The task of applying for college is daunting for any student, but home-schooled students and parents can find the process particularly overwhelming. The good news is that by focusing on a few key features both students and parents alike will be able to successfully navigate the collegiate application process. If parents and students alike start planning for this application process as early as possible, prepare an excellent academic portfolio, and create a relationship with the prospective educational institutions then success is surely in the future for any homeschooler!

The first thing that parents and students need to do is to make a plan for college as early as possible. There is nothing wrong with beginning to plant the seed in a five year olds mind that he or she is going to be headed for college. Additionally, as the parents begin to construct their homeschooling curriculum it is essential to consider utilizing an accredited curriculum. By using such a program, you are ensuring that your student will be prepared for any admission standards that their prospective college may have.

One of the best ways to make your life easier, make sure your student is getting the best education they can, and that they get accepted to the college of their choice is to have your child homeschooled through an accredited program. When a child is homeschooled through an accredited distance learning school like Laurel Springs School, they are able to have a school on there records, have transcripts available, and record of the prerequisites needed for getting into a good college. Plus in addition receive an education that is designed for there learning style and level of knowledge.

For reference and comparison, I have provided the college placement statistics from a leading distance learning school, Laurel Springs School:

• 85 percent of seniors are attending college.

• 90 percent were accepted to the college of their choice.

• The 15 percent who postponed college were mainly professional, elite athletes and actors.

• There SAT scores were also higher than state and national average.

Learn more about how to choose a quality distance learning homeschool.

Students should also create an academic portfolio throughout their homeschooling years. Not only will this portfolio allow the parent and the student the opportunity it see the academic progress of the student, but it will also serve as a representation of the students educational background and quality of work. A quality portfolio would have a record, such as a journal kept by the student, of the curriculum that has been covered. Additionally a photo album of projects and/or field trips is also a fantastic addition to any student’s portfolio. Lastly, and most importantly a portfolio should contain a comprehensive sample of the student’s physical schoolwork.

Perhaps the toughest challenge for any student applying to college is to make themselves stand out from the stacks of applications that they are a part of. One of the best ways that a home-schooled student can do that is by creating a personal relationship with the institution that he or she is applying to. It is not ever to early to do this. Perhaps this student can go to the school, take a tour, and get their face in front of the admissions office? Get a specific contact at the university and begin a dialogue. If the student can become a person as opposed to merely an applicant, they will garner much more attention and interest, which therefore makes them an extremely desirable candidate!

Academic success is within the grasp of any home-schooled student, but the trick is to maneuver the application process successfully. By setting the goal of achieving a college degree early, maintaining a comprehensive academic portfolio, and creating a personal relationship with prospective universities any student will greatly increase their chances of successfully navigating the collegiate admissions process

Laurel Springs School, founded in 1991, is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Located in Ojai, California, Laurel Springs serves students across the United States and in 43 countries. Current enrollment is 3,000 students, with more than 2,000 students enrolled in the online high school program. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience.

www.laurelsprings.com