The College Search For Homeschooled Students: Why It Matters
Homeschool parents are often hyper-focused on creating transcripts and managing high school curriculum for their teens. While this is certainly essential, the college search itself is perhaps the most important aspect of determining life after high school homeschool. Here’s why.
Graduating A Homeschooled High Schooler
My oldest graduated high school almost two years ago and is currently a sophomore at a small, private college.
We did not think he would attend college at all until early in his senior year of high school. We began the college search later than most, and I was sure we would be at a serious disadvantage because we homeschooled.
I could not have been more wrong.
Our experience was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, our decision to homeschool allowed my child is specialize in certain academic subjects that made him highly desirable to certain colleges.
Read more about our transition to college
Homeschooling High School: What Matters Most May Surprise You
By the time the final decision was made, not only did he get into his first choice college, he had a full scholarship as well.
Looking back, I can see that what made his experience such a success was how we approached the college application process and most importantly, the types of colleges he chose to apply to. The college search is really what mattered most for my child.
Things To Consider In Your College Search For Nontraditional Learners
If your child is a nontraditional learner of any kind, it is important to consider colleges that have a stated and demonstrated focus on less traditional, more wholistic learning.
I know this seems obvious, but the truth is, most of us think that college must look as traditional and formal as it did when we were in school. Luckily, that is no longer the case.
Our College Search Criteria
For my child, finding smaller colleges with smaller class sizes was one of our first considerations. My son knew large classes with throngs of students would not work well with his learning needs.
We also only considered colleges that were test-optional for SAT/ACT. Because standardized tests have never been a great measure of potential in our homeschool, we wanted a college that reflected the same understanding and approach.
The result was a great fit that aligned with my son’s interests and learning needs.
Thiel College: Accessible And Dynamic Options For Homeschoolers
Thiel College is an excellent example of what I recommend you consider as part of your college search.
A small school with a big heart, Thiel College supports social, intellectual and ultimately, professional connections for your child. They pride themselves on a college experience that focuses on all aspects of growth and development – much like our homeschooled families!
To illustrate the difference, take a look at Thiel College’s stated educational priorities for prospective students:
You’ll experience theoretical learning, practical and hands-on assignments, service learning activities and internships – for the finest career preparation you can imagine. A wide variety of co-curricular activities will help you develop leadership skills you didn’t know you had.
A college that promotes service and hands-on learning? This is the creative and dynamic edge that makes Thiel a great choice for nontraditional learners.
More Thiel College Facts To Consider:
- $21 million in scholarships were awarded in 2021.
- 99% of students receive some aid, making this choice not only a great fit, but affordable!
- More than $47 million recent investments in new construction and renovations, including a new science building, gymnasium, and student residences.
- 100% of students complete at least one internship or other high impact practice.
- 95% of graduates are employed or continuing their studies in their subject area within a year of graduation.
- 11:1 student/faculty ratio ensures a personalized experience. (This was critical for my son.)
Thiel College is a college choice “rooted in academic excellence, innovation, tradition and inclusion.” They offer over 60 different majors and minors as well as pre-professional programs, dual enrollment high school options, and study abroad opportunities.
Are You Beginning A College Search For Your Homeschooler?
I highly encourage you to add Thiel College to your list of prospective schools. They have all the dynamic ingredients to make post secondary learning a success for your child.