Introduction
Homeschooling is a popular choice amongst families who want an alternative to the traditional school system. It can provide a child with an education that allows individualized learning and a focused curriculum that caters to a student’s needs.
Homeschooling has been gaining in popularity in recent years, leading to the question of how colleges view students who have opted for this path? The truth is that colleges can actually be quite enthusiastic about homeschooled students as they can bring a unique perspective on learning that traditional students may not possess- but not all admissions counselors are on board. In this article, we’ll break down what admissions counselors look for in homeschooled applicants, the pros and cons of being homeschooled, and other considerations for homeschooled students applying to college.
What Admissions Counselors Look for in Homeschooled Applicants
Most admissions counselors are looking to find students who are curious, independent, and have a real passion for learning. For homeschooled applicants, this means showcasing your willingness to take on responsibility for your learning.
Admissions counselors often look for evidence of a record of success through student GPA, test scores, and academic awards, so homeschooled students should strive to meet these requirements to the best of their ability. Other things to include in a homeschooled student’s application are mentor or tutor references, involvement in volunteer work or extracurricular activities, and extracurricular or academic accomplishments. Lastly, admissions counselors look for applicants who can demonstrate their commitment to growth and development, which can include any activities or initiatives that showcase their growth in self-directed learning.
The Pros and Cons of Being Homeschooled
There are both benefits and drawbacks to being homeschooled. On the plus side, homeschooled students are often able to personalize their curriculum to fit their specific interests and goals. They can also attend courses that are not offered in traditional schools, as well as take advantage of learning from experts in the field.
While homeschooling offers a more personalized educational environment, it can be difficult for homeschooled students to find the same level of socialization as traditional students. Additionally, homeschooled students may lack access to the same resources that traditional schools offer such as science labs, internet access, and advanced technology.
Other Considerations for Homeschooled Students Applying to College
Aside from meeting academic requirements, there are other areas of preparation that homeschooled students should consider when applying to college. Homeschooled applicants should focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases their projects, awards, and extracurricular activities. Many colleges also require formal assessment tests such as the SAT or ACT, so it is important to make sure that homeschooled students are aware of all testing requirements and have prepped and taken the necessary exams.
Lastly, it is important to make sure that homeschooled students are aware of any admissions policies at the specific college they are applying to, as some may require additional steps or paperwork that may not apply to traditional students.
Conclusion
Colleges can be very welcoming to homeschooled applicants. As long as homeschooled students can demonstrate their academic excellence, commitment to growth and development, and showcase their unique perspective, colleges should have no difficulty in considering them for admittance. However, it is important to remember that there are still extra steps that may need to be taken as a homeschooled student in order to successfully get accepted into college.
With the right preparation and portfolio, homeschooled students can gain admittance and gain an invaluable experience in higher education.