Colleges & Careers
More and more universities and colleges welcome and encourage applications from homeschoolers. We'll help you understand the process of applying for college and the special needs of homeschoolers, including preparing transcripts, entering college early, and working with institutions that may not be used to unconventional learning models.
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Blog, She Wrote: Embracing the Independent and Authentic Nature of Homeschooling
This extensive blog offers support for parents homeschooling through high school, with information on planning high school homeschool, creating electives, preparing for college, writing essays, teaching science, navigating college selection, and more!
Recognizing Home School Diplomas for College Admittance and Financial Aid
Colleges and universities frequently ask two questions about home schoolers: (1) Are home schoolers eligible for financial aid without obtaining a GED or passing an ability-to-benefit test? and (2) Can a university admit a student with a home school high school diploma who is under the age of compulsory attendance and still retain its eligibility for federal funding? The answer to both questions is “Yes.” This analysis of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 explains what post-secondary s...
What does the SAT measure? Aptitude? Achievement? Anything?
When the first SAT was created, it was named the Scholastic Aptitude Test, signaling that its creators and the education world believed it to be a test of aptitude, or, a student’s ability to perform well in college. Aptitude tests supposedly measure talents that indicate possible achievement in the future, while achievement tests supposedly reveal how much someone has learned in the past. All these years later, we know the test never really did measure anybody’s aptitude to do well in college.
Looking Ahead to College
This article includes some great tips for organizing for a college search. Includes information on how colleges assess homeschoolers, widely used exams for college acceptance and/or credit, and more.
Admissions Decision-Making Models: How U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Select Undergraduate Students
This report examines how institutions make admissions decisions. Information from more than 100 institutions, representing all levels of selectivity, forms the basis for this report.
5 Essential Keys to Your Perfect College Search
The whole college selection process can be a daunting challenge for Catholic families, both to those searching for the first-time, and even to those who have gone through the process before. Going to college can change a person’s life forever, including where he ends up for eternity. After all those years of sacrificing to give their children the best possible Catholic education, many parents are confronted with a huge decision. This advice will help prospective college students and their parent...
Ten Things High School Grads Need to do Before Leaving for College
Congratulations! You are preparing to head off to your college campus for the first time! What an exciting, and scary!, time this is. Here are a few things for you to take care of so you'll be ready when you arrive. This great list includes information about financial aid, jobs, resumes, finances, organization, and more.
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
Founded in 1920, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has, over four decades, become the leading proponent and the national “voice for community colleges.” Today, AACC’s membership represents close to 95 percent of all accredited U.S. two-year community, junior and technical colleges and their 10.5 million students, as well as a growing number of international members in Puerto Rico, Japan, Great Britain, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The colleges are the largest and fas...
And What About College?: How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities
Get all your questions about helping your homeschooled student apply and get accepted to college answered with this resource. It discusses transcripts, diplomas, education choices, online colleges, and more. If you are worried about whether your homeschooled student can have a successful college search, then this book will help allay those fears and offers good support and information. 
Colleges that Admit Homeschoolers FAQ
Wondering which colleges admit homeschoolers? The list is growing every day. This compilation by Learn in Freedom lists more than 1,000 schools of higher education with links to over 980 college Web sites.
Home-Schooled Students & Admission: Your Child's Unique Approach to the Process
Each college evaluates home-schooled applicants differently. Some colleges admit many home schoolers. Others have yet to admit one. Either way, your child needs to take extra admission steps.
For Such a Time as This
For Such a Time as This offers curriculum assistance, distance learning, and college admission consulting.
ACT vs SAT: Key differences between the ACT and SAT
ACT vs SAT: which test is a better fit for your student? Students may take whichever test they prefer (assuming there are available testing locations for both tests). If you’re not sure which test your child would prefer, consider the key differences between the ACT and SAT. Some students find that the ACT caters to their strengths more so than the SAT, and vice versa. Need a quick side-by-side comparison of the tests? Check out this ACT vs SAT Comparison Chart.
The SAT vs. the ACT: Which to Choose?
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take? It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT. The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) is designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.
How Do Home School Graduates Enter the Military?
Article includes anecdotes and information about joining the military without a high school diploma.
Resources
Blog, She Wrote: Embracing the Independent and Authentic Nature of Homeschooling

This extensive blog offers support for parents homeschooling through high school, with information on planning high school homeschool, creating electives, preparing for college, writing essays, teaching science, navigating college selection, and more!

Annie & Everything

Ann Karako offers support and guidance for families with homeschooling teenagers. With articles, support, and resources, you'll find the information and confidence you need to homeschool your high school student here. 

And What About College?: How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities
Get all your questions about helping your homeschooled student apply and get accepted to college answered with this resource. It discusses transcripts, diplomas, education choices, online colleges, and more. If you are worried about whether your homeschooled student can have a successful college search, then this book will help allay those fears and offers good support and information. 
Links
5 Essential Keys to Your Perfect College Search
The whole college selection process can be a daunting challenge for Catholic families, both to those searching for the first-time, and even to those who have gone through the process before. Going to college can change a person’s life forever, including where he ends up for eternity. After all those years of sacrificing to give their children the best possible Catholic education, many parents are confronted with a huge decision. This advice will help prospective college students and their parents make this decision.
Colleges that Admit Homeschoolers FAQ
Wondering which colleges admit homeschoolers? The list is growing every day. This compilation by Learn in Freedom lists more than 1,000 schools of higher education with links to over 980 college Web sites.
For Such a Time as This
For Such a Time as This offers curriculum assistance, distance learning, and college admission consulting.
The College Board
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,700 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three and a half million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program®(AP).
Ten Things High School Grads Need to do Before Leaving for College
Congratulations! You are preparing to head off to your college campus for the first time! What an exciting, and scary!, time this is. Here are a few things for you to take care of so you'll be ready when you arrive. This great list includes information about financial aid, jobs, resumes, finances, organization, and more.
Articles
How Do Home School Graduates Enter the Military?
Article includes anecdotes and information about joining the military without a high school diploma.
ACT vs SAT: Key differences between the ACT and SAT
ACT vs SAT: which test is a better fit for your student? Students may take whichever test they prefer (assuming there are available testing locations for both tests). If you’re not sure which test your child would prefer, consider the key differences between the ACT and SAT. Some students find that the ACT caters to their strengths more so than the SAT, and vice versa. Need a quick side-by-side comparison of the tests? Check out this ACT vs SAT Comparison Chart.
Admissions Decision-Making Models: How U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Select Undergraduate Students
This report examines how institutions make admissions decisions. Information from more than 100 institutions, representing all levels of selectivity, forms the basis for this report.
Recognizing Home School Diplomas for College Admittance and Financial Aid
Colleges and universities frequently ask two questions about home schoolers: (1) Are home schoolers eligible for financial aid without obtaining a GED or passing an ability-to-benefit test? and (2) Can a university admit a student with a home school high school diploma who is under the age of compulsory attendance and still retain its eligibility for federal funding? The answer to both questions is “Yes.” This analysis of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 explains what post-secondary schools could require of home school applicants and how homeschooled students are eligible for financial aid.
The SAT vs. the ACT: Which to Choose?
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take? It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT. The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) is designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.
Home-Schooled Students & Admission: Your Child's Unique Approach to the Process
Each college evaluates home-schooled applicants differently. Some colleges admit many home schoolers. Others have yet to admit one. Either way, your child needs to take extra admission steps.
Looking Ahead to College
This article includes some great tips for organizing for a college search. Includes information on how colleges assess homeschoolers, widely used exams for college acceptance and/or credit, and more.
Homeschooling Comes of Age
A fascinating and positive look at some of Brown University alumni who were homeschooled as children. Teaching children at home is no longer just the choice of religious and political iconoclasts. Now, drawn by Brown’s tradition of independence and self-direction, a new generation of homeschoolers is arriving—and thriving—on campus.
What does the SAT measure? Aptitude? Achievement? Anything?
When the first SAT was created, it was named the Scholastic Aptitude Test, signaling that its creators and the education world believed it to be a test of aptitude, or, a student’s ability to perform well in college. Aptitude tests supposedly measure talents that indicate possible achievement in the future, while achievement tests supposedly reveal how much someone has learned in the past. All these years later, we know the test never really did measure anybody’s aptitude to do well in college.
And What About College?: How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities
Get all your questions about helping your homeschooled student apply and get accepted to college answered with this resource. It discusses transcripts, diplomas, education choices, online colleges, and more. If you are worried about whether your homeschooled student can have a successful college search, then this book will help allay those fears and offers good support and information. 
Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid (FSA)
The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs are the largest source of student aid in America, providing nearly 70% of all student financial aid. Help is available to make education beyond high school financially possible for you or your child. The information provided here is designed to assist you in your college planning. It provides you with access to and information about the products and services that you will need throughout the financial aid process. FSA is financial help for students enrolled in eligible programs at participating schools to cover school (a four-year or two-year public or private educational institution, a career school or trade school) expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Most federal aid is need based. The three most common types of aid are grants, loans, and work-study.
State Colleges & Universities
Universities.com
Universities.com has organized the most extensive collection of Post-Secondary distance learning and on-campus colleges and universities.
Community Colleges in Illinois
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
Founded in 1920, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has, over four decades, become the leading proponent and the national “voice for community colleges.” Today, AACC’s membership represents close to 95 percent of all accredited U.S. two-year community, junior and technical colleges and their 10.5 million students, as well as a growing number of international members in Puerto Rico, Japan, Great Britain, Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The colleges are the largest and fastest-growing sector of U.S. higher education, enrolling close to half (45 percent) of all U.S. undergraduates. AACC supports and promotes its member colleges through policy initiatives, innovative programs, research and information and strategic outreach to business and industry and the national news media.
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Featured Resources

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Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
This radical treatise on public education has been a New Society Publishers' bestseller for 10 years! Thirty years of award-winning teaching in New York City's public schools led John Gatto to the sad conclusion that compulsory governmental schooling...
A Catholic Homeschool Treasury: Nurturing Children's Love for Learning
This book reviews different approaches to learning and different homeschooling methods. Read parents' perspectives and learn more about homeschooling issues. 
Drawn Into the Heart of Reading
Drawn Into the Heart of Reading was developed for use with students of multiple ages at the same time, perfect for the homeschooling family. It is designed for use as an entire reading program or as a supplement to an existing program for students in...
Pattern Blocks and Boards
This set of 10 simply designed colorful wooden blocks and pattern boards includes 100 blocks in six different shapes and colors. They help develop shape recognition and spatial relationship skills. The contents store neatly in a durable wooden case. ...
The Living Page: Keeping Notebooks with Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason believed that children need to be trained to see, to have their eyes opened, in order to find joy in life. This work explains the value of using the method of writing in journals or notebooks, as derived from the expansive work of Cha...