A little story for the next time you’re asked about socialization…

A little story for the next time you’re asked about homeschool socialization…

In 2006, my boys were two of 108 top applicants invited to compete for ten full-tuition scholarships at Seattle Pacific University. All 108 invitees had great SAT scores. All had compelling personal stories. Between them, they had thousands of hours of community service. Indeed, there was very little – on paper – to distinguish one from the other. That is why, I suppose, SPU held a full day competition to make their decision.

When they were on campus that day, students were evaluated in all types of settings: classroom observation, panel discussions, faculty interviews, dining table conversations, and walking between classes. For eight hours, they were under a microscope. When they got back home, both boys agreed it was the most exciting and invigorating day of their lives.

Only ten full-tuition scholarships were given that year and my homeschooled kids got two of them! What made the difference? In addition to the normal stuff (GPA, SAT, community service), we were told the winners were chosen based on such things as:

• interaction with their peers
• engagement with the faculty
• self confidence
• maturity
• courtesy
• a well developed sense of who they are

In a nutshell, they were chosen based on socialization. Now isn’t that the most ironic thing you’ve ever heard?!

Remember, we did nothing special. We were just an ordinary homeschool family struggling our way through high school. The only difference was that we taught our kids at home, independently.

Eventually, the world will recognize the superior socialization provided by homeschooling. Do not be discouraged when you are asked for the thousandth time, “what about socialization?” Just smile and tell them our story and think about stories you will be able to tell in a few years!

Do you have a favorite socialization story? I’d love to hear it!

 

 

 

Please Note: This post was originally published in April 2008 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Would you like to get the full story of which curriculum and books I used with my two boys through high school? Check out my Comprehensive Record Solution. It can help you put together winning records for your own high schooler!