Homeschoolers Are Preferred by Colleges and Universities

It seems that institutions of higher learning all across the U.S. are readily accepting homeschool students in numbers well above the normal percentages of kids educated in the public school system. The University of Arizona has considered homeschool applicants as attractive candidates for admission noting that 20 of 24 homeschool applicants were admitted in 2008.

The number of kids homeschooled in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over the last decade. In the January 5, 2009 edition of USA Today.com in an article titled, "Home schooling grows," Janice Lloyd states that the "number of home-schooled kids hit 1.5 million in 2007, up 74% from when the Department of Education's national Center for Education Statistics started keeping track in 1999." In 2010, the number of homeshoolers is approaching 2 million students.

Homeschool Students are a Growing Market for Colleges and Universities

Institutions of learning are finally seeing that homeschool students are actually testing higher academically than students from public schools. Kids who are homeschooled tend to make better students and because of this, they are more readily accepted into college and university level programs.

Because of the increase in the number of students homeschooled in the U.S., and the higher test scores, these schools are finding ways to encourage homeschoolers to apply and attend. Homeschooling is a growth market and these colleges and universities want a piece of this market. It's really simple economics - better students make the school more attractive and place the school in a higher standing academically, thus drawing in better students.

Homeschoolers are More Desirable Due to a Wider Range of Experience

Parents who homeschool their kids typically supplement their curriculum with a broad spectrum of college level courses, private tutoring, and community service projects. These experiences gives homeschooled kids a more purposeful approach to their education. This is the ideal teachable attitude for students when approaching a college or university in their pursuit of a degree.

Homeschoolers tend to have put more thought into the direction and depth of their overall education, whereas public school students typically accept a series of course work or requirements and work to get these completed. Homeschool students are also used to a more free and open schedule and can therefore gain experience not allowed by a student in a traditional school all day. For example, a homeschool student could be a part of a month-long internship in another part of the country and still maintain course study. A typical high school student, tied to a daily class schedule could not participate in the same internship.

While homeschooled students are still not fully accepted by a few colleges and universities, there are some who are more likely to work with homeschool students so you'll want to seek out those schools first. Some schools evaluate a homeschool student based on a typical application process. Other schools require more application type materials like SAT Subject Tests. Some will want to conduct a personal interview. Most colleges and universities prefer homeschool students and will likely find a way to get them to attend their school. If there are any questions about admittance requirements for homeschool students, it's always best to call the admissions office at the college or university.

Sources:

Homeschool.com; College Admissions for Homeschoolers

CollegeBoard.com; Home-Schooled Students and Admissions

Aaron Basko; Homeschooling Comes of Age in College Admission

USAToday.com; Home schooling grows