A Homeschooler's Experience at College

A few months ago I decided to homeschool through high school. One of my concerns was if I could go to college without a diploma from public school. I found out that different colleges handle homeschoolers differently, but it is definitely possible to go to college as a homeschooled student. In fact according to a study published in The Journal of College Admission in 2009, homeschooled students graduate at a higher rate (66.7%) then their peers (57.5%).

I interviewed Woodinville resident Zach Lovett about his experience homeschooling until college. Zach and I belonged to the same homeschool support group and we have a mutual interest in robotics. Zach was homeschooled for about nine years. He is now in his sophomore year at WPI studying robotics. "I enjoyed the freedom to pursue what I was interested in, and the unique opportunities that it allowed,” he said of homeschooling.

I wondered if Zach felt he was prepared for college. He said that homeschooling gave him maturity and the ability to be an independent learner. In addition, “homeschooling gave me a much better understanding of who I am, and what I want to do with my life.” However he did complain that he had holes in his education and he felt that the college application process was more challenging because of it. He also said he wishes that he had started prepping for college much earlier then he actually did.

When I asked him to compare himself to his traditionally schooled peers Zach said, “Unlike most of my classmates, I went into college expecting college, not high-school 2.0.” He also went to college knowing what he wanted to study. “I didn't need to wast time (and money) trying to figure out who I was, and what I wanted to do.” Zach said.

Zach described some of his classmates as going a little crazy with their newfound freedom. “For the first time I didn't have a parent looking over my shoulder, and unlike many of my classmates I didn't drink myself into oblivion, only eat junk, ect.” Instead he focused on studying hard and building some fantastic things.

Zach was very enthusiastic when describing his first year in college. “My favorite memories aren't parties or pranks, but are the 4am talks of how to change the world, the incredible rush of fully understanding something after 30+ hours (straight) of working on it in the lab, the “what the heck” moments when you are three stories up a MIT air shaft, and the incredible friendships that are forged when you all have a massive exam tomorrow, and have no idea what the questions are even asking.” Zach described college as being amazing. He said that “it's one of the only times in your life when you are so surrounded by so many amazing ideas and so many brilliant people.”

Hearing about Zach's experience makes me feel empowered and excited about my future. “You work hard, and are in over your head often, but I wouldn't trade my education for anything.” Zach said. Sounds good to me!