🎓 Getting into college for homeschoolers

Some homeschoolers skip college and have no problem preparing themselves for successful careers as entrepreneurs, software engineers, visual artists, or welders. However, for those interested in pursuing higher education, including professional degrees in fields like law or medicine, there’s encouraging news. Colleges, especially elite universities, are increasingly viewing homeschooled candidates favorably.

The Homeschool Advantage

Universities recognize that homeschooled students often demonstrate high levels of independence and possess diverse backgrounds compared to peers from traditional schooling environments. This section explores why homeschoolers have a unique edge in college admissions.

Independence

When Olivia Farrar started Harvard, she was already well-prepared to drive her own learning. Reflecting on her experience, she said:

“I’m not used to having these chunks of the day where somebody else has decided for me what I should be doing with my time…I think time management has always been one of my assets just because it was organic. I had to tell myself to sit down and do my homework. Nobody told me to do it.”

After graduating from Harvard with a 3.9 GPA Magna Cum Laude Plus, Farrar was immediately accepted into a Master’s Program at Oxford University.

The admissions process at MIT similarly values these traits:

“One quality that we look for in all of our applicants is evidence of having taken initiative, showing an entrepreneurial spirit, and making the most of their opportunities. Many of our admitted homeschooled applicants really shine in this area. These students truly take advantage of their less constrained educational environment to take on exciting projects, go in-depth in topics that excite them, create new opportunities for themselves and others, and more.”

An Eclectic Background

Homeschoolers often have the freedom to explore a wide range of interests, which can make them stand out in college applications. Areas where homeschool students frequently excel include:

• Eclectic Extracurriculars: Activities like music, electronics, and coding.

• Impressive Projects: Initiatives such as starting a business or building a robot.

• Advanced Classes: Taking courses at community colleges or via MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).

Former Dean of First-Year Students and Undergraduate Advising at Stanford University, Julie Lythcott-Haims, notes that admissions officers are often impressed by the work experience many homeschoolers bring, which is less common among traditional students.

Intellectual Vitality

Homeschooled students often develop a profound love for learning due to their self-directed educational experiences. This passion translates into high scores in “intellectual vitality,” a key criterion at Stanford University used to assess applicants.

Preparing a College Portfolio

To prepare for college, documenting a child’s progress and achievements is crucial. A portfolio showcasing extracurricular activities, projects, volunteering, advanced classes, and work experience can be beneficial. This can be easily organized using a Google folder where families upload photos and relevant documents.

Colleges often require a GED or equivalent. Most homeschoolers opt for the GED in lieu of a high school diploma. Additionally, taking AP exams can help document expertise in various subject areas.

Alternatives to College

It’s important to acknowledge that a college degree is not the only path to success. Numerous successful individuals did not pursue higher education. Fields such as entrepreneurship, engineering, and the arts offer viable career paths without the necessity of a college degree. With the rise of micro-credentialing, employers increasingly value specific skills over traditional degrees.

The Higher Education Landscape

The landscape of higher education is evolving, and the next decade will likely bring significant changes. While college offers many benefits, it remains a personal choice. Families should stay informed about these changes to make the best decisions for their children's futures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a parent who has read this far, it’s clear you care deeply about your child’s education, which is a significant asset. Caring, observing, and being open to learning are qualities that will help you support your child effectively, enhancing both their learning and social-emotional development.

What’s Next?

Now, it’s time to delve into the practical aspects of homeschooling, such as setting up a schedule, creating a budget, and acquiring the necessary software and hardware to support modular learning.

Modular learning may initially seem abstract. Its strength lies in its ability to be tailored uniquely to each family. Despite this, many parents seek a clearer picture of what their lives will look like on this path.

Next week, we’ll address one of the most frequently asked questions: “What does a typical day look like?”

By understanding the unique advantages homeschooled students bring to the college admissions process, parents can better prepare their children for success, whether their path leads to college or directly into a rewarding career.

How to build a strong portfolio?