Good planning, for any student, is essential when considering college, but especially so for homeschooled students. In general, homeschooled students are focused, motivated, and independent, making them successful in the college environment. More and more colleges are becoming "homeschool friendly" and realizing the benefits of having homeschooled students in their ranks. However, be aware that some colleges remain reluctant to accept homeschoolers. Check with colleges early to determine if they have policies and requirements specific to the homeschooled student. HomeSchool Easy Records will provide you with automated transcript preparation and a year-by-year calendar for planning - as well as many other tools in the College Planner.All colleges, whether homeschool friendly or not, have admission requirements. Meeting these requirements depends on good planning in high school. Academic requirements must be met, and in addition to academic requirements colleges often look for other qualities in their students. Impeccable recordkeeping that is detailed and complete is extremely important for the college-bound student.
Perhaps one of the best books to help you with high school planning is Homeschooling High School by Jeanne Gowen Dennis; copyright 2004; ISBN 1-932096-11-6. In her book, Dennis discusses differing homeschool philosophies, including unschooling, and ways to communicate unconventional philosophies to conventional colleges. This book is a gold mine of information.
There are four main areas to consider when preparing for college:
Academic Preparation and Planning
Recordkeeping for College
Entrance Examinations
Transcript Preparation