| The old saying that it's never too early or too late to | | | | representative present to answer questions and |
| start thinking about college was never more | | | | guide you and your child through the school can be |
| applicable than today. With college and university | | | | an important way of making the dream of attending |
| admissions becoming more and more competitive, | | | | college more tangible for your child.o Get ready for |
| parents of homeschooled children are beginning to | | | | those standardized tests - While the SAT is often |
| look at the college application and admission process | | | | taken during a student's junior and senior years, |
| more closely than ever. In fact, the most common | | | | there is another very important test that all high |
| time when parents begin to look at the college | | | | school students often bypass - the PSAT. The PSAT |
| application and admission process is during their child's | | | | or pre-SAT is one of the ways that potentially stellar |
| middle school years. | | | | students are identified for scholarships. It is also a |
| It is during middle school that students begin showing | | | | preview of what the SAT will be like. Students who |
| an ability, aptitude, desire and interest to attend | | | | are well versed in the structure and expectations of |
| college. For most parents, having a student who | | | | the PSAT often do better when they take the real |
| desires to attend college can be a troubling thought - | | | | thing. With so many colleges placing such an emphasis |
| mostly because of the amount of work that it takes | | | | on SAT scores, it's never too early to begin |
| to apply to any major university. While some parents | | | | prepping.o Watch high school class selection carefully |
| prefer to wait until their children are a little older to | | | | - Although most high schools often have their classes |
| begin the entire college process, there are many | | | | and standards connected to college and university |
| things that they can begin doing in middle school to | | | | admission requirements, it is still important for parents |
| prepare their children for the college application | | | | to make sure that their children are taking the |
| process. | | | | courses that will give their children a better chance to |
| The following are just a few tips designed to help | | | | be admitted to the college or university of their |
| homeschooling parents who are beginning to prepare | | | | choice. This can be guaranteed by using an accredited |
| their students for college.o Do some research | | | | distant learning college prep school for your |
| together - Applying for college should involve both | | | | Homeschoolers curriculum.o Make connections - Rest |
| parents and their children. Consider using the Internet | | | | assured that as a parent, you will definitely play a |
| as a method of researching local and national | | | | significant role in your child's college admissions |
| universities that your child might be interested in. Be | | | | experience. As such, it is always a good idea to |
| there to support your child's interest, but remember | | | | beginning making connections with certain staff |
| that it's their college application not yours.o Plan a | | | | members at prospective universities. By doing so, |
| campus visit - Most colleges and universities are more | | | | you increase the chances of having your questions |
| than happy to accommodate requests for formal | | | | answered and your concerns addressed. Remember, |
| tours of their campus. Having a campus | | | | the squeaky wheel gets the grease! |