Homeschooling The College Bound

Do your student’s post-high school plans include college? If so, you may have many questions regarding academic preparation during the high school years, as well as selecting a college, deciding which college entrance tests your teen should take, and navigating the college application process.

In this brochure, you’ll find answers for:

Setting Out

Before your student can arrive at his ideal college destination, it’s important to map out the route through high school. The strength of your student’s high school program depends on the number of credits accumulated during high school and the number of advanced courses—such as Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment—taken. Three typical college prep programs* are outlined below:

• Average College Prep Program: Usually a minimum of 24 credits.

• Strong College Prep Program: Approximately 26–28 credits, with higher-level math and additional history/social science, foreign language, and science courses. Dual enrollment and AP courses are recommended.

• Rigorous College Prep Program: 28 or more credits with AP and dual enrollment courses highly recommended.

For all college prep programs, the senior year of high school should consist of a full course load complete with advanced-level courses.

Showing that your student has taken classes from outside sources and has been evaluated by other teachers is helpful in the college admissions process. Carefully assess your teen’s maturity and academic abilities before signing him up for outside classes.

Benefits of taking an outside class are numerous, including interaction in a group setting, exposure to different teacher expectations, college credit earned while in high school, and development of time management skills. Taking a few courses from someone other than a parent may also provide a source for letters of recommendation, which are often required for college applications.

* For detailed course and credit recommendations, read HSLDA’s brochure, “Developing a Plan for High School,” at www.hslda.org/highschool/hsplan.

Road Tests

College entrance test scores are essential for admission to most colleges. Your student may choose to first take the PSAT. Either SAT or ACT tests are required by most colleges.*

Time Line

• PSAT: Take in 10th grade for practice, then in 11th to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

• SAT/ACT: Tests may be taken after completion of Algebra I and Geometry. Have your student repeat the test, since scores generally improve the second time around.

Registration

• PSAT: In early summer, contact a local public or private school for information about registering for the October PSAT.

• SAT: Register online with the College Board.

• ACT: Register online at www.actstudent.org.

Preparation

• Test preparation is a must. Use books, computer software, online tutorials, group classes, or private tutors.

Selecting a Destination

Research college options online. Consider your child’s proposed major, the college size, location, state or private, religious affiliation (if any), cost, campus ministries, and proximity to a good church.