There are 5 situations that homeschoolers may face while homeschooling high school that are so challenging, only a parent can effectively handle the ins and out and eccentricities of the situation. Do you and your family fall into this category? Let me get you started on facing these challenges.

The 5 Hardest Things about Homeschooling High school 

1. National Merit Scholarship
   The process is long and arduous for parents, just like it is for schools, so if your child tends to score in the top 95% of those tested, it will really help if you do some research early in the process. It’s important to create course descriptions each year you homeschool high school, so they are ready to go when it’s time for college admission. For more tips, read  National Merit Scholarship Information for Homeschoolers.  Since we are in a strange time for testing, it also affects the National Merit Scholarship and how your child can apply. Go read my post, Advice for Junior Year (When Absolutely Nothing is Normal).
2. NCAA Athletes
   The process for college-bound athletes is also long and arduous. Although test scores are not expected to be high, early research is equally important. Physical maturity is a benefit, so graduating early is not always helpful. Educational rigor in core classes is important, because successfully playing college sports requires a good college GPA. For a starting place, read  NCAA 101 for Homeschoolers.
   
3. Military Academy
   There is no longer process than military academy admission. It’s challenging for all applicants – like a giant 2-year long test. Even so, every year homeschoolers are successful with careful planning, a motivated student, and attention to detail. If military is your student’s path, get your student started by reading Military Careers After Homeschool.
4. Test Accommodation
   Teens with learning challenges can get accommodations on the SAT® or ACT® test that can really help them shine. It may be as simple as taking the test untimed, or as complex as having a reader or scribe present during the test. But these accommodations do require that the parent is actively involved in the day-to-day headaches of navigating the system. You can find more information in College for Struggling Learners. 
5. Art Portfolios and Music Conservatories 
   As with the other challenges listed here, nobody can do this but you. Teens eager to work in the arts need to provide an art portfolio or music auditions and recitals. It takes time and effort to figure out exactly what is required, how it should be submitted, and how to navigate the application process with the items that are required. Attend Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs, and take classes about auditions (and portfolios for visual artists).  The best success comes to teens who apply for a wide variety of options and exceed requirements as much as possible. Read strategies for preparation in the article Fine Art Fanatics.
   

 The 4 – Almost as Hard – Situations of Homeschooling High school

1. Profound Giftedness
   Keeping gifted children challenged but not overwhelmed can be tear-inducing, for both the parent and the student, but is is possible with just a few key concepts. Read my Coffee Break Book: Gifted Education Strategies for Every Child: Homeschool Secrets for Success
2. Extreme Learning Challenges
   Keeping your anxious heart calm can be difficult as you face your child’s abilities head-on. If you know your child, and trust yourself, you can be successful. I recommend separating the areas of struggle from socialization or other subjects as much as possible, so their whole life isn’t revolving around one small part of their personality.  Read the article College for Struggling Learners for more information and help.
3. Ivy League Admission
   Wishing for Ivy admission is not enough to actually get in when you are, because it requires a lot of everything to be successful when you’re homeschooling high school. Still, with careful planning, along with providing balance at home, homeschoolers can be successful, because most Ivy League schools have very homeschool-friendly policies. My Coffee Break Book, Upper Echelon Education: How Homeschoolers Can Gain Admission to Elite Universities, may help you calm your fears about Ivy League Admission. 
4. Overseas Families 
   No matter where you live, if you need a friend, I’m here for you!  Sometimes what you REALLY need is a veteran homeschool mom who will listen, brainstorm, encourage, and support you!  Even though I live in Seattle, on any given week I consult with parents all around the world. The College Launch Solution can talk you through the process of applying to University in the USA when you are living overseas for any reason.

Help with College Admission when Homeschooling High School 

Whatever your situation, The College Launch Solution will help. It includes a “special situations” section that will get your started on handling your own challenges. If you choose the private coaching option, you and I can brainstorm situations together, so at least you have someone in your corner, cheering you on.

Some tough things happen in the process of homeschooling high school. I know that parents face a variety of challenges – some more challenging than others – and it’s not always about college admissions. With my Gold Care Club Membership you can get support for any stage of homeschooling middle school and high school, so you can help your child be prepared for anything that comes their way in the future. I’d love to help and support you!

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