at the forefront!
young as middle school. Don't wait till high school toOne major disadvantage for homeschooling students
prepare for the necessary college requirements.is the fact that they do not have a guidance counselor
The courses you select can make or break yourbreathing down their neck to get their college
admittance into the best colleges and universities.applications in the mail. Most colleges and universities
Let's face it. A homeschooled student with a transcripthave early admissions programs, which will allow your
full of vocational or general academic courses will notstudents to get ahead of the game of college
stand a chance against a homeschooled student withapplications. Take advantage of early admission
college preparatory classes. Furthermore, adeadlines! Better yet, get those applications in as early
homeschool student who waits until tenth grade toas possible-don't wait until the due date to put them in
begin college preparatory math and science courses isthe mail.
already a minimum of a year behind other collegeMany students find this to be a very intimidating
candidates.process; however, since this is your opportunity to put
Begin in Middle School.your best foot forward, it is not something you want to
If your student has the ability to handle higher-levelwait until the last minute before beginning the college
math courses in middle school, by all means start themenrollment process.
then. At the minimum, you should aim to provideSome basic Do's and Don'ts that will help make your
Pre-Algebra in 8th grade in order that your student cancollege application and acceptance process a success!
move on to Algebra I in high school. However, avoidDO:
the temptation to push a student into higher-level mathRead applications and directions carefully.
if he or she is not ready. This will only set up a studentMake sure that everything that is supposed to be
for struggle and/or failure in the future, which will notincluded is enclosed.
only affect a student's overall picture, but also hisFill out your own applications. Type the information
confidence to continue.yourself to avoid crucial mistakes.
Select Courses that Prepare your HomeschooledStart with the simple applications and then progress to
Student for the Rigors of College.the more complex ones.
The courses you select in high school can not onlyMake copies of applications, and practice filling one out
make or break your college acceptance but can makebefore you complete the original.
or break a student's ability to succeed in a collegeType or neatly print your answers, and then proofread
course. Not only do you want to select courses that fitthe applications and essays several times for
in with a college preparatory course of study, but thataccuracy. Also ask someone else to proofread them
are also accelerated enough to challenge your studentfor you.
at a higher level. Finding the easiest Algebra courseIf asked, describe how you can make a contribution to
you can find will not prepare your homeschool studentthe schools to which you apply.
for success in a college atmosphere. Choose wisely.Be truthful, and do not exaggerate your
Bridgeway Academy offers a variety of high schoolaccomplishments.
courses from vocational to honors and AdvancedKeep a copy of all forms you submit to colleges.
Placement.Be thorough and on time.
A good self-instructional course is ideal for yourDON'T:
homeschooling program since it will require lessUse correction fluid. If you type your application, use a
expertise on the part of the parent and morecorrectable typewriter or the liftoff strips to correct
independence on the part of your student. The abilitymistakes. Better yet, fill out your application on line.
to work independently is one of the greatest assetsWrite in script. If you don't have access to a computer
that homeschool students bring to a college oror typewriter, print neatly.
university.Leave blank spaces. Missing information may cause
Access a typical college preparatory course of studyyour application to be sent back or delayed while
at Bridgeway Academy's high school site.admission officers wait for complete information.
Advanced Placement courses are also ideal for theBe unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer,
homeschooling student. Advanced Placement (AP)don't try to dodge it by being vague.
courses not only give students the opportunity toPut it off
pursue college-level studies while in high school but alsoCollege is an exciting time that can be very rewarding!
to vamp up their college applications. There arePreparing yourself early will keep you competitive,
currently thirty-four courses in 19 subject areaswhile acting proactively is essential to obtaining
offered as AP courses. Scores on AP exams mayadmission into the college or university of your choice!
help colleges predict which students are more likely toGet a comprehensive blueprint to prepare your student
graduate on time and therefore cost the college less infor college or university acceptance. What Colleges
student aid (and for that matter cost you less inand Universities Look For, see ADMISSION CRITERIA
college tuition costs).below.
Research conducted by the University of California,Incredible college search engine that allows students to
Berkeley, indicates that correlations exist betweennavigate 100's of homeschool friendly colleges and
success in AP courses and success in college.universities all across the United States! These colleges
Students who earn an AP exam grade of 3 or higherand universities want your homeschooled student
are more likely to complete a bachelor's degree in fourbecause they have invested advertising dollars to be
years than their peers. Since AP courses arelisted at homeschoolfriendlycolleges.com, take a look!
becoming more and more important in the college