How to Approach College like a Homeschooler

Since the mid 1990's homeschoolers have been very successful at getting into college. The vast majoring of colleges now have a specialized homeschool or addendum for homeshcool applications. In fact, a 2010 study by Dr. Michael Cogan at a one Mid-west college revealed that homeschoolers have a slightly higher retention rate in college than other students, that they have a higher graduation rate, and they have higher grade point averages than other students. These reasons alone should make the typical college bound student curious about a homeschoolers approach to entering college.

Homeschoolers take a bit of a different approach to getting into college when compared with a typical student. Instead of maybe checking out a few colleges Jr year and the following summer, and making a list of seven or more schools that they may want to attend, homeschoolers have often chosen two or three colleges they are interested in by 9th or 10th grade. The reason for this is that we tend to work backwards, looking at the colleges our kids are interested in and making sure they meet the requirements and a particular college instead of amassing experiences to throw into the general college net. In working backwards, by choosing a college, or two, or three first, the student can examine the college, visit the college, and make a decision about the college before applying. Then they can tailor their homeschool education to ensure entry into that college. They also make sure that they have chosen a college that will be a good match for them.

What does this have to do with a typical student you may ask. While it is difficult to gear your education to a particular college due to public school standards and guidelines, you can still focus on getting the scores needed for your most desired college as well as making sure your work experience and extracurricular activities are in line with mission statement and character of the college. You will be passionate about entering the college(s) of your choice and this will show through in your application and essays.

As homeschoolers do not typically have a transcript to send to a college from their public school, they tend to submit a parent made transcript and often a portfolio that shows their best work, unique experiences, activities, and awards. Such a portfolio might include an art portfolio, photos of productions they were in, and an extensive book reading list. Just because you go to public school does not mean that you cannot also submit a resume of sorts that goes into details on the things that you would like to highlight that they school may or may not mention. Whether it be in your college essay or in resume form, you should not be shy about blowing your own horn. Don't count on your high school to do it for you. It is up to you to get the message across that you are an ideal candidate for your college of choice.