How to Choose the Right College – MBFLP 94

March 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Choosing A College - FB

Choosing a College?

If you’re planning on college for your homeschool grad-to-be, how do you make the choice? Is a Christian college the only acceptable alternative? Should they dive into the mission field of public universities? Or is there a middle ground in a conservative private school? For different reasons, our three graduates so far have ended up at all three alternatives, and we’ve learned some pros as well as cons for all of them. Join us for some thoughts about the choice of a college for your student!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

Some Other Episodes On College Issues

No. 28, “Making College Visits Count”
No. 44, “Staying Christian in College”
No. 45, “Academic Success in College”

This episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical is sponsored by Judson College.

https://judsoncollege.com/

Show Notes:

Making Biblical Family Life Practical – Episode 94: Choosing a College
Produced by the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

[Intro]

You’ve made the commitment. You’ve caught the vision. You want your family to serve God. But sometimes it’s hard to put feet to that vision.

Hal and Melanie:

Hal: Hello, I’m Hal.

Melanie: And I’m Melanie. Welcome to Episode 94 of Making Biblical Family Life Practical. As the school year begins, many high school seniors are thinking about choosing a college.

Hal: We’re there again! Our fourth child is a senior this year. We’ve navigated college choices with our older kids: one attended a large public university, another a small private liberal arts college, and another a historical Christian college. Each decision had unique reasons, pros, and cons.

Melanie: It’s important to keep an open mind during this process. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Hal: Right. When you’re considering colleges, financial aid is crucial. Unlike years ago, when I applied to just one college, today students often apply to multiple colleges—sometimes as many as 8 to 12—because scholarships and financial aid vary greatly.

Melanie: Absolutely. We always advise our kids not to set their heart on one school until the financial aid offers arrive.

Hal: Exactly. Colleges put their best foot forward during visits, much like a dating scenario, highlighting the good and downplaying negatives.

Melanie: When selecting colleges, most should be a good match academically, financially, and ideologically. Students should also include a couple of dream schools and at least one or two “safety” schools.

Three College Options:

Choosing a Colege – Christian Colleges:

Pros:

  • Intentional integration of faith and scholarship.
  • Generally safer environment with shared Christian values.
  • Opportunities for service, missions, and discipleship.

Cons:

  • Financial aid often limited.
  • Some lack majors like engineering or specialized fields.
  • Complacency about spiritual life is possible due to familiarity.
  • Watch out for institutions that are Christian in name only or have become liberal.

Choosing a College – Public Universities:

Pros:

  • Usually the most affordable option, especially in-state.
  • Offer a broad range of majors.
  • Larger campuses mean more social options and diverse opportunities.
  • Can encourage students to become stronger in their faith due to being in a secular environment.

Cons:

  • Secular environment with potential hostility towards Christian beliefs.
  • Possible social pressures and worldly lifestyles prevalent on campus.
  • Need maturity to stand firm in one’s faith.

Elite Private Colleges:

Pros:

  • Often generous financial aid through large endowments.
  • Prestigious reputation can open doors professionally.
  • Close-knit community and networking opportunities.

Cons:

  • Potential cultural challenges, especially if you’re not financially affluent.
  • Smaller faculty means limited options to avoid problematic professors.
  • Some may have strict honor codes with ethical inconsistencies.

Advice for Parents:

  • Help students find a strong local church and Christian group, regardless of the college type.
  • Recognize your student’s spiritual, social, and academic maturity to choose the best environment for them.
  • Prioritize prayer and preparation; help your children become spiritually equipped warriors ready for college and life beyond.
Filed Under: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Tagged With: , , , , ,

Let Go So They Can Launch: The Truth About College Admissions for Homeschool Grads

March 10, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Free homeschool podcast about college admissionsLet Go So They Can Launch: The Truth About College Admissions for Homeschool Grads

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Judson College Judson College offers biblical and practical training wherever a student is called, equipping them to live all of life for Christ.

You’ve heard it—the unmistakable whirring of helicopter blades. The sound of well-meaning parents hovering, anxiously guiding their homeschool graduate into college life.

You want the best for them. You’ve sacrificed, taught, and prepared them. But deep down, you might be wondering: Am I helping them—or holding them back?

The truth? Your teen is ready for this next step—if you let them take it.

Join us as we sit down with Aimee Stauf, a homeschool graduate, former resident advisor, and now an admissions counselor at Patrick Henry College. Aimee has seen it all—from confident students who take ownership of their college experience to those still tethered to their parents’ safety net. In this episode, she shares what homeschool parents really need to know about college admissions, independence, and preparing their teens to thrive.

🎙️ Listen in and learn why stepping back might be the best gift you give your graduate.

It’s time to land the helicopter—your teen is ready to fly. 🚁✈️

College Admissions and Helicopter Parents (Replay of Episode 105)

EPISODE TIMELINE
:50 Fluff – Graduations, Baseball,  1970’s Summer, Big Announcement
8:15 College Admissions – Aimee Stauf, Patrick Henry College
27:25 The show is over. Goodbye!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Patrick Henry College Admissions
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
All of them

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

 

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

https://judsoncollege.com/

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | RSS

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Should You Work With a College Admissions Advisor? (with Kristi Steele)

March 3, 2025 by Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Working with a College Admissions Advisor with Kristi Steele.

Working with a College Admissions Advisor with Kristi Steele

Working with a College Admissions Advisor with Kristi Steele

If you have college-bound homeschool high schoolers, you will be glad you checked out this interview with Kristi Steele, a college admissions advisor at kc360.co.

Kristi has the most unique job. She is an advisor who helps students with college search and admissions advice.

Kristi’s Story

Kristi is a third culture kid. She grew up I grew up in Central America. She loved it. Her dad was a musician and her mom was a counselor.

When Kristi grew up, she worked in international business for a while. Then she was hired as a recruiter for a university. Some of her recruiting work took her from the US to Latin America, where she enjoyed talking to families. These families needed to know two things:

  • There are university options beyond recognizable names such as the Ivy League schools.
  • How to go through the process of finding and applying to college.

Kristi then launched kc360.co, her own advising organization that provides resources to fill those gaps. She knows that college choice and admissions can be overwhelming.

Let’s talk about college searches

There is not always good advising available to all homeschool high schoolers, so Kristi has some tips. She uses the acronym FIT:

  • financial,
  • intuitive, and
  • time.

Really look at the finances

We all know that college is expensive. One question parents and students need to ask is whether a college of choice is feasible? How much debt do you want to go into?

Kristi uses a tool that really helps students and parents look at the finances. With the tool, families can see three schools: what their affordability would be, even with loans, as well as what the average graduate earns in the student’s chosen major and degree.

Kristi then helps parents and students look at the budget post-graduation, estimating expenses such as:

  • student loan
  • car payment
  • rent

Realistically look at grants and scholarships

Many universities offer students scholarships based on merit and talent. Usually families must file a FAFSA or CSS.  This is worth doing, even if your family makes more income than allowed for Pell Grants. While your teen may not qualify for a Pell Grant, that does not mean your student cannot qualify for other aid. You might be surprised.

Also, for many schools, your college application is a scholarship application.

I stands for “intuitive or individual”

Kristi uses both of those words. She knows that if you have the opportunity to do college visits, you might just intuitively know, “I can see myself here”. Or, “gosh, I need some clarifying conversations to see myself here”.

Or ‘individually”, you can ask, “is this a school that individually fits your needs?” Such as:

  • Does the classroom size suits you?
  • Do you need more customized care?
  • You maybe do not need to be in a hall of 300 students with a professor that is really not teaching, it’s the TA.

Another individual question to ask is, “do they have a series of majors that interest me?”

This is because most students change their major. If you get to college and that school does not have a range of majors (ideally three, four, five that you’re interested in and could pivot to), that really puts your teen in a hard position. So having that ability to pivot is really important.

Note: You can go into a school undecided. That is not a bad thing, but give yourself the grace and the margin to really be at a place that has places where you can pivot if you need to, or that you can tack on a minor.

Find a combination of majors and minors that works for your teen. One of Kristi’s favorite student stories is a girl that was fantastic at science. I mean, just a natural, but she really had a heart and passion for illustration. She ended up at Hope College with major in biology and a minor in illustration. She works as an illustrator for a biology textbook company.

The other individual and intuitive thing is size

Talk about size in terms of the physical community that the college is in.

  • Is it in a rural area?
  • Is it in an urban center?
  • And also the size of the university?

Time is the T in FIT

Your homeschool graduates will be spending a lot of time at college. Find out about their dorm requirements. Are they

  • required two years in the dorms or
  • their dorm requirements only one year or
  • students can live off campus from year one.

Also, what kind of time is your teen going to be spending on campus?

  • If they will not have a car, is there a shuttle to target or the store?
  • Are there, amenities nearby?

Think about how your homeschooler will be spending time on campus

It is good for students to find organizations and clubs. What is available on campus?

Can they commute from home?

Some teens need their introvert time.

For teens who need to choose a college major

Kristi suggest that high schoolers go to college majors fairs. (And if your teen is really type A, make appointments with your admission counselor to talk about majors.)

Ask: Where are graduates being hired?

Also, where are your students interning?

Check out Kristi’s college admissions tips podcast and resources

The podcast covers college search and admission tips in fifteen minutes or less. She also hosts a virtual college fair every semester.

The two paid things that Kristi offers homeschool students are the college project. This is a self-paced course kind in lieu of a college counselor. If you are not sure what you want to major in this is a good thing to do!

Not only that, but Kristi offers a mini career assessment in there and a mini character assessment.

Find Kristi at kc360. co and at LinkedIn.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
  2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
  3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
  5. Tap *Subscribe*
  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review*

 

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: , , ,

College Admissions and the Helicopter Parent

September 5, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Free homeschool podcast about college admissionsCollege Admissions and the Helicopter Parent

Have you ever heard that sound? The rhythmic whirring of blades as they chop through the air? That is the sound of a helicopter parent hovering over their homeschooled child getting ready for college. That’s right, we are back at it again with an interview and discussion about college admissions and the need to keep your hands off as your teach your high school graduate to make life choices.

Join us as we spend time in the studio with Aimee Stauf. Aimee is a homeschool graduate, and then she worked as a resident advisor before graduating and now working Patrick Henry College as an admissions counselor. This very knowledgeable guest offers all of us great advice as we prepare our homeschool graduates for their college education. Join us and jump out of your helicopters! You are in for a great episode.

EPISODE TIMELINE
:50 Fluff – Graduations, Baseball,  1970’s Summer, Big Announcement
8:15 College Admissions – Aimee Stauf, Patrick Henry College
27:25 The show is over. Goodbye!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Patrick Henry College Admissions
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
All of them

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math

Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Be sure to listen to more:

ABC’s Of Early College

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Develop your Student’s Standout Factor

May 13, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Developing your student’s stand out factor can garner scholarship dollars and opportunities!Develop your Student’s Standout Factor

And garner scholarship dollars and opportunities!

What is a Stand-Out Factor?

A Stand out factor can be many different things but they are most likely to include:

  • Initiative –student initiated, led and directed
  • Passion – student has personal investment
  • Individuality –has to do specifically with the students core values
  • Strategy –student has strategized to achieve

I would also recommend that a Stand-Out Factor include:

  • Positive impact on others
  • Uniqueness
  • Broad Reach & Big Win

How can you tell if you have developed your stand-out factor?

It’s the difference between ordinary and extraordinary

How to develop your Develop your Child’s Standout Factor: 

  • Write, perform and publish a quality play,book, music or film
  • Develop art skills like throwingdrawing and painting, pottery, creating stained glass windows/ lamps, blacksmithing, etc and enter art contests
  • Hike a trail for a cause or a challenge
  • Raise money to travel abroad and serve on a mission
  • Breed and trademark a type of fruit or flower
  • Breed and sell a pet- iguana, dogs, miniature cows
  • Win money as a prize bowler, archer, skier, etc
  • Start a business, track your earnings and impact
  • Help run a state ornational political campaign, work as a legislative Paige,
  • Study and PerformShakespeare
  • Learn multiple languages, particularlyCritical Languages
  • Travel internationally; create guidebook or blog about travels, do international community service or charity work
  • Do hundreds of hours ofCommunity Service
  • Build a functioning web-site
  • Build something impressive- like a Robot, Drone or Plane, or replicate all of the Enterprises’ ships as models
  • Earn a license or Certification– pilot’s, drone, PADI
  • Learn tech- 3-D Printing, Robotics, Photoshop, Photography and it’s many digital uses!
  • Earn Awards such as the National Latin Exam, German National Exam,
  • Participate in and win National Competitions- Geography, History,Bible, Poetry
  • Participate in CAP or Jr ROTC
  • Turn your interest in performing into becoming a juggler or clown
  • Turn your interests into an opportunity to impart your knowledge to others and teach a skills you’ve learned in person, or online

Use What You Have to Develop your Student’s Standout Factor!

Outsource When Needed

High School is the perfect time to develop your students stand out factor, through clubs, projects and course work that helps them understand themselves and opportunities more robustly, such as our Orienteering course. 

Read the Blog Post!

Dr. David and Lisa Nehring talk about helpful communication skills!

If you need help identifying or knowing how to further develop your students stand out factor, we’d love to help! Check out our Academic Advising program.

Hear Lisa speak in person at the Great Homeschool Conventions in SC, OH and TX! She’ll be talking about the Future Proof Your Kids Towards Success and Credits, Transcripts and Tests, Oh My!

Marketable Skills Classes at True North 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
  2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
  3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
  5. Tap *Subscribe*
  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review*
Filed Under: Soft Skills 101 Tagged With: , , , ,

Develop your Student’s Standout Factor

February 8, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Developing your student’s stand out factor can garner scholarship dollars and opportunities!Develop your Student’s Standout Factor

And garner scholarship dollars and opportunities!

What is a Stand-Out Factor?

A Stand out factor can be many different things but they are most likely to include:

  • Initiative –student initiated, led and directed
  • Passion – student has personal investment
  • Individuality –has to do specifically with the students core values
  • Strategy –student has strategized to achieve

I would also recommend that a Stand-Out Factor include:

  • Positive impact on others
  • Uniqueness
  • Broad Reach & Big Win

How can you tell if you have developed your stand-out factor?

It’s the difference between ordinary and extraordinary

How to develop your Develop your Child’s Standout Factor: 

  • Write, perform and publish a quality play,book, music or film
  • Develop art skills like throwingdrawing and painting, pottery, creating stained glass windows/ lamps, blacksmithing, etc and enter art contests
  • Hike a trail for a cause or a challenge
  • Raise money to travel abroad and serve on a mission
  • Breed and trademark a type of fruit or flower
  • Breed and sell a pet- iguana, dogs, miniature cows
  • Win money as a prize bowler, archer, skier, etc
  • Start a business, track your earnings and impact
  • Help run a state ornational political campaign, work as a legislative Paige,
  • Study and PerformShakespeare
  • Learn multiple languages, particularlyCritical Languages
  • Travel internationally; create guidebook or blog about travels, do international community service or charity work
  • Do hundreds of hours ofCommunity Service
  • Build a functioning web-site
  • Build something impressive- like a Robot, Drone or Plane, or replicate all of the Enterprises’ ships as models
  • Earn a license or Certification– pilot’s, drone, PADI
  • Learn tech- 3-D Printing, Robotics, Photoshop, Photography and it’s many digital uses!
  • Earn Awards such as the National Latin Exam, German National Exam,
  • Participate in and win National Competitions- Geography, History,Bible, Poetry
  • Participate in CAP or Jr ROTC
  • Turn your interest in performing into becoming a juggler or clown
  • Turn your interests into an opportunity to impart your knowledge to others and teach a skills you’ve learned in person, or online

Use What You Have to Develop your Student’s Standout Factor!

Outsource When Needed

High School is the perfect time to develop your students stand out factor, through clubs, projects and course work that helps them understand themselves and opportunities more robustly, such as our Orienteering course. 

Read the Blog Post!

Dr. David and Lisa Nehring talk about helpful communication skills!

If you need help identifying or knowing how to further develop your students stand out factor, we’d love to help! Check out our Academic Advising program and Parent Membership programs!

Hear Lisa speak in person at the Great Homeschool Conventions in SC, OH and TX! She’ll be talking about the Future Proof Your Kids Towards Success and Credits, Transcripts and Tests, Oh My!

Marketable Skills Classes at True North 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
  2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
  3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
  5. Tap *Subscribe*
  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review*
Filed Under: Soft Skills 101 Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler

December 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler.

How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler

How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler

This is college application season for many college-bound homeschool high schoolers. It can be a stressful time for these teens (and their parents), especially if this is the first child heading off to college. How can you be sure your homeschooler is completing the forms well. What is a homeschool parent’s role in the process.

7Sisters Vicki served the local homeschool community for almost two decades as college admissions advisor. In her work with homeschool high schoolers and trainings with college admissions officers, she picked up some tips that have been helpful to her five homeschool graduates and hundreds of other local teens. In honor of college application season, Vicki is sharing some basics of the process to get you started.

Ten tips on how to apply to college as a homeschooler

Tip #1: Write your application essay early

Trust Vicki on this. If your homeschool high schooler writes his/her essay early. We would tell our local advisees to write their essay during the summer, that would give them time to have parents or teachers look it over and give advice…AND do multiple rewrites. Even if the topic changes at application time, details can easily be tweaked once the guts of an essay is created. Remember multiple rewrites take a good essay to a great essay (use grammar checkers like Grammarly to help.)

Also, if you have a college that allows your teen to skip the essay, don’t skip! That essay might give your homeschooler an edge if there is a lot of competition for entrance.

If your homeschool high schooler will be using the Common Application or other applications that publish essay prompts early or have standard prompts, it is much easier to start that essay. Even if an essay prompt is not available for their preferred college, have your teen choose an exciting or inspiring story from their life and write an essay to be tweaked later.

For help: Here’s a freebie post and a downloadable college admissions essay writing guide from your 7Sisters.

When they apply, teens are letting colleges know who they are. So they need to put their best foot forward.

Tip #2: Ask for recommendation letters letter early

PLEASE, take us seriously on this. Recommenders need a little time to write an excellent recommendation. Give them time.

Also, if your recommender will be writing a paper recommendation, give them self-addressed, stamped envelope to the college. If your recommender will be writing a digital recommendation, let them know where the link will be coming from. (And also approximately when it will come, so they can check the spam file if it seems late.)

ALSO, please train your teen to ask the recommender politely. In fact, use the word, “Please.” This is a skill that will help them the rest of their lives. AND when they are done with the recommendation, be sure to have your teen thank them.

Your teen can (and in many cases) should give the recommender a fact sheet about themselves and/or a resume to help them fill out the recommendation with good details.

Tip #3: Find out what the colleges are looking for

Make sure this is shown clearly on your homeschool high schooler’s transcript. Check the college website for “requirements for incoming freshmen” or “requirements for application”. Sometimes, you and your teen will best find this information on a college tour or online workshop with admissions officers. Check out this interview with Dr. Renae Duncan, Associate Provost of Murray State University (ret.).

Tip #4: Make sure your teen’s transcript is complete with grades through the point they apply

Colleges often want to know that teens are not goofing off their senior year, so they will ask for first quarter grades (and often, first semester updates). This means that moms need to have the transcript up to date! Here’s a post on how to do this.

For tips on how to create transcripts and what to include, along with an editable transcript template, check 7Sisters.

Tips #5: PDF your homeschooler’s transcript for online applications

Sometimes an un-pdf version transcript gets scrozzled.

NOTE: If you are sending in a paper application, you might have to have the transcript sealed and/or stamped. Check with admissions officers at the college for this information.

Tip #6: Have your homeschooler take his/her time in completing the application

College applications take a long time to complete. If your teen puts off the application process until the last moment, they will not be able to put their best foot forward.

Keep in mind, when your teen is filling out their application, they are talking to a real person. Have them write in complete sentences where applicable using a professional version of their own voice. (Do not fill out applications for your teen.)

Tip #7: Have your teen think about which schools to apply to ahead of time

For many teens three to five colleges is a good number. (If they are applying to twenty schools, they have not done their research. This will waste their time.)

  • Choose one college as a reach college but might be too expensive or competitive. (This would be an act of God if they get in.)
  • Aim for a college that your teen would truly like to attend and are a solid fit. NOTE: If you can find a college’s average SAT or ACT scores of admitted students. Aim for colleges where your teen’s scores are similar.
  • Aim for an easy, guaranteed acceptance college. This school would be fine but not a dream college, per se.
  • Aim for a financially-reasonable college. College debt is such a problem. (And why many homeschooler are doing their first two years at community college these days.)
  • For more tips check this post and another Homeschool Highschool Podcast episode.

Tip #8: Decide when to apply

Some colleges give dorm preference, better financial aid opportunities and/or other benefits to students who apply early.

If your teen is applying to a reach school, regular admissions might be better, since it is easier to get bumped to a waitlist with early applications. (Of course, each college handles this differently.)

Some teens need extra time deciding. So give them space to pray and research. They may need to skip early admissions.

Tip #9: Teens need to remember they are selling themselves with their essays and applications. This is not bragging!

Many homeschoolers are concerned that they will be prideful if they tell their outstanding points and stories. Just have them remember it is God who makes them successful, so writing about it is not bragging!

Tip #10: Pray

Teens can have a lovely growth process through their college application process if they know that as they roll their works on the Lord, he will direct their path.

Also, check out this useful Homeschool Highschool Podcast episode for first generation college students.

Hey, join our 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group so you can ask college application and other homeschool questions to all your 7th Sisters!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

  1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
  2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
  3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
  5. Tap *Subscribe*
  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review*

How to Apply to College as a Homeschooler

 

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: , , ,

Preparing for High School with Cheryl Bastian

May 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Preparing for High School Preparing for High School with Cheryl Bastian

Podcast #72

Does High School scare you? Are you concerned your children won’t be ready? Many people feel overwhelms at the prospect of homeschooling the high school years. Well, put those fears aside! You can do it! With a little planning, you will be ready to successfully teach prepare your student to graduate.

Cheryl Bastian joins us as we talk about preparing your teen for high school.

About Cheryl

Cheryl Bastian can’t remember a time when she wasn’t teaching. What started with making her brothers play school evolved to job shadowing and tutoring in high school. Through experiential learning, Cheryl’s passion for education grew. She completed post-secondary coursework and internships at Illinois State University, first as a special education major and then continuing in early childhood education. Concerned she would miss once-in-a-lifetime milestones in her children, Cheryl left the classroom and brought learning home.

Twenty-four years of homeschooling, eight children—ages twenty-eight to toddler— allow Cheryl and her husband Mike to journey alongside families at many stages of parenting and learning, from toddling to adulting. As a magazine columnist, blogger, and speaker, Cheryl shares her experiences, stories and challenges as she enthusiastically encourages parents to be intentional, real, and relational as they raise life-long learners. Her resources are available at Celebrate Simple www.cherylbastian.com.

High School Information

Register for Convention   Deadline to register – May 3rd

 

Talks Cheryl will be presenting at the 2019 Convention:

30. CELEBRATE MIDDLE SCHOOL: FOSTERING INGENUITY

66. SAILING THROUGH ANNUAL EVALUATIONS

78. MATH NEVER TASTED GOOD

118. CELEBRATE HIGH SCHOOL: FINISH WITH EXCELLENCE

146. PICTURE BOOKS, PAPER, AND PAINT BRUSHES

Register for Convention HERE

Filed Under: FPEA-Connects Tagged With: , , , , , ,

HSHSP Ep 78: What are Colleges Looking for in Incoming Freshmen

September 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This week on HSHSP Ep 78: What are Colleges Looking for in Incoming Freshmen.

HSHSP Ep 78: What are Colleges Looking for in Incoming Freshmen

Photo Credit: Murray State University

HSHSP Ep 78: What are Colleges Looking for in Incoming Freshmen

College-bound highschoolers want to know: What are colleges looking for in incoming freshmen? What will help the gain admission to college?

You and your teens need good information about what colleges are looking for when they look at the thousands of applications they receive each year. Your teens also need ideas for skills to learn in highschool that will help them succeed in college.

Join Vicki for an eye-opening interview with Dr. Renae Duncan, Associate Provost of Undergraduate Affairs of Murray State University (Murray, KY) about what colleges are looking for in Incoming Freshmen. Dr. Duncan is the sister of 7SistersHomeschool.com’s Vicki Tillman.

Dr. Renae Duncan Associate Provost of Undergraduate Affairs Murray State University

Click image for more information about Dr. Duncan and MSU. Photo credit Murray State University.

What are large state colleges want to see?

  • SAT/ACT s
  • Strong coursework
  • Volunteer work
  • Extracurriculars
  • Application essay at most large state universities

What do regional universities look for? 

  • Strong coursework
  • Good SAT/ACT (more flexibility with scores than larger colleges)
  • Not as much emphasis on service and extracurriculars
  • Often don’t need application essay

What about community colleges?

  • What are the benefits?

PLUS! Dr. Duncan gives insider tips for success:

  • WORKAROUNDS if your homeschool highschooler doesn’t do well on SAT/ACT type testing
  • Insider tips for college success
  • Thoughts on college search and choice.
  • Small college vs larger state college
  • College prep for highschoolers: What skills do they need for college success?
  • College prep for highschoolers: The difference between difficult highschool courses and courses that challenge your teen to think.

Homeschool-Friendly College: Murray State University

Click here for more information on college attractive transcripts and tips for college admissions.

Don’t miss this episode!

HSHSP Ep 78: What are Colleges Looking for in Incoming Freshmen

 

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

College Admissions and the Helicopter Parent – HIRL Episode 105

May 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Free homeschool podcast about college admissionsHave you ever heard that sound? The rhythmic whirring of blades as they chop through the air? That is the sound of a helicopter parent hovering over their homeschooled child getting ready for college. That’s right, we are back at it again with an interview and discussion about college admissions and the need to keep your hands off as your teach your high school graduate to make life choices.

Join us as we spend time in the studio with Aimee Stauf. Aimee is a homeschool graduate, and then she worked as a resident advisor before graduating and now working Patrick Henry College as an admissions counselor. This very knowledgeable guest offers all of us great advice as we prepare our homeschool graduates for their college education. Join us and jump out of your helicopters! You are in for a great episode.

EPISODE TIMELINE
:50 Fluff – Graduations, Baseball,  1970’s Summer, Big Announcement
8:15 College Admissions – Aimee Stauf, Patrick Henry College
27:25 The show is over. Goodbye!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Patrick Henry College Admissions
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
All of them

Music clips used on this episode:
None

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


C_Logo_2012

Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
Next Page »