|
| Choosing College for Homeschooler |
 Atmosphere on campus. Most homeschooling families care about the influence of the atmosphere of a campus - will all their firm family and religious values be put aside or will they be supported and encouraged? Are there active student religious groups on campus? What is the dorm situation like - is it a drinking party haven or appropriate to actual study and friendship? Are there noiseless floors, international floors, floors for kids who share a major, an honors dorm? Getting benefit from any "sleeping bag weekends" given by colleges your child is seriously considering is a nice idea.
Safety considerations. Examine the school's safety record, and check what special precautions are taken to avoid problems. A lot of colleges now have late-night escort services on campus, so that students can feel safe returning to their dorms after a late session at the library. Pay attention to the atmosphere, which may include city, suburban, rural settings. Does your student prefer to have many cultural options always available - major symphonies and plays, art and science museums, galleries, large well-groomed parks with community festivals, many nearby options for internship positions? Does your teen want to be fully integrated into the fussy life of the surrounding community or cloistered away in a safe and well-defined ivy-covered campus? Is amazing wild scenery essential, with maybe miles of cross-country skiing trails leading right from the dorms? Any of these options can be possible, even more.
Decisions. It's also essential for kids to know that while it's essential to find a good match for their basic interests and purposes, their initiative and motivation once on campus is what's going to really make the difference in feeling that they've made the right selection. Homeschoolers who've gotten really involved in campus life - through tutoring fellow students or community kids in college afterschool programs, attending professors during office hours to speak about academic purposes, participating in religious clubs, attending fencing lessons or jumping into intramural volleyball, working on the college radio or honors activities committee to plan special events, helping with the escort service, or anything else - have one thing in common: they usually love their colleges. They feel a part of something, they feel busy and active and growing. And if you love your college, you'll generally be ready to work hard to achieve all your academic purposes.
|
|
