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How to Prepare Your Homeschooler for College


 

April 14, 2009
 

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Your twelve-year old child dashes through your backyard sprinkler, giggling with a friend. They're still so young -- no need to think about colleges and jobs, right?

Well, you'd be surprised. Students with college and career ambitions need to start early -- particularly with the right courses and activities throughout the high school years. Here is what the College Board recommends for your child who wishes to go to a college or university:
  • Four years of English, including literature, writing/composition, and speech
  • Four years of math, including algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry and/or calculus
  • Four years of science, including biology, chemistry and/or physics
  • Four years of social studies, including U.S. history, U.S. government, economics, world history or geography
  • Two to Four years of a foreign language
  • Some knowledge of computer science
  • Some advanced placement or independent study work
  • Standardized tests
  • Extracurricular activities, including sports and arts
  • Volunteer or work experience

That's a lot to cover! Choosing a college is an exciting decision for students and parents alike. For most, the decision will determine where your child will spend the next four years of his or her life. Good preparation for this decision means early preparation. HSNATION.com is a must-see site for all high school homeschoolers with goals of attending college. This is because HSNATION is a college preparation resource specifically geared towards homeschool students. For a limited time, and while supplies last, HSNATION would like to give your homeschool student a FREE 2009-2010 college prep book. Log onto HSNATION.com and request your copy today. While you're there, check out this informative site.

You will be impressed with the sheer volume of beneficial information for college bound students, including, but not limited to 1) how to prepare for college while still in high school, 2) how to develop a high school transcript, 3) how to write a college application essay, 4) how to pay for college through the use of grants, scholarships, earned money, etc., 5) tips from admissions directors and 6) advice from homeschool grads who have made the transition to collegiate life.

As to how to prepare for college while still in high school, HSNATION.com gives your student the following grade specific advice:

In 9th & 10th Grade:

  • Take interest and skill assessment tests to help you explore career options.
  • Talk with your parents about saving and paying for college.
  • Talk with friends, your parents, and other homeschoolers at HSNATION.com about preparing for college.
  • Take the PSAT by your sophomore year.
  • Participate in extracurricular activities and begin to document your transcript.
  • Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.
  • Explore internships and apprenticeships.
  • Register to take the SAT or the ACT in the fall of your junior year.
  • Use the member resources available at HSNATION.com.

In 11th Grade:

  • Attend college and financial aid events.
  • Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself.
  • Take the SAT or the ACT in the fall, and identify areas where you need improvement.
  • Consider possible career options and investigate the type of education that is needed.
  • Request materials from schools that interest you at HSNATION.com.
  • Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.
  • Participate in extracurricular activities and continue to document your transcript.
  • Request admissions and financial aid forms.
  • Consider earning college credit while in high school.
  • Take the SAT or the ACT again if you need to improve your score.
  • Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting all graduation requirements.
  • Get a job to earn and save money for college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship.
  • Research private scholarship options.

In 12th Grade:
  • Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.
  • Consider earning college credit while in high school.
  • Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you (if you haven't already done so).
  • Retake the ACT and/or SAT in the fall if you need to improve your score.
  • Select the schools to which you will apply. Make a list of important admissions and financial aid deadlines for each school.
  • Participate in extracurricular activities and continue to document your transcript.
  • Create a resume of your academic, athletic and work activities as well as other achievements. Prepare a portfolio if you're interested in the arts.
  • Search and apply for private scholarships.
  • Begin to brainstorm subject matter for your college essay.
  • Ask for recommendations from coaches, tutors, and others who can comment on your abilities and talents.
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    The HSNATION.com site gives pointers on how to effectively write a college application essay (with advice from actual admissions officers), introduces your student to other homeschoolers that have made the transition to college life and gives you great financial information, which is an especially useful tool when preparing for College.

    HSNATION.com is an exceptional site for college bound homeschooling students. Check it out and sign up for your free 2009-2010 college prep book. Go to HSNATION.com now and investigate how to get your child into their college of choice. You will be glad you did.



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