BEEF UP YOUR BACKGROUND FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Looking for extracurricular activities for your résumé when applying to college? Here’s some advice from a college admissions officer.

By Cindy Peterson

Most college admissions officers today know about homeschool students and the vast experience they bring to the classroom, but some are still wary of home education. They question socialization skills and often assume homeschoolers have not had adequate group experiences nor availed themselves to leadership opportunities.

College admissions officers may assume most homeschooled high school students choose the ‘school-at-home’ approach versus the interest-initiated, eclectic or unit studies approach. For these reasons, it is important that the prospective student be prepared to answer an admissions officer’s questions regarding their approach to home education and their educational philosophy. Expect to answer the question, “So why did you choose homeschooling and how has it enhanced your interests and goals?”

What advice from the college admissions perspective will aid homeschooled high school students in winning admission to the college of their choice? The following are suggestions to incorporate classroom, group and leadership experiences into the homeschooled high schooler’s learning environment. In a student’s résumé, stating his or her involvement in one or more of the listed activities is suggested.

1. Consider a co-op arrangement with other families in your area, perhaps centering those classes on the fine arts or the natural sciences. Locate qualified instructors or college professors who are willing to teach these classes.
2. Enroll in college classes. Joint enrollment programs, where available, offer high school credit, as well as college credit to homeschool students seeking completion of college preparatory requirements. Remember, good grades in college classes indicate college success.
3. Participate in 4-H, church youth groups or community recreational activities.
4. Enroll in a community’s adult education program and take classes that may supplement the home school curriculum or unit study.
5. Intern at a museum, doctor’s office or place of business that interests the student and enhances his or her academic goals.
6. Organize a sports team or coordinate a fundraising effort.
7. Teach young learners (piano or voice lessons). Tutor mathematics or English.
8. Become an editor or coeditor for a homeschool yearbook or newsletter.
9. Seek leadership positions in clubs and organizations.
10. Attend summer college academic and sports programs for high school juniors and seniors. Consider all colleges the student may be interested in and want to apply.
11. Volunteer in the various community-sponsored organizations and events.
12. Lead a mission trip or organize volunteers for a local service project.
13. Attend and teach workshops.
14. Participate in church or community choirs and music ensembles.
15. If drama is an interest, audition for a local play or musical.

Choose activities that demonstrate leadership ability and community involvement. Enrolling in college courses and supplementing appropriate academic material with extracurricular activities and hands-on learning experiences are important ‘tip’ factors in the college admission decision. After all, college admissions officers are seeking students who have proven themselves successful in all areas of life.

Cindy Peterson is an admissions officer at Piedmont College.