Homeschool ‘Mommy Marks’ and Universities #2

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Two years ago we got the surprise of our lives when my son received a top marks-based scholarship from a university that says it accepts neither ‘mommy marks’ nor SAT scores.

Two weeks ago, the same thing happened to my daughter!  Needless to say, we are thrilled and exceedingly grateful.  God has blessed her studies both financially and academically.

After that first happy surprise two years ago, I analysed possible reasons why the university awarded the scholarship against its own guidelines, and I think they are still valid.

I also condensed our experience into two vital principles for homeschooling high school:

If you and your teen want to homeschool high school on your own and use ‘mommy marks’ on your university application, here are two things to focus on:

1. Teens should work hard, following their interests while getting a solid basic education.  They should read widely, learn the techniques in How to Read a Book (reviewed here), individualize courses, enjoy hobbies, volunteer, enter competitions, and be balanced.  This will prepare them for life, for university, for the SAT, and for scholarships.  Preparing for life is, of course, most important of all but, really, the same methods apply to all of them.  “Characteristics of Top SAT Scorers” outlines this in greater detail.
2. Moms should be diligent about preparing careful records of what their teens have studied.  There are many ways of doing this, but two aspects are crucial:

• Keep track of all reading, educational activities, volunteer activities, hobbies, and competitions.  Back your records up, even if all you do is email them to yourself.
• Present all this in a way that university admissions officers will understand and appreciate.  Believe in the value of the education you are providing and let that shine through in your description of your teen’s education.

So, if you are worried about homeschooling high school and about your ‘mommy marks’, take heart.  Diligent studying and diligent record keeping do pay off, for life, for university admissions, and for scholarships.  For more information, see the article I wrote when my son got his scholarship two years ago.

May God bless your family’s homeschooling journey.

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For more encouragement and helpful information, visit Finishing Strong, Trivium Tuesdays, Raising Homemakers, Titus 2 Tuesday, Tell it to Me Tuesday, Monday’s Musings, R&R Wednesdays.