15 Point Senior Year Inspection Checklist

September 2018
By Lee Binz
The HomeScholar

Senior year is complicated, but not difficult! Let’s do a quick checkup to make sure you are prepared for the tasks of senior year. Remember, the goal of senior year is completing college applications. The difficulty is that applying to college is a “process” and not a “moment.” Applications are not difficult, but they are very time consuming. Letters of recommendation are not hard; they just take time to acquire. The whole process takes a lot of time to complete. Each university will have a unique process, unique forms, and unique requirements. It’s complicated but not difficult.

For parents of college-bound teens, The College Launch Solution will provide you all the training, resources, and support you need to become the best possible college coach for your student. You will get the vital information you need at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional college consultant.

Do a quick review today, using this simple checklist, to make sure you aren’t missing any key pieces.

1. Start Early Senior Year

First of all, you really want to apply early and often. What that means is you need to hit the ground running. Begin filling out your college applications on the very first day of senior year. It takes time and effort, so you don’t want to get into a time crunch. If your child is going to be doing dual enrollment, it can help to start college applications in the summer. If they will be taking college classes full time, they won’t have the energy to complete applications as well. For dual enrollment, it can help to begin applications before fall classes of senior year. Colleges may provide admission and scholarships on a “first come, first served” basis, so applying early is very important.

2. Write Application Essays

College applications require multiple self-reflective, technically perfect essays, written by the student. Homeschool parents understand that “technically perfect” is difficult. It takes lots of time, editing, and rewriting. Other people need to read it and give feedback or suggestions. For teens, “self-reflective” is equally difficult. It often takes a long time to even consider what a self-reflective essay might be. Make sure you plan for plenty of time for the “considering” stage of writing. If you do begin filling out those applications on the first day of senior year, you can put your other English curriculum aside for awhile. Decide that you are doing a unit study on essay writing during September.

3. Complete Complicated Forms

Colleges can also have some pretty complex application forms. Those forms have lots of questions. Applications will require letters of recommendation about your student. It’s difficult to decide who should write those recommendations. The recommender must have plenty of time to actually write the recommendation. Once written, allow some time for it to be mailed to the college.

4. Meet Inflexible Deadlines

College applications have firm deadlines with strange expectations. They may be a lot of fine print. It some ways it feels similar to April 15th and filling out your federal tax forms. Firm deadlines, high expectations, lots of fine print, words you don’t understand, and if you mess up, there’s a huge financial consequence in the end. Oh Joy! Plan ahead and spend time on it, making sure that you start the first day of senior year. Even if it’s due in the last week of November, you’ll still need plenty of time to getting it ready.

5. Complete Official Transcript

Senior year is the absolutely critical time for you to complete your high school records. You will need to turn in your official homeschool transcript when you turn in your application. To do that, you include the classes that your child is currently taking so if they’re going to be taking Pre-Calculus this year, then you put Pre-Calculus on the transcript. But instead of a final grade, you can say To Be Determined (TBD) or In Progress/In Process (IP) to show that they are currently taking that class and they will be finished in June. But you want to have your transcript ready to go with their application early in the fall during senior year.

6. Write Course Descriptions

Most colleges will ask for additional material beyond the transcript. Create a reading list that includes book read for school and pleasure. I strongly suggest that parents write course descriptions. These are most important for very selective colleges, when the student has a strong college preference, or if good scholarships are critical. However, all applications may be strengthened by course descriptions, so I always recommend preparing them “just in case.” Include a paragraph of what you did, a list of what you used, and an explanation of how you graded.

7. Complete Homeschool Records

Additional homeschool records may be required. A university may request a reading list. They could ask for samples of work from any class, and sometimes request those samples in the student’s handwriting. They may request an activity and award list, or resume. Some applications may ask for a statement from the homeschool parent, or require a counselor letter that is completed by the parent. It’s sometimes helpful to write a cover letter as an introduction to your transcript. Since there are a variety of things that may be asked, planning ahead will give you the time you need to complete anything that is required.

8. Provide or Repeat Tests

The second priority during senior year is to shore up any shortcomings from junior year tests. Repeat the SAT® or ACT® if the scores were poor and could be improved, or if the test was missed. If you need to take those tests in senior year, register for the first testing opportunity so the results are promptly available. If subject tests are needed, you want to find out right away and register for those tests as well.

9. Fill Educational Gaps

Look over a list of recommended courses, and try to discover any major educational gaps. It can happen! In my own home, I completely forgot to teach my older son economics, because my younger son was always studying it for fun. Small gaps, like a semester economics course, or a year of art can be quickly filled when discovered early. Major gaps, like foreign language, may need to be filled with community college. For example, foreign languages may be required by a favorite college. Taking foreign language at a community college for one year can provide two or three high school foreign language credits, to fill that gap. Community college is not something that I normally recommend, but it can help fill major gaps discovered during senior year.

10. Carefully Watch Calendar

Watch deadlines and details and mark them on your calendar. Colleges can have some pretty unusual requirements and can ask for some pretty strange things. Be sure that you give them everything that they need and want. If they ask for a lab write up from your high school biology class, submit that. If they want a transcript in a signed envelope, do it that way. Find the details they want and give the details they want.

11. Complete the FAFSA®

The FAFSA® is used to determine how much money parents can afford to pay for college. Complete the FAFSA® in October of senior year. The FAFSA® will allow colleges to make decisions about your scholarships. Financial aid is first-come, first-served. Believe me, you want to be first!

12. Expect Waves of Scholarships

Expect three waves of scholarships. When you apply for college, you’re given some immediate scholarships that are based on SAT®, ACT® and GPA. The second wave of scholarships is based on the FAFSA® and financial need. That third wave of scholarships is based on merit or other factors. The third wave of scholarships may not arrive until May or June, and may even arrive during summer. For that reason, the most difficult time for the parents is that time between March and June. That is when parents know where the child wants to attend, but they have absolutely no clue on how to pay for it. It can be a very challenging and stressful time. I encourage you to be patient until you get that final wave of scholarships somewhere in between March and June.

13. Anticipate Dramatic Changes

It’s important to remember that you’re going to have dramatic changes over the four years of high school. Maturity just kind of happens. The changes that you’ve seen in your child between the time they were a newborn and when they were four years old is the same kind of dramatic changes that will occur between freshman year and senior year. Don’t be afraid that your child can’t possibly ever mature enough to graduate, or that they’ll never go off on their own. Huge changes take place between freshman year and senior year so don’t give up hope. Expect dramatic changes so that you’re prepared for anything.

14. Always Be Prepared

Instead, be prepared because teenagers do change their minds and they may go back and forth between, “I’m going to college,” and, “I’m never going to college. What a stupid idea.” Situations can change. You want to plan ahead as much as you can possibly can so that if your situation changes either for better or for worse, you’ll be prepared because you’ve been planning ahead. Be prepared in case your teenager balks at tasks required during senior year. Senior year is very close to adulthood, and sometimes adults don’t want to do what their mothers tell them to do. Be prepared when teenagers make those adult decisions as they are becoming adults. Also avoid fear that immobilizes you. The way to do that is to focus on that one, single goal that you have for each year of high school.

15. Find Success Fast

The best success comes to those who work the process early. Hit the ground running. The first day of senior year is the day you get to start working on those applications so that you get them turned in as soon as possible. I understand that in reality, not everyone will plan ahead. If you don’t have a clue about college admissions, and you are in the midst of senior year, it’s very difficult to quickly regroup in order to experience success. I have an emergency plan for families who haven't started preparing for the admission process prior to senior year. Here is a quick checklist just for those panicky parents.

Senior Year Last-minute 12-Step Emergency Panic Plan

1. Drop all school and activities and work on college applications
2. Watch “Super Scholarships for Humble Homeschoolers” (if you have time)
3. Go to a college fair and visit your four closest colleges or top choices
4. Register for the SAT® or ACT® (if not already taken) and put it on the calendar
5. Determine if you have all the classes required by colleges
6. Drop unnecessary classes and replace with missing college preparation classes
7. Take the SAT® or ACT® (if not taken junior year)
8. Apply to 2 public and 2 private universities
9. Write applications as required
10. Complete your course descriptions and homeschool transcript
11. Turn in application as soon as possible, transcript and test scores can follow
12. Return to your regular homeschooling and start planning your graduation party!

Recommended Resources

Free Class!
“Super Scholarships for Humble Homeschoolers”

You can afford college! How? I want to show you how to earn BIG merit based scholarships you thought were reserved for the uber-intelligent or Olympic-level athletes. These scholarships are available for homeschoolers, even kids that are academically or athletically dis-inclined. In fact, one of the best ways to position your kids for these scholarships is by leveraging the educational benefits available EXCLUSIVELY to homeschoolers.

In this class you'll learn why merit scholarships provide the most money. I'll teach you which college admission test is best, the SAT® or ACT®, and why. I'll show you how to make SURE your child will stand out above the crowd, regardless of their gifts or challenges. You'll learn how to find a college that gives great scholarships, and the secrets to creating homeschool records that will reduce college costs.

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The HomeScholar Guide to College Admission and Scholarships
Homeschool Secrets to Getting Ready, Getting In and Getting Paid
[Paperback or Kindle Edition]

There’s nothing more stressful to parents than college admission and scholarships. Many parents question whether it’s even possible to find a college that is satisfying to both parent and child, a college that will love their student and offer them scholarships to attend. Learn the secrets to successfully navigate the college process from start to finish, including selecting a college, negotiating college fairs, earning merit-based scholarships, and marketing your student effectively.

Receive gentle encouragement and practical help from a mentor who really understands. Relax and enjoy a casual conversation, sprinkled with scripture, humor, valuable tips, and quotes from The Princess Bride! Whether you’re looking at college entrance for your first graduate or want to do better with your next child, you will find countless treasures in this book.

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Prepare Your Teen for Launch with the College Launch Solution
Digital Resource

In the midst of homeschooling high school, it can be easy to forget the purpose of what you are doing.  You homeschool children, but you launch adults. For parents of college-bound teens, this resource will provide you all the training, resources, and support you need to become the best possible college coach for your student. You will get the vital information you need at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional college consultant.

You have permission to reprint this article as long as you don't make any changes and include the bio below.

Copyright © 2018 The HomeScholar LLC, www.HomeHighSchoolHelp.com. Text may be reprinted without permission if used in full, except for use in a book or other publication for rent or for sale. Reprint must include this copyright, bio (below), and the original URL link  - https://www.homehighschoolhelp.com/senior-year-inspection-checklist

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, specializes in helping parents homeschool high school. Get Lee's FREE Resource Guide "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make Homeschooling High School" and more freebies at www.HomeHighSchoolHelp.com/freebies.

Visit Colleges in the Spring

The Best High School Guidance Counselor Is YOU!

August 2018
By Lee Binz
The HomeScholar

Guess who is the best high school guidance counselor? You are! And I can prove it! The average high school guidance counselor has 478 students. Based on this fact alone, it’s easy to see that the best high school guidance counselor is a loving parent, homeschooling naturally at home. You can homeschool high school fearlessly and confidently, knowing you are the best possible guidance counselor your child could ever have.

Currently, only two states meet the guidance goal of 200 students per counselor. You may feel out-numbered in your home, but you don’t have that many high school students by birth or adoption. Only 4 out of 10 public school students have ever (ever!) spoken to their guidance counselor.

On average, counselors spend 38 minutes per student during their high school years. Have you spoken to your child recently? How many minutes did you spend? It may have been more than 38 minutes before breakfast this morning.

For in-depth instruction on one of you most important tasks as a high school guidance counselor, register for my free class, "High School Testing - Simply Explained." In it, you will learn how to decide which test (e.g., SAT, ACT®, CLT) is best for your student and how to maximize your preparation time. CLICK HERE to register.

Take this quick assessment to determine your qualifications for this important job.

Qualifications Quiz

• How many adults (over 18 years old) are in your home? Give yourself 1 point for each.
• How many high school students are in your home? Give yourself 1 point for each.
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you know these children? Add to the total.
• Have you spoken to your children today? Give yourself 1 point if “yes”.
• Do you have less than 478 students per adult? Give yourself 1 point if “yes”.
• Do you have less than 200 students per adult? Give yourself 1 point if “yes”.
  Score: 10 points or more means you are well-qualified

A score of 10 or more points indicates a well-qualified homeschool guidance counselor! Assuming you are an average homeschooler, you could have up to four high school students at a time. Which school do you believe has the better student-to-advisor ratio? The average school or your homeschool?

Factor into this equation the simple fact that you LOVE your child. You are emotionally, sentimentally, and financially invested in their lasting success. Homeschool parents know that if they don’t properly prepare their children, they might be financially responsible for those children for the rest of their lives!

More importantly, you also have a huge emotional investment in your child’s success, because you want them to do well. High school guidance counselors do their job to the best of their abilities, but they don’t know each child. You don’t need to feel hesitant in your own abilities or feel the need for an official guidance counselor. What’s needed is you; you’re the best person for the job.

If you are only half as qualified as a public high school guidance counselor, you are still able to be a hundred times more effective. You have the numbers on your side, you know your child better than anyone else, and the love for your child motivates you to success.

Don’t underestimate the importance of knowing and loving your child. I was getting my hair done one day, listening to two moms talk about their children in public school. One of them was describing how her child simply could not get through a Pre-Algebra class, which was too hard for him. The public school insisted that he move on to Algebra 1 but the school wouldn’t let him retake Pre-Algebra because he would fail, and they didn’t want him to be left behind. She asked her son during the first weeks of school how Algebra was going, and he replied that he was lost, had no clue what was going on, and felt he was going to fail. Two weeks into the quarter, she discovered that her son had been accidentally signed up for Calculus class. Instead of taking and failing Algebra 1, he was taking and failing Calculus.

As homeschool parents, we’re not perfect, but there’s no way we would make this mistake! We know our child and what they are capable of, so there’s no way we’d skip through three levels of math and put them in a class that’s way over their head. I understand that homeschoolers often feel inferior about their capability to counsel their children in high school. You have to admit that you would not make that kind of mistake.

Take this quick review of basic skills a guidance counselor uses to determine your readiness for the job. The U.S. Department of Education reports that 92 percent of high school guidance counselors perform five important tasks. Can you do these things?

Skills Assessment Quiz

• 1. Use College Catalogs
  Can you read, and use a catalog? These substantial catalogs resemble gigantic phone books, and you can find them in public libraries. If you know where your public library is or know how to buy books online, give yourself 1 point.
• 2. Individual Counseling Sessions
  Have you spoken to your teenager recently? Would you consider it an individualized conversation? (Focused on your teen or their needs.) If so, give yourself 1 point. I know that in various high schools, guidance counselors ask that a student bring a list of their activities, or a resume with them when they meet. If you had to ask your child to bring a resume to your individual counseling session, subtract 1 point.
• 3. Use Computerized Career Information
  Computers tend to be found in homeschoolers’ homes and some use the computer at a library or resource center. If a computer is not available, a librarian can direct you to career information sources in print. If you know where your public library is or you know how to make use of a computer, give yourself 1 point.
• 4. Use Non-computerized Career Information
  If you have spoken to your child about getting a job, if your child has ever earned money in any way or held a non-paying job of any kind, or if you know how to make use of your public library, give yourself 1 point.
• 5. Coordinate and Interpret Tests
  There are two websites that offer all the information you need to schedule and understand high school tests: Collegeboard.com and ACT®.org. If you can locate these websites on the internet, give yourself 1 point.
  Score: 5 points or more means your skills are sharp

How did you score? If you received 5 points, you are capable of offering the same service as a public school guidance counselor. Less than 5 points may warrant remedial computer services. Just ask your teen. You’ll be up to speed in no time!

How to be the BEST Guidance Counselor
You are qualified and have the necessary skills. Let’s talk about what will help you become the best guidance counselor for your homeschool teen.

1. Focus on Flexibility
Teenagers will change their minds, which means focusing on being flexible. College preparation is important for all students. College-bound students need coursework designed to prepare them for college studies. Students need to take college admission tests and parents must learn about grades and credits. College-bound students need a homeschool diploma and a homeschool transcript. College preparation for college-bound students is expected.

But have you ever taken into consideration what a college preparatory home education might offer for students who will not go to college? Rigorous academics could benefit children even though they are not planning for higher education. Without college, a homeschool education could be the only formal education a student gets. Academic preparation will not hurt anyone and if they don’t go to college, it won’t go to waste. College preparation may help your child be a more effective employee or business owner, a smarter citizen, and a confident homeschool parent. Planning for college can’t hurt your child and it delivers flexibility for the future.

2. Become the Project Manager
Homeschool parents assume four main roles throughout their children’s lives: caretaker, teacher, mentor, and friend. During high school, the teacher role becomes increasingly less important. College preparation necessitates that you take a “project manager” role. Our job gets to be more administrative, however it is not going to become more time-consuming or complicated. It’s simply different.

3. Plan Courses
Plan your high school classes. Throughout eighth and ninth grades, find out about your own state requirements and try to make a system to meet those requirements. Look at the common college expectations for recommended high school courses. Look over and adjust your high school plan each year. Budding nurses and engineers might have to buckle down on math, and those getting ready to be missionaries could benefit from additional foreign languages. Learn to develop a flexible, big-picture plan with my article, “Planning High School Courses.”

4. Plan for Tests
Arrange for standard high school tests. Which tests should your child take, when do they take them, and how do you know? The majority of the answers are found on two websites: CollegeBoard.com and ACT®.org. Register your child for the PSAT/NMSQT® in 10th grade for fun, and in 11th grade to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship. College admission tests, such as the SAT and ACT®, are typically taken in spring of 11th grade and repeated in senior year only if necessary. As a homeschooler, you can help your child get the best possible SAT or ACT® score with the least possible stress. Subject tests are best taken immediately after your child finishes each subject; they are required by some colleges.

5. Encourage Extracurricular Activities
You desire your child to be well-rounded and so do colleges. Encourage your child to volunteer or seek employment, internships, or apprenticeships. Encourage activities such as sports, music, and art. Colleges love to see kids who are enthusiastic about something. They can see this elusive enthusiasm in extra-curricular activities students maintain through all four years of high school.

6. Find Appropriate Colleges
To accomplish your intention of selecting ideal colleges, the first step is to go to a college fair. Comparable to a homeschool convention, a college fair is a fast, straightforward way to learn a lot about multiple colleges in a brief amount of time. Step two is getting your child to take the PSAT/NMSQT® in October of junior year. Third is taking time to stop by colleges during the year, so you can eliminate poor choices from your list. The fourth step is taking the SAT or ACT® in the spring, which might help you discover the appropriate college fit both academically and financially.

7. Contemplate College Finances
We all know we should be saving for college, however intentions don’t always match reality. Regardless of your saving success, learn how homeschoolers earn scholarships. Don’t be afraid to consider private colleges. They sometimes provide considerably better financial aid than public schools and usually their costs are comparable. College tuition is like buying a car. Hardly anyone pays the sticker price, so don’t be afraid of a school’s list price.

In October of senior year, you need to complete the FAFSA®. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an IRS-style form that helps colleges decide how much money the government believes you will be able to afford to pay for college - usually with comical results! Here we are having to worry about the price of gasoline, and they think we can manage that amount? The FAFSA® is used to find out how much financial aid colleges will award.

8. Prepare High School Records
When you determine which colleges your child will apply to, ask each college what high school records they need from you. It can vary drastically and there is no way to know unless you ask. They may only request a transcript.

Some colleges may also want to see a simple reading list, but others will want exhaustive course descriptions and grading criteria. Sometimes they have unusual and unique requirements. The quality of a student's high school record is the most important factor in college admission decisions. Most colleges require, request, or appreciate course descriptions.

Find out their requirements early on to make sure you can give them what they need. I always advise keeping everything in high school – you never know what colleges will want. One college asked me for an English paper that I had graded. Another college needed subject tests in several different areas. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared! At the end of homeschooling, at the end of senior year, don't forget to send the college a final transcript that includes graduation date, final grades, and grade point average.

9. Apply to Colleges
Guide your child through the college application process. College applications are generally lengthy and complex. Admission essays will be tedious and time consuming. Plan to begin the application process during September of senior year to allow enough time to complete it. It’s possible to write college application essays in junior year if you prefer to plan ahead. You can always alter them before submitting.

10. Apply Early in Senior Year
Each college may require two or more essays, and each application could be many pages. Quite often, admission and financial aid decisions are “first come, first served” which means it can be worthwhile to plan ahead. I encourage students to finish applications by January first whenever possible, to be in the best situation. The college deadline might be later, but they will be overloaded with applicants near the deadline. They can give your child’s application a more relaxed reading if you turn it in early.

11. Keep it Simple
You have only one goal per year during the four years of high school. In freshman year, all you have to do is contemplate college. Sophomore year is the time to prepare for college. The focal point of junior year is selecting a few colleges where your child would like to apply. During senior year, the main goal is completing college applications.

12. Take Continuing Education
If you spend just a few minutes each month thinking about what you need to do, you'll never fall behind. You are prepared to be a great high school guidance counselor. For the best success, take continuing education seriously. Read books and take classes about homeschooling high school each month to get a gentle reminder about your current tasks.

For parents of college-bound students, continuing education is even more important. Knowing what to do and when to do it can make a huge difference in the amount of financial aid and admission offers. The College Launch Solution will teach you everything you need to position your high school student to receive the best possible admission and scholarship awards, and then help them succeed throughout college and into their career.

Be Brave and Have Confidence in Homeschooling
The guidance counselor at a public school has a huge job. Hundreds of students, with only eight hours in a day. They are responsible for the college and career plans of hundreds of kids they don't know. Our job as homeschool parents is significantly more manageable. We are only responsible for our own children, whom we know extremely well.

Homeschoolers have the advantage in college preparation! We are intimately involved in our children’s education. Because of this, we truly recognize their strengths and weak points, their ambitions and passions. We can offer the best guidance counseling for them because we are love-givers, not just care-givers. In school settings, a guidance counselor may know about tests and deadlines, but they have hundreds of students to guide and might only speak to each student once or twice. Just like our fantastic student-teacher ratio, our student-advisor ratio can’t be beat!

Be brave! You know your child better than anyone and you are completely capable of offering the guidance they require through high school. You can do it! "Remember, amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic."

The Best High School Guidance Counselor Is YOU!
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