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College Preparations for Homeschoolers
by
Sherri Linsenbach
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- Start college preparations early in teens
- Students need to get ready for SAT or ACT
- You will create the high school transcript
If your child is planning to attend college, the early high-school years are the time to begin preparations. She’ll want to focus on the subjects that are required for college, as well as her grades and credits earned. Her volunteerism and part-time jobs also come into play. Most colleges recognize the benefits of real-life experiences, so your teen will want to document all these experiences and include them with her college admission package.
College Entrance Exams
Your teen will also want to begin preparing for SAT or ACT tests if she plans to take them. These are only given at certain times of the year, so she’ll want to be prepared well in advance and register ahead of time. To find out when and where the tests will be given in your area and how to register, contact your local school district. They can also advise you on ways to prepare for the test, the costs, and any other information you may need. Although there are no age restrictions, students usually take the SAT or ACT tests during the eleventh or twelfth grades.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many books and websites are devoted to helping you locate scholarships or financial aid for college expenses. You needn’t pay a service to do this research for you. However, you do want to be on the lookout for scams regarding scholarships and aid. Once again, look to your local school district and library to help guide you in the best directions for information and advice on applying to colleges.
High-School Transcripts
For homeschoolers, the high school transcript is an important tool for gaining entrance into college. You or your child will want to keep track of all the subjects she covers, her grades, and credits earned from the ninth through twelfth grades. This information will be recorded in the high-school transcript that many colleges require.
Generally, a half credit is earned in a subject in one semester, providing your child with a full credit for a year’s study in that subject. For instance, one semester of science can equal one-half credit; the second semester earns another half credit. By the end of the freshman year, your child will have earned one full credit in science. As indicated earlier, your teen will usually need twenty-two to twenty-four credits to meet traditional graduation requirements. These credits can easily be attained in each of the core subject areas and electives during the four years of high school.
…from The Everything Homeschooling Book, 2nd Edition. For more books, visit Adams Media Bookstore.
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