Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular education choice for Canadian families in recent years. While some may question its effectiveness, the National Home Education Research Institute has shown that homeschooled students often outperform their traditionally-schooled peers in academic and social areas.

Homeschooling can also provide unique opportunities for students to gain experiences and skills that will give them a competitive edge when applying to universities in Canada.

Here are some best practices for homeschooling parents to help prepare their children for university:

Gain Relevant Experience

Universities in Canada are looking for well-rounded students who have gained experience in their field of interest. Homeschooled students can take advantage of internships, apprenticeships, or part-time work to gain relevant experience in their desired field. This will not only provide valuable experience but also show universities that the student is serious about their chosen career path.

1. Encourage your child to explore their interests and passions. This could include taking courses, attending workshops or conferences, or reading books and articles on the subject.
2. Help your child identify potential internships, apprenticeships, or part-time work opportunities in their desired field. Some resources to use include:
   • Canada Summer Jobs: This program provides wage subsidies to employers to create employment opportunities for students. Eligible employers include small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector employers. Students can find job postings on the Service Canada Job Bank website.
   • Youth Employment Services (YES): This organization provides resources and support for youth looking for employment or entrepreneurship opportunities. They offer workshops, mentorship, and job search assistance.
   • HireU: This job search website allows users to search for internships and entry-level positions in a variety of industries.
3. Help your child prepare for their internship, apprenticeship, or part-time work by providing guidance on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette.

Gaining relevant experience in a desired field showcases a student’s commitment to their chosen career path and provides valuable skills that can be applied in higher education. This experience can also help homeschooled students stand out in the highly competitive university admissions process. Additionally, internships, apprenticeships, and part-time work can provide networking opportunities and connections within the industry, which can further enhance a student’s resume and increase their chances of success in their future career.

Volunteer and Get Involved in Community Service Projects

Volunteering and community service projects are great ways to build a strong extracurricular profile. Homeschooled students can take advantage of their flexible schedules to volunteer at local organizations or participate in community service projects. This will not only provide opportunities to gain valuable skills but also show universities that the student is committed to making a positive impact in their community.

Here are the steps parents of homeschooled children can take to find volunteering opportunities for their children:

1. Research local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for students. Some resources to use include:
   • Volunteer Canada: This organization provides a database of volunteer opportunities across Canada. Users can search by location, cause, or type of activity to find opportunities that match their interests.
   • Charity Village: This website provides job listings and volunteer opportunities for nonprofit organizations across Canada.
2. Contact local organizations to inquire about volunteering opportunities for students. Some questions to ask include:
   • What kind of volunteer opportunities do you offer for students?
   • What kind of time commitment is required?
   • What kind of training or orientation is provided?
3. Encourage your child to explore their interests and passions when selecting a volunteer opportunity. Ensure that your child is aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with volunteering, such as showing up on time and completing assigned tasks.
4. Keep track of your child’s volunteer hours and ask for a reference letter from the organization once they have completed their volunteer work.

Volunteering experience is highly valued by college admissions committees, as it shows that the student is committed to making a positive impact in their community. Volunteering provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and teamwork skills, which are highly sought after by universities and future employers.

Overall, volunteering can help students stand out in the competitive university admissions process and demonstrate their dedication to making a difference in the world.

Achieve Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is crucial when applying to universities in Canada. Homeschooled students can achieve academic excellence by setting goals, developing study habits, and seeking out resources such as tutors or online courses. Homeschooling parents can also take advantage of the flexibility of homeschooling to tailor their child’s education to their individual needs and interests.

Here are some activities that homeschooled children can participate in to enhance their academic skills and make their university applications stand out:

1. Online courses: Homeschooled students can take advantage of online courses to supplement their education in areas of interest or to meet university entrance requirements. Some online course providers include Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy.
2. Dual enrollment: Homeschooled students can enroll in community college courses while still in high school to earn college credits and gain experience with college-level coursework.
3. Research projects: Homeschooled students can work on research projects in areas of interest to gain experience in research methodology and critical thinking skills. This can also be a valuable addition to university applications.
4. Competitions: Homeschooled students can participate in academic competitions such as science fairs, math competitions, or debate tournaments to showcase their skills and gain recognition for their achievements.
5. Independent study: Homeschooled students can design their own courses of study in areas of interest, allowing them to explore topics in-depth and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
6. Language immersion programs: Homeschooled students can participate in language immersion programs to gain fluency in a second language and demonstrate their commitment to language learning on university applications.

Are Homeschooled Students Successful in University?

According to a study by the Fraser Institute, homeschooled students in Canada are more likely to attend university than their traditionally-schooled peers. In fact, homeschooled students make up a significant percentage of students at the top 5 universities in Canada. This statistic highlights the potential of homeschooling to prepare students for higher education and shows that homeschooled students are competitive candidates for university admissions.

Homeschooling can provide a competitive advantage for university admissions in Canada. Homeschooling parents and students should take advantage of the resources and support available to them to ensure a successful transition to university. If you want personalized support planning your child’s curriculum and application, feel free to take this quiz to learn how GrantMe can help you!