Homeschooled applicants attractive to top liberal arts colleges

The faculty, staff and student newspaper of the University of Richmond
April 2006

When homeschooling became a major movement in American education, college - bound homeschoolers faced a rigid application process designed to evaluate students from traditional high schools - not to mention colleges and universities skeptical of their preparation.

A generation later, homeschoolers have become highly desirable as applicants to some ofthe best institutions of higher learning, although they should be prepared to provide special information to admission officers.

"Homeschooled students, by and large, are a liberal arts college's dream," says Sabena Moretz-Van Namen, associate director of admissions at the University of Richmond. "We want more students who think outside the box and color outside the lines. Homeschoolers often have developed into self directred learners. Traditional high school students osmetimes lack that trait."

Richmond, a highly selective, top tier liberal arts university with 3,000 undergraduates, has eight students who were homeschooled for at least their senior year of high school.

According to Moretz-Van Namen, self direction allows many homeschoolers an easier transition into college academic work than that experienced by graduates of traditional high schools.

"In college, it's not about following directions," she explains, "It's about figuring out a whole new path."

Sherie Mungo, a freshman from Portsmouth, VA, was homeschooled her entire life. She became interested in attending the University for several reasons, including its significant study abroad opportunities, generous financial aide program and beautiful campus. Mungo says the move form homeschooling into college challenged her, but no more than most other first year students.

"My adjustment process has been the same, I think, as all other freshmen - new place, new experience, freedom from parents, heavier workload," says Mungo, "From what I have seen and heard, I have the same issues as a freshman coming from public or private school."

Richmond junior Kristen Greenholt of Yadkinville, NC says she knows other homeschoolers who had a difficult transition into college life, but it was not a challenge for her.

"Socially, I was every bit as apt as my peers, and academically, I was more individually motivated than a lot of them," Greenholt said. "I was used to managing my own schedule, assignments and work."

However, Moretz-Van Namen says not every homeshcooled student is ready for the admission to any college. "Admission officers have to look at homeschoolers with a lot of care" and homeshcooled students should plan to compile the information colleges need to make an admission decision. She says a thorough record of all courses completed is fundamental, so that colleges can be sure homeschooled applicants have a well rounded education.

The admission experience of homeschooled Richmond graduates provides additional tips.

After finishing his high school education two year early, Taylor Campbell, attended a community college for two years before enrolling at Richmond. He and his mother founded they needed to do work that traditional schools perform for their students applying to college. "Since I didn't have a high school counselor, we had to create the transcipt and letters ourselves," the Ashland, VA senior said, "But my mom kept good records, so it wasn't a problem.

Greenholt suggests that homeschooled applicants "write good essays, apply on time, be organized, take standardized tests seriously, make sure your recommendations are from people other than your parents who know you and your abilities well, and have a well balanced high school experience."

Younger homeschoolers hwo think they are college bound should plan to demonstrate the same academic, extra curriucluar and leaderships skills that colleges require of all applicants regardless of background.

Moretz-Van Namen urges homeschoolers to work with subjects in which they lack interest or talent. She said that by challenging themselves with difficult subjects, students grow academically.

"It's like cross training," she said. "Even if you're a really slow runner, you have to cross train."

Mungo recommends community involvement, volunteering and taking courses at local community colleges.

Although homeschooled applicants face a unique set of application circumstances, they can compete successfully for college admission.

"Don't be afraid to take the leap into college. We homeschoolers can hold our own," Mungo says.