college

With the increasing challenge for students to afford a college degree, families are searching for options.  There are several ways students can earn college credit while in high school, reducing their college costs.  Most of these programs are free to the student.

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) allows Minnesota high school juniors and seniors to take courses at a college, on campus or online, at no cost (includes textbooks).  The Advanced Placement® exams (AP) and International Baccalaureate® (IB) are two well-known Credit-by-Exam programs (CBE) that also allow juniors and seniors to earn college credit.  But perhaps you’ve never heard of CLEP® and DSST®, two other credit-by-exam programs.  These exams were developed to enable colleges to award students credit for demonstrating knowledge equivalent to that...

Homeschoolers are often “non-traditional,” aren’t they? Homeschoolers are known for avoiding the government schools’ “factory mentality” and carving their own way, based on what’s best for their lives.

So you probably won’t be surprised to know that I did college the non-traditional way. I have completed a BA in History – and that with never having set foot in a real college classroom. It turned out to be far less expensive than the traditional route, as well as a lot quicker. Non-traditional college options are becoming more and more easily available to college students. If you’re interested in customizing your college experience, here are some thoughts to consider.

College off-site is less expensive. Some degrees can be earned for as little as $5,000-$10,000. This is a far cry from the $50,000-$100,000 (or more) of many traditional college routes.

College off-site allows your still-young 18-19 year-olds to spend another year or two at home. College life is not necessarily known for its maturing effects on young people’s minds and hearts, to say the least. Home is generally a safer...

Dear Friends,

College--just the word conjures up many different images and questions in parents' minds. Where in the world do you begin the search for a college that is the right fit for your son or daughter? How do you sift through the myriad of information mysteriously filling up your mailbox from various schools? These are certainly legitimate questions, so we've provided some practical tips and advice to help you get started on this adventure.

Begin Early

If college is on your horizon, then use the years before high school to begin discussing with your child why he wants to attend college and what are his future goals. Even though your 13-year-old may not know what career he wants to pursue, use his intentions to go to college to motivate him to see that his studies do, indeed, have an end goal. Encourage him to save monetary gifts or earnings he receives for these future plans. College may seem far in the future, but it will be here
before you know it!

The 10th...

Dear Friends,

This month we have the privilege of bringing you a word from Sandra Corbitt, dean of students at Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, Virginia. We believe you will appreciate her wisdom and heart for helping homeschool students make the transition from home to college life (wherever that may be). You may already be putting into practice many of her suggestions, so we hope this will give you assurance that you are heading in the right direction. On the other hand, Dean Corbitt’s recommendations may be the gentle nudge you need as you seek to improve your teen’s skills in areas where they can grow. In any event, our desire is to inspire you to see the young adults your teens will soon become. And, we are here to help you along the way!

The Dean Recommends

This past fall, as dean of students at Patrick Henry College, I welcomed my sixth class of new students to campus. I have seen many homeschoolers come to the college, some prepared to be here and others needing...