Why are certain colleges on your homeschooler’s list?
Beyond scores, rankings, and geography, why are they a great fit?
If you don’t know, it’s time to hit the rewind button.
Finding the right schools is tough, I know.
But imagine if you knew deeply - not superficially - why a school was on the list.
Let me show you how to find the right colleges based on these 5 qualities:
Don’t go into your homeschooler’s college search blindly. Be informed.
Eric Furda, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at University of Pennsylvania, recommends that you AND your homeschooler…
Write down the five characteristics or qualities they want (or you want for your homeschooler) out of the college experience.
Still with me?
Awesome. Your homeschooler now has a good grasp on who they are and who they want to be.
But do they have a good grasp on what the school is? And what the school wants to be?
Because finding the right fit depends on how your homeschooler’s qualities and interests and ideas align with a school’s qualities and interests and ideas.
Bonus: Download your FREE guide and create an outline for a homeschool guidance counselor letter in under 15 minutes!
Each school has a particular culture that has permeated throughout its history. What is this school about? What does it stand for? Does it align with your priorities?
Each school has a particular academic philosophy. Does it match with your homeschooler’s learning style and goals?
Each school has its conclusions. Its own results. Does it resonate with what your homeschooler wants to achieve? Rick Clark, Dean of Admissions for Georgia Tech, suggests the following questions.
Each school has its own policy and philosophy regarding aid. Know them. Well. Do they align with your budget?
Related: The Truth About College Scholarships for Homeschoolers
Each school has its own system of dealing with homeschoolers. Make sure you know this well in advance so there aren’t any surprises. Are you willing to meet these requirements?
When I started down the homeschool path, I wasn’t sure what kind of homeschooler I was going to be. I tried to find a philosophy that fit. I tried to find a curriculum that fit.
And the more I leaned into the options that matched my family and its values, the clearer the path became.
You might think that the college search is a daunting one. And you might doubt your ability to navigate it.
But your homeschooler is unique. They have unique experiences and interests and values.
The more you do the deep work of listening to their story, the easier this process will be.
So, commit to your original path. To your homeschooler’s story. To what matters most to them.
Start embracing their life song by asking the right questions.
And the right schools will sound perfect indeed.
Bonus:
Download your FREE guide and create an outline for a homeschool guidance counselor letter in under 15 minutes!
Which questions surprise you most? Share in a comment below!