As I’m sure you know, many homeschooling families put their children into “regular” high schools. Here are a few things to consider from the college prep perspective if you are thinking about homecshooling high school.
Homeschooled students are welcome
Nearly every college accepts homeschooled students. If your transcript is unaccredited, there are a few schools, most notably the University of California schools, that won’t accept you.
High School Courses
Homeschooled students have access to a limitless number of classes on various topics. In many ways, they are academically advantaged. However, knowing your child’s needs and finding the appropriate courses and opportunities requires effort.
Leaderships & Extracurricular Activities
Homeschooled students usually need to be creative when it comes to finding opportunities. This is a good thing. Help your teen follow his or her interests. When application season comes, have him or her highlight the initiative taken. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our kids to grow, and to do it with our guidance.
Testing
Some schools still require additional testing of us, in order to “validate” our curriculum. It may be annoying; do your best to take it in stride and keep in mind that admissions representatives are working hard to understand and recognize our children’s accomplishments so they can make appropriate admissions decisions. I suggest you regularly check the admissions pages of the colleges you and your family are considering.
Financial Aid, Scholarships
This area is very challenging. Most homeschoolers have one income and make significant sacrifices in order to have a homeschooling lifestyle. Therefore, having a solid idea of the realities and possibilities for funding college and lowering college costs are a necessity.
Athletics
It IS possible to be recruited by a college team. Although only 2% of high school athletes win athletic scholarships (per the NCAA), it IS possible. Sometimes homeschooled students can play on the public high school’s team. Sometimes they are recruited through their club teams or other avenues.
AP Classes
Homeschooled students have access to all of the AP courses through the Pennsylvania homeschool website
Katherine O’Brien, founder of Celtic College Consultants and a Catholic homeschooling veteran, is happy to provide discounted private consultations to all families with 8th – 11th graders. She’ll answer your questions, provide the information you need about your financial aid eligibility, make suggestions about changes you can make to improve your situation before the critical first financial aid base year for college (which is sophomore year in high school), as well as offer numerous strategies to significantly lower your college costs. For more information, please visit CelticCollegeConsultants.com. Let her know you are part of the Today’s Catholic Homeschooling family!
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