Michigan Homeschoolers

As the college application season is in full swing, most homeschool parents with graduating homeschoolers are thinking about college. Some may be a bit worried about how difficult it will be to get into college because of the fact that they have been homeschooled and because of some of the negative perceptions about homeschooling and going to college. However, I can safely say that getting into college as a homeschooler was no more difficult for me than any other person who applied to college. To give some confidence to other Michigan homeschoolers who are applying to colleges right now or plan to in the future, I have decided to detail my experiences.

My college planning really started in the 11th grade. My mom and I both decided that I should take the ACT toward the end of my junior year of Homeschool High School. I took the ACT for the first time at a nearby public school in April of 2006. I did fairly well on the first testing, but due to distractions at the high school, I was allowed to take the test again at no additional charge. And so I took it again in June ‘06 and  ended up besting my score in every category. My overall composite score was a 26, good enough to qualify for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship (which gives up to $1300 a year to students in Michigan who earn at least a 23 ACT score–this isn’t dependent on grades and is a decent scholarship). It was also a good enough score to prove to college admission that I had what it took to be a successful college student. I did not take the ACT with the writing portion, as I did not see the need for it. However, if I were taking the ACT now, I probably would take the writing portion just to broaden my college options as most colleges now require it. I used the official ACT practice guide’s two practice tests to prepare and these were a big help. I also used Barron’s ACT book, a very good tool as well.

In the summer of 2006, I visited my local university (the University of Michigan-Flint). It was a summer visit day for area high school seniors. Through this visit I gained familiarity with the campus and faculty–in fact, I met the head of admissions and became friends with her. This was an excellent opportunity for me to get my foot in the door, so to speak, so if the college you/your child is considering attending has one of these summer visit days, I highly recommend they go to it.

In October of 2006, I went back on campus at the UM-Flint and was able to sit in on two classes as part of their face-to-face program. This allowed me to see what education was like in a college classroom setting. It relieved some of the fears I had about going to college classes and was a very good thing. Again, if the college you are considering offers something like this, take advantage of it. It is a great chance to meet people on campus and get used to being on campus.

Also in October, my perspective college had a “Fall Preview” night at the local library. At this event, everything from admission to financial aid was discussed and it provided a lot of invaluable information. It also allowed me to apply in person for admission to the college. I was able to talk personally with the head of admissions (who recognized me) and hand in my own ACT score sheet and transcript. The transcript I handed in had my classes organized by subject and was completely homebrewed. Not only did the head of admissions accept the transcript with no problems whatsoever, but she was even impressed by it.

In November 2006, I was granted admission to UM-Flint with distinction and promptly awarded a generous admissions merit scholarship. I was not a spectacular student (my GPA was 3.6), nor did I have a lot of volunteer experience. But I was diverse (having done some volunteering, played basketball on a homeschool team, participated in summer golf for several years etc.) and took a good amount of classes, which seemed to make a good impression on the college.  I believe what also helped me was that I applied before the university’s priority deadline of November 1. This is something I would stress as important to those who are seeking admission and priority scholarship consideration: apply before the priority deadline. It will pay off.

In January 2007, I applied for FAFSA. Some might be under the assumption that FAFSA for a homeschool student is different. It isn’t. Homeschooling has no negative nor positive influence on FAFSA and how much financial aid you get from the government. The FAFSA form is pretty easy to fill out and is absolutely essential. For the Michigan Homeschooler, it should be filled out between January 1 and March 1.

During the summer of 2007, I participated in the Flint Junior Golf Association as an 18 hole golfer. This was my sixth and final year of golfing in the FJGA, and having played in the FJGA paid off for me financially: I was able to apply for and receive the FJGA scholarship. This is something I would also stress to other homeschoolers: join groups and organizations around your community, as it can provide you with many scholarship opportunities.

In August 2007, I started college at the University of Michigan-Flint as a freshman. My first semester was fairly easy and I adjusted quickly to the academics of college. It wasn’t that much different from homeschooling in that I had to have self-motivation and keep on top of schoolwork–just like in homeschool. The only difference was going on campus to classes.

This was my experience with getting into college. Here are several pointers I would like to give to other homeschoolers:

• Take advantage of open houses and visit days at colleges you are considering.
• Apply early and preferably in person to perspective colleges. This gives you priority consideration for scholarships and also makes a good impression on the college.
• Keep an updated transcript. There are many great transcript templates on the internet. You will need a transcript in order to apply to college, so make sure you have one in place.
• Apply as soon after January 1 as possible for FAFSA. This will give you the best chance at getting the most financial aid.
• Join groups/organizations in your community and apply for any scholarships they are offering.
• Use FastWeb to apply for other legitimate scholarships. Most are open to homeschoolers.
• Be patient and realize that millions of other homeschoolers have successfully made the jump from homeschooling to college. You can do it too!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.