The University of Pennsylvania, like most colleges and universities, does not have a formal program of outreach to homeschoolers. Chamberlin feels that the university has a responsibility to be a resource for the homeschool community, however. He has been a frequent presenter at the annual conference of Pennsylvania Homeschoolers, one of the largest homeschool support networks in the region.

Bruce is quick to point out that the University of Pennsylvania sees a wide variety of homeschool applicants. As with all applicants to such highly selective institutions, it is the homeschooling student's task to demonstrate both strong skills in traditional academic areas and compelling ways in which the student will contribute to the university's community. Applicants need objective measures, such as test scores, detailed documentation of the methods of evaluation, and letters of recommendation to be successful in the admission process, but Chamberlin also suggests that it is often the homeschooler's ability to contextualize his or her education that gives him the most information. "If the candidate can present us with a persuasive statement of purpose for his homeschooled experience, then he has already learned one of the most important lessons any college or university could teach a student: to take ownership and responsibility for one's education."

[Editor's Note: This is part one of a two part series. In part two Aaron Basko will address the points of recruitment of homeschoolers and the learning curve that college admissions have gone through in assessing homeschool credentials.]

------------------------

Aaron Basko is Director of Admission Services at Franklin and Marshall College, where he serves as the homeschooling liaison. Aaron has taught seminars for homeschool groups on college and career planning and is currently a contributing writer for Campus Life Magazine. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife and family.

Copyright 2005. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com