Helpful Hints - How to Survive College
By Mimi Rothschild
It’s time for college, an exciting step toward the future for any home school student. Home schooling has provided an excellent academic background and the familiar structure needed to meet the challenges of advanced learning. The individual attention, support, and encouragement received through home schooling will ensure a smooth transition to college.
At first, the subject material and course syllabus may appear overwhelming. Home schooling emphasizes the importance of managing time through daily planners and key reminders. There are a few tips to assist the home school student in meeting the new demands of college. Careful selection and scheduling of classes is the first priority for every home school student. Chances are he has pursued specific areas of interest throughout his home schooling years and will want to select the appropriate courses to meet his future goals. The home school student should allow time between each class for study or review, an hour or so if possible, and schedule the more difficult ones at the beginning of the day.
Textbooks, notebooks, and a computer with good Internet access are convenient and close at hand in the home schooling environment. A comfortable, familiar study location, away from any distractions such as TV and phones, is set aside for the home school student. The home school student thoroughly reviews each class syllabus before the first day of college, so he is well prepared to follow the sequence of course material. After a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast with one or more family members, the home school student is ready to begin college without the problems of time, distance, or transportation.
The years of home schooling preparation have given the home school student the proper skills in note taking. Following an organized schedule, he will have time to review and read course material, apart from class time. The flexibility of home schooling allows for completion of assignments and preparation for quizzes and exams. There is a wealth of online information available for home school participants, with reference materials, open forums, and unlimited research capability, as well as tutors to assist the home school student.
Home schooling allows time for breaks, relaxation, household duties, outside activities, and family interaction. Family meals, church attendance, and social gatherings encourage discussion and involvement in home schooling. The home school student learns from their experience by asking questions and getting answers. Home schooling is the best preparation for surviving college.
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