Homeschooling high school can be a great way for students to tailor their education to their individual needs and interests, and to prepare for college and beyond. Here are a few tips for homeschooling high school students with an eye towards college and career readiness:
Keep a record of your coursework: Homeschooled students should maintain a record of the courses they have completed, including the name of the course, the materials used, and any assessments or evaluations. This will be important for college admissions and for demonstrating that you have met high school graduation requirements. Here is a link to a good source of free templates: School Class Excel Template | teachers Resources (thanktheteachers.org)
Take challenging coursework: Colleges look for students who have taken a challenging course load in high school. Consider taking advanced courses in math, science, and English, as well as elective courses in areas that interest you.
Participate in extracurricular activities: Colleges like to see well-rounded students who have participated in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, or community service. Consider finding ways to get involved in your community or participating in online clubs or organizations.
Prepare for college entrance exams: Most colleges require applicants to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Start preparing for these exams early and consider taking practice tests to get a feel for the format and content of the exam. Here is a great link to a University of Portland article that has excellent tips: How To Prepare For College — College Readiness Guide | University of Portland (up.edu)
Research colleges and careers: Start exploring colleges and careers that interest you, and think about what you need to do to prepare for them. Consider talking to people who work in fields that interest you, or participating in internships or other experiential learning opportunities.
By following these tips, homeschooled high school students can be well-prepared for college and beyond. Especially because they have been taking responsibility for their own education for years at this point.