Homeschoolers are an attractive option for college admissions officers because of the unique qualities they bring to the student population. As the homeschooling population continues to grow and more colleges and universities become aware of homeschoolers as an attractive student demographic, more of them are promoting admissions to homeschoolers. To understand why colleges want homeschoolers, it is important to look at the advantages homeschoolers have to offer.
This article outlines the top 13 reasons why colleges want to recruit homeschoolers and the additional benefits college campuses receive from them.
1. Highly Motivated
Homeschoolers have a reputation for being highly motivated to learn, both in the classroom and outside of it. They have a track record of being independent learners and using their own initiative to excel in their studies. Homeschoolers also tend to have a great work ethic, which makes them well-suited to college life.
This is especially true if the homeschooler was homeschooled in a rigorous, college-prep curriculum. Furthermore, college admissions staff may be impressed by a homeschooler’s independent accomplishments such as earning high scores on standardized tests or writing their own thesis.
2. Adaptability
When entering college, homeschoolers often have an advantage over traditionally-educated students when it comes to adaptability. Because homeschoolers are used to taking a more autonomous role in their learning, they may be better equipped to handle the increased freedom and responsibility that comes with college life. Homeschoolers may also be able to more easily adjust to the different teaching styles of college professors due to the variety of experiences they had with their own homeschooled education.
Additionally, homeschoolers may be better equipped to handle the workload of college classes due to their self-discipline and ability to independent study.
3. Outside of Box Thinkers
Homeschoolers may also provide an influx of new perspectives to the college population. Since homeschoolers usually did not attend traditional school, they are likely to approach issues differently than their traditionally educated peers.
This means they may have innovative ideas in the classroom and beyond. Furthermore, homeschoolers may be more likely to take courses outside of the traditional academic fields due to their diverse interests and experiences.
4. Resourcefulness
Homeschoolers often have to be able to research and source materials for themselves in order to succeed in their education. This means that homeschoolers are typically accustomed to self-directed learning, which is essential to college success.
Furthermore, homeschoolers are often adept at problem solving and finding creative solutions to difficult issues. This can be a valuable asset to any college campus.
5. Commitment to Education
Homeschoolers demonstrate a strong commitment to education, both in their homeschool environment and in their post-homeschool endeavors. By opting out of traditional schooling, homeschoolers demonstrate that they are serious about learning and are invested in their education. Furthermore, homeschoolers tend to excel academically because they have the motivation and drive to succeed.
6. Outstanding Time Management Skills
Homeschoolers may have better time management skills than their traditionally educated peers. This is because homeschoolers are used to managing their own time and working on multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, homeschoolers usually have a lot of practice with juggling multiple projects at the same time and may be able to handle a rigorous course load.
7. Professionalism
Homeschoolers may also present themselves in a more professional manner than traditional students. This is due to their ability to interact with adults and handle themselves in a professional environment. Homeschoolers may also practice more professional etiquette due to their experiences with being at home with more mature adults.
8. Life Experiences
Homeschoolers generally have a variety of experiences outside the traditional school setting that can offer unique insights and perspectives to their college campus. Homeschoolers are often more likely to take part in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and volunteer opportunities that can provide advantageous life experiences.
Additionally, due to their lack of traditional school structure, homeschoolers often have more freedom to pursue their own interests which may result in a more varied list of life experiences.
9. Diversity of Background
Homeschoolers come from many different backgrounds, religions, and lifestyles which can bring a wealth of diversity to the college classroom. This diversity can offer unique perspectives to discussions which can help enrich the college experience for all students. Additionally, diversity can help foster a more inclusive environment on campus which is beneficial for all students.
10. Different Learning Styles
Homeschoolers often bring different learning styles to the college classroom. Homeschoolers may have been taught using different methods than traditional students which can make them more adept at critical thinking and problem solving. Additionally, homeschoolers may have had more practice with self-directed learning due to the freedom inherent in a homeschooled education which can be an invaluable asset to a college campus.
11. Higher Levels of Academic Achievement
Homeschoolers generally have higher levels of academic achievement than their traditional peers. This is likely due to the rigorous curriculum that many homeschoolers are exposed to, as well as the personal attention and resources available to them in a homeschooled environment.
Colleges may be looking for students that excelled in a homeschooled program and have the potential to excel in college.
12. Entreprenurial
Homeschoolers often come from unconventional backgrounds, which can offer an entrepreneurial spirit to the college campus. Homeschoolers may have experience in small business, technological development, and creative projects that traditional students may not have access to. This entreprenurial spirit can provide valuable advantages to a college’s business and technology-related majors.
13. Self-Discipline
Homeschoolers may also have better self-discipline than students educated through traditional means. This is due to their experiences with self-directed learning and working alone.
Homeschoolers may also have a greater understanding of the importance of setting goals, managing time, and being held accountable for their actions. This self-discipline can be invaluable to college staff in helping students stay on track and complete their assignments.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many reasons why colleges want to recruit homeschoolers. Homeschoolers possess unique traits such as motivation, adaptability, and different learning styles that traditional students may not possess. Additionally, homeschoolers often come from backgrounds with entrepreneurial, diversity of backgrounds, creative life experiences, and self-discipline that colleges look for.
As the homeschool population continues to grow, it is likely that more colleges and universities will begin to recognize the tremendous value homeschoolers can offer to campus life.