College...here we come!

I have been blessed to homeschool my kids since Turned Loose was in second grade. It's been challenging, it's been fun, it's been overwhelming.

My cute little 7 year old second grader is now and almost17 year old (in two weeks) eleventh grader and college is right around the corner. College preparation can be scary for a simple homeschooling mom! My job has gone from teaching him (Who am I kidding? I haven't taught this kid anything academic since he was about 8!) to being a full time guidance counselor. Problem? I have no clue how to do this part of the job!

So, I've been researching. Turned Loose is a scientist at heart and he is interested in very intense and very competitive schools. I'm the opposite of a scientist and cry in fear at the thought of stepping foot on the campus of the likes of CalTech, MIT, or Harvey Mudd-all schools that my son would love to attend!

I'm learning and growing and attempting to equip myself to make application to one of these schools within reach for my high schooler. I thought maybe someone out there might be interested in some of what I've learned so I'll begin sharing my thoughts and discoveries as I press on through this junior and senior year.

I will also have a ninth grader next school year and will start my preparations for her much earlier now that I know better.

I hope that some of what I've learned will be a benefit to someone else out there. I wish I would have had my hand held starting a few years ago but I really didn't even know where to look at that time. If I can help hold the hand of another mom who is a little intimidated by the prospect of college I'll be thankful!

If there's anything that anyone would like to see me address specifically, I'd be happy to do that, too. I hope to post at least once a week with my ideas about college prep planning.

Here's a hug for all of my fellow homeschoolers navigating these waters!