Homeschoolers and College

There is widespread acceptance of homeschooled students in colleges today.
Q
Do homeschoolers get accepted into college?
A
My first introduction to homeschooled teens was to the Colfax family. Micki and David Colfax homeschooled their three boys, and all three went on to Harvard.

Their book, Homeschooling for Excellence, describes their homeschooling adventure. At the time the book was written, not much was known about homeschooling, but they certainly helped to open the doors to the widespread acceptance of homeschooled students in colleges today.

I was recently with a homeschooled teen who will be going to college in the fall. He described how several colleges actively recruited him after learning he was homeschooled. College administrators have given homeschooled students high marks for maturity, adaptation to college life, and successful completion of courses.

Dr. Patricia Lines, in a comprehensive report on homeschooling, surveyed admissions officers from various colleges and universities. All indicated they are pleased to consider homeschooled teens for admission. "Homeschoolers bring fresh diversity to their student body," writes Dr. Lines.

You might also want to read Cafi Cohen's book And What about College? : How Homeschooling Leads to Admissions to the Best Colleges and Universities.

Isabel Shaw is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 15 years. She and her husband Ray homeschool their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda. Besides being a contributor to FamilyEducation.com, Shaw has written for Home Education Magazine, The Link, Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, The Homeschool Gazette, and other publications.

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