Tips on surviving college prep.

We are at the point in our homeschooling adventure that one of my girls is ready to think about and talk about going to college.  This is a little early by some definitions but it never hurts to do a little research in advance.  Also with all of the dual enrollment programs there are, starting to accumulate college courses in high school is a great opportunity.  This can be a little chaotic and confusing
especially if you do not speak the college prep lingo.  In fact, it can be overwhelming for many different reasons.

When you decide to homeschool, you are taking on a huge responsibility, DO NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY!  This is a job and a huge commitment.  It takes a very special and selfless person to commit to such a big task and put your child first but that is what a good parent does naturally so no big deal.  I am sharing my thoughts and many great resources on how to transition from high school at home to college so please take full advantage.  I am adding a lot of links and resources so don't get overwhelmed.  Deep breath and relax!

A lot of time researching must go into options for college, not because it is a difficult task getting your homeschooler into a college because it is no secret that colleges are actively seeking out homeschooled kids, now more than ever.  College prep begins in high school ensuring that your high school students takes the appropriate courses is the first step.

Some parents begin this process at 13, some parents take a gap year so that their child can formulate a plan on their own, travel, do missionary work, take a break, work, or any other number of reasons. You can read about the gap year here in this article from Time written in 2014.  This really allows your child to take time to figure out who they are or what they want to do with their life.  Colleges are now more open to the idea of a gap year.

Public school and private schools have the college requirements all mapped out, and all the students do the same exact thing to meet the requirements (cookie cutter philosophy).  Homeschoolers still have the same requirements guideline but that is the thing, it is just a guideline.  Homeschoolers can meet the requirements the way they see fit.  One of the many, many, many beauties of homeschooling.................

The basic requirements look like this:
English- usually three/four years.
Math- three years for most colleges but often four depending on the college/major.
Science- generally three years but sometimes four depending on the college/major.
History- three years but sometimes four depending on the college/major.
Foreign language- usually two years.  American sign language is considered a language credit.
Electives- usually two years-i.e. photography, drama, art, music, etc.

After you make sure your high school curriculum matches up with college requirements it is time to create a portfolio for your child.  At this age, they should be helping with this and have input.  The portfolio should at the very least have student writings, reading lists, extracurricular activities, volunteering information, summer programs, and awards/achievements earned.  Do not turn this into a scrap book.  You can add photographs if appropriate but nothing cutesy.  Keep in mind that a college admissions officer will give this portfolio about 10 minutes so you should keep this simple, concise, and clear.  Once you are done, have a few other people go over the portfolio to check for any mistakes that you might over look.

Did you ask what about a transcript?  You will also need to provide a transcript.  You really do not need to go crazy here either, simple is best!  Use the less is more kind of philosophy here.

Submit the transcript in a seal envelop with your name (the administrator) on the sealed part of the envelope.

Check out Lets Homeschool High School for transcript help and free downloadable templates.

Colleges also want the SAT/ACT scores.

HC USA is a fantastic resource.  A lot of info and courses.
My PSAT/SAT board. Pinterest

Help with foreign languages.
Duolingo-favorite of mine
Babbel-awesome resource

List of homeschooling friendly colleges which include Stanford, Columbia, Princeton. Duke, Tulane, Georgia Tech, Florida State University, and Auburn just to name a few.  Harvard and Yale also actively recruit homeschoolers.

Head to the library or pull up a chair at Starbucks inside of Barnes and Noble and read, read, read for free.

Must have books for college prep:

College Prep Homeschooling.

Homeschooling the Teen Years.

Article from US News
HSLDA
CLEP information

Dual enrollment programs.
What is dual enrollment? This is when your child is in their junior year of high school.  It is possible for you child to take college classes at a discounted cost from most local community colleges.  These classes will be added to the high school transcript and be credit towards an associate's degree (2 years) or a 4 year program.
By state
For Georgia-Accel program.
Dual enrollment info.
More dual enrollment info.

Free courses online.  These are a few of the best sites you will come across anywhere.
Khan Academy-My personal favorite.
Vlog  Brothers-John and Hank Green another one of my top picks.
MIT Open Course Ware
Easy Peasy all-in-one high school

Help me!
Help for the homeschool parent.
College requirements printable.-Print this now!
Jimmies Collage-Planning High School With an Eye on College Admission and Scholarships.
Sample transcript from HSLDA.
More detailed sample from HSLDA.
Blank copy HSLDA..
Family Education. 
Lets Homeschool High School.

Pinterest
My High School at Home board.
High School/homeschool/college on Pinterest
Homeschool High School Pinterest
College Prep Pinterest
More College Prep Pinterest

Happy homeschooling and college prep!