College Preparation
Your guide to helping your son or daughter transition from homeschooling to college.
Choosing a College: Where to Begin
Choosing a college for any high school student can seem overwhelming.
Homeschool students that have received a non-traditional education may feel a bit apprehensive going from a home-based learning environment to a large university.
Some homeschool students take a few courses at a local community college as a first step into the college experience.
On the other hand, many home school students start college prep in middle school and adapt extremely well to the college life especially if they do more independent-type study homeschooling for their high school curriculum.
College Application Tips
Applying to college as a homeschool student is a unique situation and can be time consuming so it is a good idea to start early.
Here are some college application tips for home school students:
1. Start the application process early
2. Meet with a licensed Christian homeschool counselor
3. Take a prep course for the SAT/ACT because these scores are especially important for homeschool applicants
4. Contact your state homeschool agencies for community contacts and resources for college bound homeschool students
Paying for College
Homeschool students have the beauty of creating their own schedules which allows time to work and travel.
When it comes to paying for college, there are many creative options.
Dual enrollment is an option while the student is still in high school and living at home.
Another option is to work and go to school. Many organizations offer scholarships and grants for homeschool students.
Building Good Study Habits
One of the bonuses of being homeschooled is the ability to learn at your own pace.
Research shows that homeschool students often have better study habits because they are in control of their learning environment.
As they approach high school, many of the courses are independent study which also helps create good study habits.
College Preparation Resources
Beneficial Checklist for Choosing a College
Choosing which college to attend will most likely be the biggest decision your son or daughter has made so far. It can be an overwhelming
5 Ways to Finance Your College Education
Of the many thoughts racing through a student’s mind as he approaches high school graduation, two of his preoccupations are likely, “What do I want
College Applications: Things to Know
You and your student might not be anywhere close to deciding on a college yet. Perhaps you haven’t decided if he wants to go to college at all! That’s perfectly fine; junior year is a time of preparation more than it is a season of decision. Since you’re in the preparation process, here are some things to know about college applications.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter
Drama group, swimming, gymnastics, debate: how do these activities contribute to a student’s academic transcript? More than you think! While colleges will first take into account a student’s tests scores and grades, extracurricular activities provide a complete picture of who the student is and where he’s headed academically.
Checking In With Your Degree Completion Plan
By now you may be very well acquainted with your student’s degree completion plan (DCP): the list of classes required for his intended major(s). These plans are available on any college’s website or through their admission office. Within it is listed general education courses (100-200 level courses you can CLEP or dual enroll prior to university) and your major-specific courses (300-400 level courses in a specific area of study).
Does That Awana Award Matter?
Homeschooling grants students an incredible opportunity to impact their community. The freedom of a homeschooling schedule allows homeschoolers to do much more with their time than the standard student. Because of this, many homeschoolers graduate high school with both a diploma and an extensive resume.
What is the FAFSA?
If your student is college bound, “FAFSA” will soon become part of your vocabulary. FAFSA is an acronym for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid: a form filled out by families of college-bound students. This form helps the federal government estimate ho w much financial aid your student is eligible to receive. Eligibility for the Pell Grant and Stafford loans is determined by filing the FAFSA. Some colleges require the FAFSA before students qualify for any scholarships from their institution.
Tips for the Scholarship Search
The first question I receive from parents regarding college is usually, “Where do we find scholarships?” Today, that’s exactly what we’re going to discuss! Scholarship
What to Expect When It Comes to Testing
Standardized testing: It’s every homeschool parent’s favorite topic… or not! Your ninth grader may not have the ACT or SAT on her radar right now, but that is precisely why this is the best time to prepare. Students who know what to expect on standardized tests are far less likely to be intimidated by them – and far more likely to achieve high scores.
CLEP, AP, and the PSAT
A few months ago we talked about dual enrollment: a fantastic way to save time and money for your student’s college education. (If you haven’t already signed up for a class or two, pick up your local community college catalog or check out the possibilities for online dual credit!) But dual enrollment isn’t the only way to save time and money for college. In this email, we’ll discuss three alternatives that – when used alone or in conjunction with dual enrollment – can help your student achieve her college dreams without the usual time and expense.
The Truth About Financial Aid
Last month we talked about avoiding college debt. Financial aid is a big part of that conversation, but what exactly is financial aid? Many families who have not yet sent a child to college – or who didn’t attend college themselves – are prone to think financial aid is solely made up of scholarships. When colleges advertise, “6.1 million in financial aid!”, they aren’t sharing the whole picture.
How to Choose a Major
If you’ve started applying for scholarships already, you may have noticed that some scholarship applications are already asking your student to indicate a major of study. But not many sixteen-year-olds have a firm grasp on what they want to do with the rest of their lives! It’s completely normal for your high school student to delay choosing a major as she explores her interests and passions. However, it’s also helpful to have a general direction for her academic path. Choosing a major starts in high school, and narrowing down potential careers is easier than you’d think.
Tutors, Testing, and the Tenth Grade Year
When I was being homeschooled the first month of the fall semester was my favorite time of the year. My books were new, the leaves were changing, and I couldn’t wait to tackle the list of books assigned for that semester! It might not feel like fall quite yet, but chances are your family is back to school after your summer break – ready to tackle another year of learning!
Big Picture Planning
If there’s one thing homeschool parents view with trepidation, it’s the transition from middle to high school. This season contains a whole new level of accountability and pressure as your child enters his ninth grade year. The grades he achieves, the tests he takes, and the transcript he compiles has the power to determine future decisions about college and career. It’s no wonder parents are nervous about homeschooling the high school years!
The Skinny on College Debt
Do you have to go into debt to attend college? Many people say you do. A quick glance at the finances of most recent college graduates would further prove their point: Debt is normal, even unavoidable, in today’s college culture. But is this entirely true?
The Importance of Study Skills
The fall term is only a few weeks away, and your junior is already nervous. Between standardized tests, dual credit classes, and his normal homeschool workload, this year is shaping up to be a lot of work! Well, here’s some great news to alleviate those nerves: incorporating study skills into your homeschool routine will help your student not only retain all the information he’s learning, but increase his chances of high test scores and a great GPA. Here are some study skills to start working on this month:
How’s It Going?
Senior year is just around the corner. Where has the time gone? Twelfth grade is the culmination of these years of hard work, discipleship, and patience. And at the end of this year, a homeschool graduate will stand before your family.
Getting a Jump on Testing
It’s midsummer and the season of barbecues, pool days, and sunscreen – the last thing you may want to think about is standardized testing! Though not the most thrilling of subjects, now is the time to consider how your student will begin the intentional preparation that will equip him for the SAT and ACT.
Homeschool To College- Will You And Your Child Be Prepared?
When should you start preparing your children for the transition from homeschool to college? What classes should they take? How do they apply for scholarships?
Transitioning from Homeschool to College
Often times homeschool students are more prepared academically than their traditional high school student counterparts.
Getting involved in community activities during middle school and high school can help with the social aspect of learning to get along with many different types of people.
Taking classes at a community college can help bridge the gap from homeschool to college.
Another option is to take one campus class and one online class as a hybrid approach.
Join TTD365 for Even More College Prep Resources!
Teach Them Diligently 365 is an online homeschool community and homeschool resource library designed to help you make the most out of your homeschool experience.
TTD365 Audio Resources - College Prep (Members Only!)
Can Summer Camp Get Your Child Ahead Academically
Speaker: Stephen Kopp Bob Jones University offers summer camps, called EDUcamps, to enrich your educational efforts with your homeschoolers. Students explore potential career fields, and…
Preparing for College – It’s Easier than You Might Think
Speaker: Pat Wesolowski This workshop will cover testing and transcripts, dual enrollment, college choices, gap year programs and other post-high school options. Pat, who homeschooled…
Simplifying College Prep
Speaker: Matthew Bullington There are a lot of options out there when it comes to college preparation. Do we dual enroll? Take the AP, CLEP,…
Homeschooling your High School Student
Speaker: Matthew Bullington Homeschooling a high school student can be a challenging decision, but it is also one of most exciting decisions! In the age…
Homeschooling for High School Student
Speaker: Matthew Bullington Homeschooling a high school student can be a challenging decision, but it is also one of most exciting decisions! In the age…
Got Study Skills
Speaker: Mark Pruitt You’re not as prepared as you think you are. Learn how to dominate your classes and still have an awesome college experience.…
How to Discuss Literature with Your High School Student
Speaker: Lori Smith Middle and High school students don’t always know how to think or have time to process everything that they’ve read. Even with…
Planning for the High School Years
Speaker: Jolanthe Erb Have a middle or high schooler? Plan to make this workshop a priority! Despite what may be years of successful homeschooling, thinking…
Choosing a Major, College, Career
Speaker: Jeff Reep In light of the fact that 66% of college students change their majors more than once and on the day of graduation…
Creationeering in the 21st Century – A Biblical Mandate
Speaker: Dr. Mark Horstemeyer This session distinguishes between science and engineering and the biblical mandate of creationeering which includes the creation of new materials, systems,…
Your Kids Don’t Have to Go to College
Speaker: Diane Benson I may seem like an unlikely person to present a workshop on this topic. I love college. loved being a student and…
Preparing Your Student for College
Speaker: Diane Benson Just when parents are getting the hang of homeschooling High School – College hopes and fears begin to loom on the horizon.…
Go to College Without Going Broke
Speaker: Chuck Kittrell If you are looking for scholarships to pay for your child’s college education, this workshop is for you. Come find out what…
How to Build a Transcript – It’s Easier Than You Think
Speaker: Charlotte Ellard With children admitted to over 25 different colleges, Charlotte offers a simple guide for transcripts that can be built with a Word…
Why Aren’t You Earning College Credits in High School
Speaker: Aaron Marks There are many ways to save time and money by earning college credit while still in high school. This session will compare…
How Home Education Prepared Me for Public Office
Sarah Fowler is the first homeschool graduate to serve on a State Board of Education. In this session she will be exploring key education experiences that prepared her for service in state government and how the lack of training in these areas has undermined the ministry and service of others. Sarah will explore the benefits of Christian mentorship in her personal and spiritual development and share how she has reciprocated by mentoring young people as well.
Career Exploration for High School Students
Too many students graduate from high school with no idea what career they should pursue. Homeschool mother and author, Carol Topp, will offer steps, resources, and her experiences in helping students pursue a career path unique for them.
What’s the Matter? The Answer to High School Chemistry
At this workshop we will address the issues and concerns that parents have regarding homeschool high school chemistry. Questions like: Will the chemistry course I decide on prepare my child for the rigor and structure of college chemistry? What should we do about lab experiments, chemicals and lab equipment? Its been 25 years since I took chemistry, does anybody know a teacher that would be willing to help in teaching my child, even for one or two times a week? If I buy a chemistry teacher’s edition and a workbook with answers, will that be good enough?” This session will answer questions like these and many more!
Embracing the Caterpillar: Integrating as a Homeschooled Adult
Being homeschooled all the way through in todays world makes you distinct. While every Christian has to learn how to be in the world but not of, sometimes as a homeschool alumni, its hard to know which world it is that you inhabit. Homeschool lifer Danielle shares which unique bumps in the road she’s faced, what has helped make her transition to adulthood easier for her & her family, and how her homeschooled identity helps her navigate in life.
Gap Year with a Purpose
A popular trend recently has been to take a year off after high school, calling it a “gap year.” Many students see this as an opportunity to take a break and relax. However, there are also many students who take this year to set a foundation for the rest of their lives. This session will discuss the importance of that foundation and how a student can effectively take a Gap Year with a Purpose.
Q&A with Homeschool College Fair Panel
The Homeschool College Fair Panel answers questions from parents who are preparing to launch their high school student to college. Listen Now https://s3.amazonaws.com/ttdfiles.teachthemdiligently.net/memberscontent/audio/2018/columbus-oh/qanda-with-homeschool-college-fair-panel.mp3 Download this…
5 Most Common Misunderstandings about College: What You Don’t Know Will Cost You
The college landscape has changed significantly over the last five years, and families today have more options than ever when it comes to pursuing a college degree. However, as stewards of God’s greatest gifts to us, our children, how can we make wise choices? With over 50 combined years of higher education experience, we are positioned to help you make the most of your options and avoid common mistakes.
How to Select a College and Prepare Your Student to not just Survive but Thrive.
Over 50% of students walk away from the church during their first two years of college. In this
session, Dr. Thomas White, Cedarville University President, theology professor, published
author, and homeschool dad will present straight forward truth and insider tips from almost 20
years in higher education leadership. Topics addressed will include: how to determine what a
school really teaches; tips for the application process and scholarships; and preparing your
student spiritually to not just survive but thrive in college.
What You Need to Know about Private vs. Public Colleges and How to Pay for It
Home school mom and daughter, Marcia and Lila Castellano, are from Byron, Georgia. Marcia has home schooled for over 25 years and her four children graduated from college debt free. Her daughter, Lila, is a transfer enrollment counselor at Charleston Southern University while studying in the MBA Organizational Leadership program. We are here to share from the parent and college perspectives about how to prepare for college and make the best choice for you. I wish I knew what I know now about financial aid and college admissions when I made my decisions!” Lila
Home School to Graduate School via World Missions
The 4-5 years and high cost of traditional college often impedes Great Commission obedience. This need not occur: the foreign language and cross-cultural skills needed to minster the Gospel to unreached peoples also comprise the core of a liberal arts degree. Learn how, via credit-by-exam and portfolio assessment, engaging in Christian missions can yield both a B.A. degree and foster an agenda for graduate school.
Should You Homeschool High School?
Reason together with high school homeschoolers and their parents. Look at reasons for homeschooling high school! Classical Conversations exists to aid parents in their pursuit of a high quality, doable, classical education in an environment where the purpose is the know God and make Him known from tots through teens.
From Gamers to Programmers: Leading our Digital Youth to Successful Careers
So.. you’ve got a gamer? Don’t worry! Come hear the facts, and dispel some myths, about our children and the digital culture they live in. We help parents understand how they can embrace technology and use it to lead our children into awesome careers. Learn about the similarities between our kids today and our childhoods 20-40 years ago. Yes, they are actually pretty similar. In addition, learn about the many areas of interest our kids have, just like when we were growing up, that we need to nurture. The only difference is…. they do it digitally. So come explore the world our children are growing up in and learn how to use it as an awesome tool for guiding them to successful, happy careers/lives.
Going To College Without Going Broke
This workshop is to help parents and students find scholarship money to pay for college.
Gap Year with a Purpose
A popular trend recently has been to take a year off after high school, calling it a “gap year.” Many students see this as an opportunity to take a break and relax. However, there are also many students who take this year to set a foundation for the rest of their lives. This session will discuss the importance of that foundation and how a student can effectively take a Gap Year with a Purpose.
Homeschool College Q&A
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