Building Your Resume as a Homeschooler

by Cecilia, SEM intern

When I first started homeschooling, I was frustrated that I didn’t have access to as many service and leadership opportunities as public-schoolers. I felt that my resume was lacking compared to theirs; the clubs, service opportunities, and honor societies which public schools offered seemed to be impossible to be part of as a homeschooler. However, I have come to find that within my church, diocese, and community, there are a myriad of truly rewarding opportunities in which to serve and lead. My resume is now jam-packed with lists of activities and initiatives I have undertaken. If you’re struggling to build up your resume, I hope these ideas will help you:

See what activities your diocese (or other dioceses!) have to offer.

I am part of the Antiochian Archdiocese, and I have found many programs in which to participate and demonstrate leadership. Take a look at Teen SOYO’s website, or your diocese’s equivalent. Here are some programs that I know of:

• Teen SOYO/GOYA board (often offered on a national, diocese, and parish level)

• Bible Bowl

• Oratorical Festival

• Creative Arts Festival

• Special Olympics Pennsylvania

• SOYO Day of Service

• TRUST Project

• Sacred Music Institute - Youth Music Ministries

• Orthodox Summer Camps (to be camper or counselor)

• CrossRoad Institute

• Lampstand Institute (ages 18+)

• Iconography workshops

• Saint Emmelia Ministries interning

While you should capitalize on opportunities offered around you, it is also important to be creative in starting things up yourself!

If you see a need in your parish, do something about it! Chances are, your priest will give you a blessing to start up a club or service initiative of some sort. Here are some questions to consider: Are the girls in your parish finding opportunities to serve? If not, start a handmaiden/myrrhbearers group! Is your church in need of a weekly cleaning schedule? Would a Bible Study be helpful? Would a book or sports club bring people together? Could you have a babysitting fundraiser or homeschool book sale to benefit the parish/another cause? Does your church have a meal train for new mothers or sick parishioners? Does your church have an official teen/youth group?

Look around at the needs of your parish and see how you can help. This is great leadership. On your resume, you may want to include keywords such as “coordinator,” “initiator,” “leader,” “teen representative,” etc.

Here are some more ideas:

• Join the choir.

• Serve in the altar.

• Host a fellowship hour with your friends or organize a clean-up schedule.

• Make prosphora/artos (and organize a baking schedule, if there is not already one).

• Organize a team to decorate the church for feasts (cloth changing, flower arranging). Ask your priest if there are any specific needs!

• Lead a workshop for the parish or specifically for younger children (on prayer roping, baking prosphora, sewing, etc.).

• Sit down with people at coffee hour whom you normally do not talk to and you will be surprised how many opportunities will arise! Just be open!

Work in your community.

• Look into YMCA/community programs.

• Volunteer at a local library or at any events they offer.

• Get a part-time job!

• Volunteer at a women’s clinic.

• It doesn’t ever hurt to ask if a specific organization/company would be able to accept you as a volunteer or hired worker. People are more open than you may think! It never hurts to ask.

• See what service activities your friends are participating in.

Pick up a hobby!

Hobbies show that you are a well-rounded person, which a lot of colleges like to see. You need to show that you are doing things outside of academics.

• Learn or further develop a foreign language.

• Start a small shop of homemade items.

• Take vocal or instrumental lessons.

• Take advantage of YouTube as a resource to start learning something new (instruments, cooking, ASL, crafts, etc.)

• Start a YouTube Channel or online portfolio.

• Pick up photography or videography.

Make activities fit your resume.

Remember that the purpose of a resume is to demonstrate your achievements, not just activities that you took part in. For example, instead of saying something like:

St. Philip Orthodox Church – Volunteer

• Maintained candles for services

Antiochian Archdiocese Oratorical Festival – Competitor

• Gave a speech on Romans 1:1

You should emphasize the outcome of your work:

St. Philip Orthodox Church – Volunteer

• Beautified the parish by cleaning the candle stands and stocking candles

Antiochian Archdiocese Oratorical Festival – Competitor

• Researched, wrote, and delivered a speech on Romans 1:1 to a panel of [x] judges and audience, honing skills in public speaking

Thinking about your activities and involvement this way allows you to convey to potential supervisors how and why these activities have prepared you to be a good candidate for the position you’re applying to.

Often, it’s a good idea to include a section for interests. You’d be surprised how potential supervisors might find ways to apply your hobbies to the position you’re applying for! Noting how long you’ve been involved in that hobby shows your dedication, while listing your level of involvement (e.g., “self-taught” or “competitive,” etc.) will speak to your drive. You can avoid taking valuable space away from job and volunteer experience by putting your interests section in a sidebar or as a single line (instead of a bulleted list) at the end of your document.

—

It can be tough to undertake something new. It takes courage to reach out to people around you, and resilience to learn from some of the inevitable failures you’ll experience. Ask God continually for help and guidance: ask Him to work through your hands, to move your feet to service, and to show how you can serve with the unique set of talents He has given you. God bless you! (And remember to do all for the glory of His name, not only to make your resume impressive!)

Staying Motivated Mid-Year

by Londyn, SEM Intern

At any stage of life–high school, college–finishing the school year can feel overwhelming with the demands of education, family, friends, social life, and our faith. Balancing these aspects can be challenging, but with thoughtful strategies, you can manage your time effectively and stay motivated. Here are some tips on time management, balancing responsibilities, staying motivated, and the importance of exercise and the outdoors! I believe that with balance we can bring ourselves more peace in life. 

Time Management Tips

Time management is crucial, especially during the busy end-of-year period. Start by making a list of everything you need to do and rank these tasks by importance and deadlines. Focus on completing the most critical tasks first, avoiding the stress of last-minute rushes. Planning your day, including specific times for studying, family activities, and breaks, helps allocate time effectively. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals for each day or week to provide a sense of accomplishment. Avoid procrastination by tackling tasks as soon as they arise and use techniques like the Pomodoro method (working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break) to maintain focus. Additionally, make time for constant prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Or, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me for I am weak.”

Balancing Family/Social Life and School Responsibilities

Maintaining a balance between family, social life, and school responsibilities is essential for overall well-being. Communicate with your family and friends about your schedule and commitments to gain their support and understanding. Focus on spending quality time with loved ones, even if it’s just a short period, as meaningful interactions can strengthen relationships and provide emotional support. Consider incorporating social time into your routine, such as study groups with friends or family prayer sessions, to stay connected while fulfilling responsibilities. It’s also crucial to know how to say no when necessary to prevent overcommitting and becoming overwhelmed. Prioritize your well-being and responsibilities over social pressures.

Staying Motivated in School and Mundane Activities

Staying motivated during the final stretch of the school year can be tough. Establish both short-term and long-term goals to give you something to work towards and celebrate your progress and achievements. Remind yourself why your education and activities are important, whether for personal growth, future career opportunities, or making your family proud. Staying connected to your faith by starting and ending your day with prayer can provide strength and perseverance. Try crossing yourself to bless yourself before and after work; whether you are cooking, cleaning, studying, or about to take a test. Take some time to memorize these two prayers: Common Prayers - Before and after any Work - Orthodox Church in America. Adding variety to your routine can also boost motivation, such as changing your study environment or trying different study techniques. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed; reaching out to teachers, family, or friends for support and encouragement can make a significant difference.

Importance of Exercise and the Outdoors in Learning

Physical activity and spending time outdoors play a vital role in overall well-being and academic performance. Regular exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and concentration. Activities like walking, running, or playing sports (even without a team, just play with friends or family!) can boost energy levels and improve focus. Physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Taking breaks for exercise can help you feel more relaxed and focused when you return to your studies. Studies show that spending time outdoors can improve attention and creativity, making it easier to absorb and retain information. If ever possible, take your study sessions outside to enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Use your time outdoors to appreciate the beauty of the world around you and deepen your connection to God.

As you navigate the final stretch of your school year, remember that balance and faith are your best allies. By managing your time effectively, maintaining a healthy balance between your responsibilities, staying motivated, and prioritizing physical activity and the outdoors, you can finish the school year strong. Keep the Lord at the center of your life, and you’ll find the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges that come your way. God be with you! 

Starting the College Search

by Londyn, SEM Intern

From personal experience as a junior in high school, I know that trying to figure out what I want from my education and experience is daunting. It's helpful to have a thorough and clear idea of what to consider before applying and getting to college. Here are some key points to think about:

 Majors and Flexibility

• Consider the majors you are interested in. If you think you might switch your major in the future, check if the college offers all the fields you may be interested in. Although you can transfer colleges, switching a major is easier than switching institutions.

School Expectations

• Research the requirements of the university, including GPA, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, CLT), letters of recommendation, high school classes, and other important criteria.

 Deadlines

• These are extremely important! Mark in your calendar when the application opens (both early and regular), when it closes, and when you need to make your decision.

Campus Visits

• While not required for admission, visiting the school can be extremely beneficial. I toured three colleges this year that were all on my top list. Unfortunately (and fortunately! I am grateful to know this sooner rather than later), I was greatly disappointed by the majority of what one school had to offer. I didn’t get along well with the students, and the college clearly did not represent my values and beliefs. No school is perfect, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy there. Remember, websites can be deceiving!

Financial Aspects

• Don't forget to look into the financial aspects. Check out tuition fees, scholarship opportunities (more soon!), financial aid, and overall cost of living in the area. Knowing this information can help you make a more informed decision.

Scholarships

• Investigate scholarship opportunities. Many colleges offer merit-based and need-based scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Additionally, look for external scholarships offered by various organizations. It's essential to start the scholarship search early and keep track of application deadlines.

Extracurricular Activities

• Consider what extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations the college offers. Engaging in these can enrich your college experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship

• Colleges have so many resources for clubs, sports, and religion. Personally, one of the most important aspects I consider in my college search is the Orthodox presence. I love when I find out services are offered on campus, carpools are arranged for church during the week, and fellowship and friendships will be made. 

Support Services

• Explore what support services are available, such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. These services can be crucial for your success and well-being in college. Campus visits–and even phone calls!–can be extremely informative for all of the questions you may have. Additionally, a campus visit can give you a fuller insight to an average day of college students. You will see students studying, enjoying dinner with their friends, laughing–then you can ask yourself, “Will I be happy and thrive here, as an Orthodox Christian young woman or man?”

Location and Environment

• Think about the location of the college. Is it in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a rural area? Consider what environment you thrive in and where you'll feel most comfortable and safe.

Study Abroad

• Of course, not everyone is interested in traveling, so if this is irrelevant to you, don’t worry about it! But if it is, definitely take this into consideration. Depending on the college, traveling while you are earning your degree can last for a few weeks, a semester, a summer, and even up to a full year! Scholarships are also available at many Universities. 

As you embark on your college journey, remember to seek guidance through prayer and trust in God's plan for you. College is a significant step, but with faith and careful consideration, you'll find the right path. May God bless you in your search and guide you to a place where you can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Trust in His wisdom!

Is English Doomed?

by Cecilia, SEM Intern

I spent five weeks in Romania this past summer, visiting family members whom I had not seen for years. Naturally, everyone asked me what I planned to study after high school, to which I would reply, “English and the Classics.” Judging by their knitted brows and expressions of pity, I guessed that they were less than satisfied with my answer. Desperately trying to find a hope for my future, they would question, “You’re not interested in math?” I would laugh and brush it off, but I truly began to pity those deprived of the love of classical literature.

C.S. Lewis wrote an essay titled Is English Doomed?, addressing a) the notion that English can be taught by just anybody and b) the unfortunate reality that English is no longer as prestigious of a study as it once was and is in danger of disappearing. And this was in 1944! Unfortunately, the situation has only festered in our modern rejection of the world of literature that came before us and gave us the world in which we now live.

Lewis comments that “the Classics have almost been routed. Unless English, seriously studied, succeeds to their place, the English which ‘any teacher’ inculcates in the course of teaching something else will be at best the reflection of his favourite newspaper and at worst the technical jargon of his own subject.” But what does “English, seriously studied” entail? Doesn’t studying literature serve the sole purpose of entertaining and aiding appreciation? Isn’t it just a way to “have laughed at the jokes, shuddered at the tragedy, [and] wept at the pathos”? Lewis understands that this appreciation is necessary and by no means unimportant, but is not the ultimate end. The true end of literary studies is to make the student a spectator of time and existence.

If one gains wisdom from experience, how much wisdom must the literary student have, who has experienced worlds of sorrow, challenge, love, joy, embarrassment, and forgiveness? Truly, one does not only gain appreciation for life by studying literature, but actually gains the experience of having vicariously lived through it all and deeply analyzed it. Don’t we need these spectators of time to guide us and shape us? The student, by “meet[ing] the past where alone the past still lives, is taken out of the narrowness of his own age and class into a more public world.” How beautiful! How necessary!

Lewis says that English can be aptly considered “the most liberal—and liberating—discipline of the three [i.e., Literae Humaniores, English, and History].” But however liberating it may be for the individual person, I began to feel troubled by the prospect of spending years studying something only to better my own person, and not to serve those around me.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with the head of the Department of English at one of the colleges I am interested in attending. I took this opportunity to ask him how I could serve with an English degree and what I could offer to others. It seemed to me that the only option of service an English major was offered was teaching. However, he told me that, above all, the most valuable thing I have to give is myself. If someone could form herself to be a truly phenomenal person, then what could she not do? How could she not serve? He upheld the value that first the person must be cultivated, then some specific profession. Universities too often factory-produce adults who have deep knowledge of one discipline, but no knowledge of themselves.

He therefore asserted that if someone could shape herself through the reading of the Great Books, then she could have a truly tremendous impact on those around her. Not only would her character be influential, but she would also be able to perform any task required of her. The study of English, especially in a Classical Liberal Arts environment, puts the student in a position to effectively approach any task or problem, thus being able to do whatever is required of her. So, my question is no longer “How could I serve?”, but rather “How could I not serve?!”

So, although slightly ridiculed by my extended family, I plan to study English, which, as Lewis points out, very well may be doomed. If the question is, however, whether I myself as an English student will be doomed, I am determined to answer in the negative. As Lewis lays out, “the true aim of literary studies is to lift the student out of his provincialism by making him ‘the spectator,’ if not of all, yet of much, ‘time and existence.’” What more could one want?

Gaining College Credit in High School

by Juliana, Summer ‘24 Intern

For many homeschooled students, the prospect of college after high school is one shrouded in doubt, anxiety, and very realistic financial concerns. The potential culture shock inherent in going from being a teenager on the somewhat-sheltered scale to becoming a college student is a bit scary. But more important is the knowledge that most four-year universities will require you to shell out ridiculous amounts of money for basic courses like English and Biology, even if they haven’t got any direct relevance to your major. In this article, I will expound upon the possibilities open to homeschoolers for obtaining college credit while still in high school and give some advice based on my personal college-in-highschool experience.

Let me start with AP courses. They are probably the best-known of all the options out there, due to their popularity. The end-of-year exams have both free-response and multiple-choice questions (the language exams often have speaking and listening portions, and the computer science exams, naturally, have a programming portion, but those are in the minority). In order to obtain credit, you will need to 1) take and pass the course at an accredited school (online or brick-and-mortar), 2) sign up for your exam on time (usually by October; if you call your local public school, they will often allow you to take the exam there. If no students there are taking it, you can offer to pay the proctoring fee), 3) show up for and take the exam, and 4) pass with a 3 or higher.

A 3 is generally considered a passing score, although some colleges will only accept a 4 or 5 for credit purposes. Regardless of your score (or whether you even took the exam!), having an AP course on your high school transcript is indicative of high performance and motivation, as the entire course is college-level material (usually, one college semester spread out over two high school semesters). It also is an example of how Exams. Are. Your. Best. Friend. (I say this a lot, so prepare to read it many, many more times!) There is absolutely no way for a doting parent to give you an A and a passing score of 4 on your AP Biology exam just because they felt like you “put in lots of effort,” or “deserved the credit.” It simply cannot happen. When a college (or anyone you want to impress, for that matter) sees that A and a 4, they know that it represents the willingness to put in hours of hard work, as well as a strong work ethic and good test-taking skills. There’s no way to fake it. Homeschoolers’ achievements are often doubted. Yes, it’s gotten better since the ‘80s, when my mom and her sister were asked basic math questions in public, but many people are still very skeptical. Having a solid grade in literally anything from a trusted institution (whether it’s an accredited school, the College Board, or any university) cannot be made up and will help you tremendously.

But I digress – can you tell I’m very passionate about this subject?

The next set of exams I want to tackle are the CLEP exams. These are mostly multiple choice (a few also include an essay portion) exams that, like the APs, are offered by the College Board. Most public schools do not offer them, but because you can study at home (at your own pace!) and take the exam itself at your local community college, they are amazing for homeschoolers. For no money, you can obtain an exam prep book and a video course from Modern States Alliance, a nonprofit that helps college students finish their freshman year for free. If you finish all the videos and exercises with a high enough grade, Modern States will cover the testing fee (tip: there are 5 options for each question and you get 5 attempts, so you should be good! Just, you know, remember what your previous answers were). You will have to pay a proctoring fee, though: in my experience, it’s usually between $15 and $40. CLEP exams are great because you can treat them like the final exam for a course that you did entirely at home. For instance, when I was doing US History, my parents were really the only instructors. They picked out a textbook, had me take notes & answer comprehension questions, and picked out supplemental reading. Once I neared the end of the school year, I worked with the Modern States Alliance book to fill in any gaps in my knowledge, took practice tests, and was able to walk into the testing center and pass the exam. It’s awesome if you want to make your history / biology / psychology course fun and interesting with an added layer of credibility (and, of course, avoid harmful and/or radical moral ideas that might be pushed in some classrooms). Plus, you might get some gen-ed courses out of the way! Win win.

I should note here that many four-year colleges do not accept CLEP exams; I think this might be in part due to the fact that they are mostly just multiple choice, and thus, without the free response portion, are inherently easier. However, most community colleges (more on those later!) do accept them. And, even if a college won’t accept your, say, CLEP Biology exam, it’s a great thing to have on your transcript, and says a lot about you that you passed that exam in high school. Like I said: Exams are your friend.

The third method for obtaining college credit in high school is DE, or Dual Enrollment. This is a fancy way of saying that you take a class through a university that counts as a high school class as well. So basically – double the credit!

There are two main ways to do this. The first is to enroll in an online class from a school that has a partnership with an accredited university. Online schools like the CLRC, the Potter’s School, and Veritas Press will sometimes team up with a college so that a class you take through them also counts as a college level class through that specific university. For instance, I took an English class through Veritas Press, which collaborates with Cairn University. Once I’d finished, I had, for all intents and purposes, completed 1) a high school English course, and 2) an junior-level English class at Cairn University.

The second way to obtain dual enrollment credit is to enroll in a class directly through a university. Yes, that’s right, you’ll be going to a real classroom, with a real teacher, and classmates in real life! I know it sounds scary, but honestly, take it from me: You’ll be fine. Some states have programs where homeschooled students are allowed to take courses at local universities, but this is not universal; check to see what is available in your area. However, many community colleges allow homeschooled students to take classes there – often for free or a discounted price. This is a really nice deal if you want to get the credit, but don’t want to do every single course at home.

All of the on-ground community college classes I have taken so far have followed the format of 1-2 days on campus per week. This means that you have your lecture/lab/exam/ whatever else you’re doing, receive your assignments for the following meeting, and disperse. If you were homeschooled for all or much of your academic life, this probably sounds rather familiar. As I had self-studied and done online classes for all of high school, the academic transition to community college was not too difficult.

The following link leads to a list of all the resources I’ve mentioned in this article, information on several online schools based on my personal experience, and some other resources you might find useful. Please do note that this is anecdotal evidence; it might not hold true for you, but then again, it might be helpful. Also – please be aware that I haven’t personally checked all of the content on these websites, so if you come across anything inappropriate or blasphemous, I don’t condone it – do avoid it!

I will update this list as I have time and come across more potential resources.

Get the list here!

Applying for College as a Homeschooler

by Ilinca, Fall ‘23 Intern

“So, how will you get into college?” If you’re a homeschooling high schooler, you’ve heard that question. I did, and it worried me. Now that I've been accepted to college, I’ve learned the answer is: “Just like everyone else.” Homeschoolers have the same rate of acceptance as brick-and-mortar school students, and there generally aren’t any application requirement differences for homeschoolers. Nevertheless, the process will inevitably feel different sometimes. 

Requirements

Many parts of the college application process are the same for homeschoolers and their public or private schooled peers. It was actually college essays which took the most time for me. Contrary to myth, colleges do not require homeschoolers to send in their high school diplomas or take the GED. The application forms I had to fill in were usually homeschooler-friendly. When they weren’t, articles on how to answer them abound on the internet. No college complained about my homeschool transcript or my parent-written counselor recommendation. 

Deciding where to apply

The first step of college applications is choosing which colleges to apply to. First, I thought about what I wanted in a college: I wanted it to be close by, to have my major and a wide variety of others, to be co-ed, and not to be ridiculously expensive. I researched colleges (mostly through internet searches), consulted my parents, and took the opportunity to hear a variety of opinions when people asked me, “so, where will you apply to college?” (NB: Saint Emmelia’s has compiled a list of colleges that are Orthodox & homeschool-friendly. Check it out here!)

Standardized Tests

Even though most colleges are “test-optional” now, I took the SAT. It’s objective; no one could argue my score is the result of my adoring parents assigning me a good grade. Standardized tests also increase chances of getting admission or a scholarship. Finally, there was little risk involved: if I hadn’t scored well, I just wouldn’t have sent my scores. While the SAT is often given at a public school, it’s managed by the College Board, not the school system, so I had no trouble signing up as a homeschooler. I found practice tests online, and the time management I learned as a homeschooler helped me get through them. I chose the SAT over the ACT and CLT, the two other popular standardized tests options, because 1) all colleges accept it, which rules out the CLT and 2) it gives more time to answer each question than the ACT. 

Letters of Recommendation

The prospect of finding letters of recommendation was concerning. How could I rival a public school kid’s arsenal of skilled recommendation writing teachers and guidance counselors? I learned that I had more wonderful teachers and other potential recommenders than I thought. My biggest trouble ended up being choosing between them! As for the guidance counselor recommendation, I found out that is technically my mom. I was definitely grateful that, throughout high school, I took classes and did activities outside my home, because that gave me the opportunity to meet the people that wrote my letters of recommendation. I would definitely recommend doing that, because it’s best if at least one of your letters of recommendation is written by someone outside your family: colleges will see that all the wonderful things your parent-counselor says are confirmed by other people. 

Transcripts

While homeschoolers don’t need to hand colleges their homeschool diplomas or take the GED, they do need to send in their homeschool transcripts. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize how long this step would take, so, while we had always kept track of my classes, we procrastinated putting my transcript together until a month or two before the deadline. First, we checked state laws for transcripts on HSLDA. Because I follow a curriculum, all my classes were named and described. But when it came to actual organization, my family didn’t have experience there (I’m the oldest child), so we used Academicrecords.net, a transcript-making website. While we didn’t end up using the transcript it generated because it was rather rigid and couldn’t accommodate the high school classes I took in Middle School, it was very helpful. It brought our attention to grading scales, GPA (weighted or unweighted), class levels, and other important elements of transcript formality. We ended up using a SEM transcript template. GPA calculations turned out easier than we thought. As for choosing between a weighted or unweighted GPA, after doing our research and calling colleges to ask which they prefer, we decided to go with a weighted GPA because 1) it could highlight the higher level classes I took and 2) the colleges and scholarships I was looking at preferred it.

The Counselor Recommendation and School Report

Finally, there was the counselor recommendation and school report my mom had to write. We didn’t realize how long this would take either. Among other things, it required a letter of recommendation written by my mom, a descriptive list of all classes taken outside the home, and an explanation of our educational philosophy and grading scale. My mom and I looked through our curriculum and brainstormed together before writing. We made it clear in the school report that we are Christian and I was educated in a Christian way, even to secular schools. If a school isn't willing to put up with that, we would rather they turned us down early. But, surprisingly, it did not give us any problems. For the grading philosophy, we used the grading scale we put on the transcript. For class descriptions, I copy-pasted from my syllabuses. 

Conclusion

College applications as a homeschooler were easier than I had thought based on the amount of concern homeschoolers typically receive on the topic. If I could give my past self advice, that would be:

First, make yourself a schedule, and give each piece of the application a different due date, some well before the application’s official due date. Especially with college essays, it’s tempting to “just work on it one more day,” and procrastinate the rest of the application due to unnecessary perfectionism. 

Second, don’t be afraid to answer people when they ask where you want to go to college. They can give you a lot of good advice, and if they don’t, you’re not obligated to obey.

Finally, don’t worry! I was afraid to press the submit button for each college. There was still so much room for improvement! And what if ten more minutes of work spells the difference between rejection and acceptance? But really, if you worked hard on it, and checked it two or three times, go ahead and send it! Don’t worry! Admissions officers don’t expect anyone, not even homeschoolers, to have perfect applications. 

If you would like to ask Ilinca questions, email us at office@saintemmelia.com. Make sure to check out our “High School & Beyond” resources!