Social Development
Christian college attendance allows students to make contacts with others who may become future colleagues in business or ministry. Also, for many homeschooled students who live in areas where there is limited contact with other young Christian adults, college may provide one the best ways to meet a future husband or wife. In any case, they are likely to form lifelong friendships with other like-minded students. As Marlowe said, "To me one of the biggest advantages would be meeting Christians. When you're at a Christian college, you have the opportunity to meet, fellowship, and interact on a daily basis with thousands of Christians. I've made my best friends at college and friends that I plan to work with in the future."

Increase in Independence
Elisabeth Marlowe also noted how the independence she experienced in college helped prepare her for adulthood. "I also feel attending a Christian college helps especially homeschooled adolescents mature into godly Christian adults," Marlowe said. "When I was in college, I was on my own to a great degree. I was responsible for my homework and classes, curfew, laundry, finances, and deadlines. College is kind of the prerequisite for living on your own. It weans you away from Mom and Dad's constant care yet allows you to keep in contact with them. For me, college really helped me not to be afraid to take the first step toward being an adult."

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Originally published December 7, 2007.

Amelia Harper is a homeschooling mother of five and pastor's wife. She is the author of Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings, a complete one-year literature curriculum for secondary level students. She is also a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines. www.HomeScholarBooks.com :: www.HomeSchoolBlogger.com/MiddleEarthMom

Copyright 2007. Originally appeared in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Fall 2007. Used with permission. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com