Homeschool Myths: Homeschooled Students Are Unprepared for College

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Asian Development Bank; Flickr.com

A common homeschool myth is the one that assumes children who attend a homeschool will not be prepared for college. Some will make the assumption that a student who is educated outside of a traditional school setting will be unprepared for the academic challenges of a college. In this, and other articles on the myths of homeschool, I explore and help shed some light on some of the common myths surrounding homeschool. My findings come from personal experience and are often combined with research studies or other evidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Homeschooled children outperform students in traditional schools on standardized tests.
• Homeschooled children often perform at one or more grade levels higher than age requirements.
• Says 10 year old homeschool student, Courtney Oliver, "Might as well get it done early as get it done late."

What Do College Recruiters Think?

Many college recruiters disagree with the myth that homeschoolers are unprepared for college. In fact, some even prefer homeschooled students. Why? Many students who homeschool have advanced studying skills, such as the knowledge of various resources, as well as the ability to work well independently. Homeschoolers can also possess exceptional teamwork and social skills, which are very essential to many college courses.

Homeschooling Opens Up More Opportunities to Learn

In addition to the above qualities, many homeschooled children begin taking college level courses before they are finished with their K-12 education, due to the flexibility of their schedules and the opportunity to advance at one's own pace. According to the HSLDA, they often perform one or more grade levels above their age requirements and can often begin taking those college courses long before their peers.

Even if a homeschooled child is not above his grade level, that student can simply adjust their class schedule to fit in accredited college courses. Homeschooling actually allows students the unique opportunity of beginning (and completing) college early.

Just ask 10 year old Courtney Oliver, who, according to KOMONews, became a vet tech assistant in just 9 months while also homeschooling. Says Courtney, "Might as well get it done early as get it done late." There are other homeschooled students receiving degrees and/or taking college courses early. All one has to do is a simple web search to find them.

What is Required of Homeschool Students?

Many people don't realize that students who homeschool are still required to take college preparation tests, such as the SAT and ACT, which they’ve been known to exceed expectations in. They also are required to have transcripts and earn diplomas, just like any other student. Homeschooled teens receive high school diplomas upon completion, contrary to what some believe.

Are Homeschooled Students Qualified to Attend College?

Because of the wide opportunity to get ahead in studies, homeschooled students may actually be more qualified to attend college than some of their peers who attend traditional public or private schools. A 2006 study published by the HSLDA also shows that homeschooled students are excelling in college socially, emotionally, and academically.

The high school dropout rate for students in a homeschool setting is far less than that of a child who attends public or private school. Students who homeschool also score well above both public and private-schooled students on state-mandated tests.

Are Homeschooled Students Unprepared For College?

When comparing all of the examples and evidence above, as well as personal experience with my own and other homeschooled children, it is difficult to assume that homeschooled students are ill-prepared for college. While a small percentage of homeschoolers may be lax in their studies, most homeschooled students seem to be more prepared than other students to not only attend college, but to succeed when they get there, as well as in many academic or career pursuits.