Dear Friends,

We hope that the month of August finds you enjoying barbeques, the pool, and the hammock. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to kick back and enjoy your teens. While you are relaxing, please know that we've been working for you! We've organized information on a number of tests that you may want to consider incorporating into your teen's plan for the next school year. Many parents of high schoolers have questions regarding the PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject, ACT, PLAN, Compass, and Explore tests. Let's take a look at each test specifically in relation to homeschooled students.

(Note: Even if your teen is unsure about attending college, we recommend that he take a college entrance test while in high school when subject knowledge is "fresh" rather than possibly having to take the test several years after high school.)

PSAT

PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test not only prepares students to take the SAT, but it is...

Dear Friends,

Homeschool parents know how important it is to stretch available dollars as far as possible. Two for one deals  (such as earning both college and high school credit for the completion of one course) or saving tuition dollars by testing out of certain courses are attractive options for homeschooled teens.

Some teens--but not all--may be up to the challenge of working hard and possibly earning college credit for coursework completed during high school. If your teen is not yet ready for these advanced courses and testing opportunities, don't feel badly or think that your teaching is substandard. The Lord created each of our children with a variety of talents and abilities, and teens should not be encouraged to take courses that they are not prepared to successfully complete. (You may want to reread one of the past newsletters entitled, "Eureka! Average to the World but Special and Unique to God.")

On the...

Dear Friends,

October reminds us that we are heading down the homestretch of 2009. It's a time to rejoice in the glorious shades of reds, browns, and golds that are visible in pumpkins, chrysanthemums, and corn stalks; the smell of fall air and apple cider; and the fun of jumping into those piles of leaves. Speaking of October, here is a riddle for you. Excluding leap years, October always starts on the same day of the week as what other month? Read to the end of the newsletter to find the answer! :)

Along with these sights and smells of fall, this time of year also brings thoughts of college visits to plan, college application deadlines for seniors, transcripts....

And that brings us to this month's topic of calculating grade point averages (GPA). We regularly receive questions from parents asking: What is a GPA? How is it computed? We want to address these questions as well as give you additional information that you may not have even considered yet, but may need to know.

Definition

Dear Friends,

These winter months are good times to stay warm at home...and work on transcripts! Regardless of what your teen anticipates pursuing after graduation, it's important for you to generate a high school transcript for him or her. So, there's no better time to begin than now.

At the inception of the HSLDA high school program, we provided information on how to create a transcript. Since then, many families have joined the ranks of homeschooling through high school, so we thought it would be a good idea to revisit the subject with updated information.

If your child has never attended a public or a private school, then it's likely you've not seen a high school transcript in a while. To most homeschool parents, the word "transcript" elicits almost as much fear as the word "fire" in a crowded room! Some parents think that they cannot create such a document. We hope that reading this newsletter will allay your fears and give you confidence that you are capable of issuing a...

Dear Friends,

This month marks the second anniversary of HSLDA's Homeschooling Thru High School program. You, our readers, have energized and encouraged us by reading and responding to our newsletters, using our resources, and visiting our website. We thank you!

June brings thoughts of those lazy days of summer soaking up the sun while enjoying the great outdoors. If your solitude is punctuated with cries of "I'm bored!" we may have just the solution for you! Why not use the summer to explore contests/competitions which may be available to your children and use this free time to begin preparing for them. Or, begin researching sources for scholarships for your children who are approaching high school graduation. Let us get you started on your
search.

CONTESTS/COMPETITIONS

Having opportunities for your children to showcase their talents and abilities gives them a desire to develop those areas and motivates them to pursue excellence.

Our...

Dear Friends,

February is here, and the school year keeps rolling along. As a homeschooling parent of a high schooler, you  continue to be busy with teaching, driving, and most of all...praying! We've enjoyed speaking to many of our HSLDA members as you've called or emailed us with your questions. You have our respect and admiration as you train up your children in the way they should go.

We know that your time is precious, so we are glad to do anything we can to make your job a bit easier, save you minutes, and perhaps find you some money. Now that we have your attention...

This month's newsletter topic is College Financial Aid. We hope the information we provide below is beneficial for you, and points you in the right direction to search out whatever additional details you may need. If your child is not planning on attending college, you may want to just keep the information handy for later reference if  his plans change, or you may want to pass on the information to another homeschooling family...

Dear Friends,

Fall is planting season, a mild season that allows trees and shrubs time to take root before winter frosts arrive. Likewise, this is the season for you to plant God's Word and wisdom in the hearts and minds of your children "so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3b NASB) Be encouraged as you set this year's school routine knowing that each day is a new opportunity to trust in the faithfulness of a God who loves you and who loves your children. Keeping your eyes on eternity always blurs the present challenges.

This month's newsletter is the last installment of a three-part series on The Road to College Admissions. The previous two newsletters covered the spiritual  preparation for college, the college search process, the application process, and campus visits. Today we'll take a look at alternatives to the traditional college route.

Sending your child off to college and having him live away from home may...

Dear Friends,

It's September and the smell of fall is in the air. The chrysanthemums are beginning to bloom and the leaves will soon be turning beautiful colors. As new books are being examined and pencils are being sharpened, take a few minutes to review your reasons for homeschooling, and renew your vision by prayerfully seeking the Lord's help right from the start. We'll ask the Lord, along with you, to make this your best year of homeschooling yet!

This newsletter is the second installment of a three-part series on The Road to College Admissions. Last month, we discussed the spiritual preparation for making a college decision and also how to research colleges in order to make good college choices with your child. This month we'll cover the specifics of applying to colleges,
and also take a look at the important elements of a college visit.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PACKET

The college application packet may include along with the application form a separate financial aid...

Dear Friends,

Summer is winding down, with a new school year fast approaching. For many families with high school students, another year means coming one step closer to the often confusing college admissions process.

This email is one in a three-part series to be presented in August, September, and October--all focusing on college admissions. And it's not just for parents of seniors. Even if your child is just entering high school, it's a good idea for you to become familiar with this information before you start making college choices.

In this first newsletter, we will address the topics of spiritual preparation and the college search. In September, we will cover the application process and the campus visits. We'll wrap up the series in October with a discussion about alternatives to the traditional college route that make it possible to accumulate many college credits (and sometimes all of them!) from the comforts of home.

Finding your way through the college admissions maze can seem daunting, but by...

Dear Friends,

College--just the word conjures up many different images and questions in parents' minds. Where in the world do you begin the search for a college that is the right fit for your son or daughter? How do you sift through the myriad of information mysteriously filling up your mailbox from various schools? These are certainly legitimate questions, so we've provided some practical tips and advice to help you get started on this adventure.

Begin Early

If college is on your horizon, then use the years before high school to begin discussing with your child why he wants to attend college and what are his future goals. Even though your 13-year-old may not know what career he wants to pursue, use his intentions to go to college to motivate him to see that his studies do, indeed, have an end goal. Encourage him to save monetary gifts or earnings he receives for these future plans. College may seem far in the future, but it will be here
before you know it!

The 10th...